From: Ted Pederson Newsgroups: rec.climbing Subject: Re: TR: Pudgie Gumby Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2000 15:09:22 -0700 Well done, but this belongs in a new category, GR, "gym report". Right now I am imagining long, prosaic GR's: Traffic is epic, and when we finally managed to arrive at the gym, the parking lot was full with cars from the surrounding businesses. We have to hike over half a block on hot pavement just to get to the front door. Dave turns back at this point, saying he had a "sixth sense moment" that this trip is doomed, at least for him. He is not meant to be here (luckily we were later able to hook back up with him at Carl's Junior down the street). Steve and I plodded on, no longer speaking due to the black cloud hanging over us after Dave's foreboding words. Our spirits were lifted when I pointed out some new chalk bags for sale at the gear counter, and check-in went without incident. After getting our gear on we were set to begin. Steve tied in and said "climbing". "Climb...", before I could even say "on" Steve's first foothold spun and he popped off. "Whoa Duuude", he said and looked at me with a look that said it all. Why are we here? What unseen force has directed us here and holds our souls captive, giving no option but to continue? This game of plastic will be played to the end, and right now it has only started. "Climb on". Steve is now determined ascension incarnate. Pulling the first bits of slack through the Gri Gri, I glance around. There are less than 50 people here! I try not to panic, but this eerie fact has shaken me to the core. What has happened to the crowds, have they and Dave sensed something very real? .... well, you get the idea Ted