After we did the Soft Touch climb at Valley Massif, we wander around the other side of the formation. Scoping out Bill’s Steal (5.6), Ann hesitates when she claims to want to try leading it. Mistaking hesitation for weakness, I offer her a beer if she climbs it clean. Looking out at the charming vista, she decides she doesn’t want the beer as the workweek is starting the following morning.
“I’m not sure what I’m doing here, I think I’ll just put the first piece in and then come down” she says. For encouragement, I say, “Don’t talk like that, you can do this Ann.” I made a crucial error. As if kind words weren’t enough, I volluntarily up the ante. “I’ll buy you a set of nuts if you do this first lead”. Because everybody knows “Girls Just Wanta Have Nuts”…new lyrics by Cindy Stopper.
Looking like a pro, she gets into that crack, placing gear from good stances, only letting one little f-bomb out at the crux. She dominated this climb, and I hope she continues to assert herself on lead. With such stable feet, and a loving belayer, watch out for Ropegun Ann!
