imf again

Had a good time at IMF -- this is my third visit for the week. Towards the end a storm moved in, was a nice feeling to reach the top with nice cool breeze blowing all around. It is going to be almost a week before I can head back -- I think the break will do me good. Still couldnt get past that move. Well not really, got a little past, but not enough though.

imf at 42C

It wasn't fun to start with, the humidity was taking its toll, the place was silent as the birds and dogs were busy finding a hiding place and forgot to cry out once in a while. There was definitely a lull in the air when I reached IMF today around 5:30pm. I didn't meet anyone for the first 30minutes or so. It was definitely a day for swimming and not outdoor climbing. But since I was there what else could I do? The holds/rocks were stuck to their usual places, maintaining disinterested poses. A bit of self coaxing and I had put on my climbing shoes (which are torn by now, should get a new pair at some point). I started easy, but then slowly got into the mood. Having a book to read helped to take mind off the heat, and focus on the sequences. Soon, like most other days in Delhi, the temperature started dropping with occasional breeze trying its best to help. After some interesting sequences and a some success on a few bouldering tasks, it was time to put on the harness. I topped a few times, and made one more move on the sequence I am trying for the last two sessions. Maybe next time I will powerful enough to pull through the sequence, though I feel it is more a question of having enough positive vibes, rather than power or technique on that move, or sort of dyno.

imf and others

A hot afternoon, but a dry one. A tricky evening for climbing but in the end turned out to be a good session. Many failed attempts, many falls, a shouldered injury picked up, and half way through a new route. Good overall.

On a side note: Came across an auto rickshaw driver who was unusually gentle by Delhi standard. Apologized profusely for not being able to drop me off since he was heading the other direction. Helps to keep up faith in good things in life ..

lost in wilderness

Saturday morning, 6:15am, Rishikesh ... With no specific plan about how to spend the morning, decided to go for a walk. An hour later came across a small signpost claiming that few km uphill there is a primary school. I stood at the junction, not sure if to take the chance. I am glad I took it. Didnt know where I was headed, just kept going uphill leaving behind the Ganges and the motor-road behind. I meandered up through the bushes and trees. For the first half an hour nothing special happened, but something told me I should keep going rather than turning back. An hour later, one more uphill stetch brought me to a flat section --- I cannot tell what was special there, but something definitely was. It looked ordinary, but felt out of the world. The noise level was very high, but not from cars/buses but from birds. Birds who were crying out loud but I couldnt spot more than a couple of them. I was unsure whether they were excited to see me or annoyed. It felt great. I was thrilled. I felt that I was not alone, I heard footsteps behind bushes, must have been someone there -- but again couldnt see. Good things come to an end, such is life. I headed back, and ran down the trail. May be next time I am there I stay up there for a day. A place which was simply beautiful --- kind of beauty that can be felt not seen. A rare beauty ...

new places

clay oven: Hauz Khas, very good place. Reasonable decor, and excellent food. The kebabs were amazing, or may be I was just hungry after IMF.

pandara road: Finally we went there. The food was good, but not very sure if we will go back sometime very soon ... the place is not very close.

imf

Nothing special, just did a little bit of bouldering (the area is still a bit wet), a bit of top roping, a put up a few holds. I made a very nice stemming problem, but have to check next day -- may be it felt that way because I was tired a bit?

imf again

Tried leading at IMF for the first time. New experience to lead a roof, or may be overhang is a better description. Had a relaxing afternoon, was not too motivated to climb, but had to convince myself to focus well to make sure that I clip often. Should do this more often I guess -- helps to train mentally.