I have been pretty busy trying to get some projects done in Rocky Mountain National Park. The snow has been really high up there until quite recently hindering access to some problems but now the boulders are clear. After a couple of short sessions, I ticked a short crimpy V11 called Hi Fi. This is a problem near Emerald Lake that I had been meaning to check out for sometime and was a great way to start the season proper. A couple of weeks after that I did the infamous V10 The Marble, a slippery and strenuous leaning crack with a reachy last throw. Though graded V9 in the new guidebook, it seems quite a bit harder than that. The lower start, while sandbagged at V11, is a likely project soon.

Above: Peter on 'Hi Fi' V11 Emerald Lake. You can also watch a video is his ascent here: http://vimeo.com/26332927

I have been working on harder projects, hoping to break through to V12 this season. Lower Chaos is full of desirable objectives but the limiting factors of time and consistently rainy weather have made productive bouldering time hard to find recently. Fortunately I have been able to train consistently at home and the gyms in Boulder, building finger strength and overall power in the hopes that the right conditions will soon emerge. Playing the hard bouldering game at 47 with family commitments, a job, and a book nearing publication (on bouldering!) makes for a hectic schedule at times!

Above: Peter on 'Secret Splendor' V12 Lower Chaos