Thought I would add some Mountain Biking Photos from days past, in prep. for our upcoming South Boundary Trail Trip.  Looking back its no surprise Norman is so solid on the bike, he has been doing it whole life.

The beginning of fall in the Sandias.  Aspens starting to yellow, cool mornings, but short sleeves by early afternoon.  The only other people we saw the whole day were friends of ours on the Tombstone.

John Growth took John Liang and I up Excalibur, a classic 3 pitch 5.10d.  I'm starting to reap the rewards of the 300+ pitches of trad I've logged in the past 2 years.  Leading more straight forward .11s are within my realm of comprehension. 

Aviary Ort Overhangs

The guidebook "Sandia Rock" lists this one as "One of the best of its grade in the Sandias".  Two steep and continuous pitches of 5.9, with high quality rock is a unique find in the dias.   The highlight of the first pitch is the eight feet of offwidth.  It's not often you can place 2 size 4 cams in row around here. Since I was the second pitch bitch, I was able to pull through the OW on the pro; thanks Pete.

Also, leading the second pitch got me off the hanging belay first.

Notice the rain jackets.  

The second pitch starts out with some strong, but secure moves through the dihedral, followed by a traverse, a few feet beyond your pro. 

Luckily I was able to make it through the crux before the first rain drops hit.  Upon reaching the belay Pete commented that the thunder crackling in the background made the traverse seem extra spicy.