Progress! Last night, I was nearing the conclusion of a moderately difficult #climbing route that had a challenging finish. The #jibs (very tiny footholds) were placed in tough spots where you were simultaneously navigating a slight #overhang (about 105°). I have a reluctance to #smear (not using a foothold) but there were a couple of perfect spots for my feet to smear while transitioning upward and I went for it. With both feet stable via #smearing, my weight distribution and body position good, my left hand on an edge/crimp (three fingers to the first knuckle), and my right hand on a mini-jug/incut (small, but solid handhold), I used my right hand to reach for a higher edge - and my smearing immediately failed. It literally took me about two seconds to realize that I had not fallen, that there was no tension on the rope, and that I was successfully holding onto an edge with only my non-dominant hand via a few fingers. I was so stunned that I was able to hang on that it took me an additional two seconds to figure out that I could finish the climb - which I did. Then, for good measure, I completed my belay certification exam. #VerticalAdventures #SurpriseYouAreNotFalling (at Vertical Adventures)
