Dammit! I did, and my belayer and I were both caught off guard. It happens. Hey couldn't there be a trad climber sport climbing photo choice?

My climbing partner for the day, Auxkin, took this photo from the belay station about halfway up the Nutcrqcker route.

My little bro working the first pitch of nutcracker on his fledgling trip to the valley.

My 12yo on his first roped outdoor climb, a guided trip up CS Concerto on a perfect April Thursday.

Always take good care of your belayer (Especially when I'm the belayer). Your life is in their hands! Photographed by Andy Franz.

This is the first pitch of "After 6" at Manure pile Buttress. It's a good crack with easy placements. It ends at the large tree at the top of the photo. Climber: Jake Barber Belayer: Me Photographed by Andy Franz

This 5 pitch at Yosemite was amazing. The 5.9 crack on the first pitch was tricky, especially in with blazing heat making my hands sweat. The rest of the route was cake with some very fun moves on a couple of bulges. My only complaint was the waiting. Had to wait well over an hour to start the 4th pitch.

I am following up the wet third pitch. Photo: Stephen Schmid.

This climb was easy going and all the way wonderful

I just topped out on my longest climb climb to date. I was in awe of the beauty of valley surrounding me. What a great climb!

With the wind trying to blow him off, Kevin boldly leads the last pitch of the spectacular route After Six, as the Sentinel looms in the background.

Matt after topping out After Six looking across the valley

Elaine cleaning the red tricam placed in-line high above to protect the crux mantel. 27 May 2005

Elaine navigating past the water streaks toward Belay 3. Some of the better jams and holds were washed slick, which made this section more challenging than the 5.9 variation start. 27 May 2005

Ed and Ron blazed past the other parties just to chill with us at the top. Elaine and I are so very honored. 27 May 2005

Elaine hanging out with the Cathedral Spires in the distance. 27 May 2005

Manure pile Yosemite....Nothing more beautiful than hard granite

While it is true that the Valley floor is cold in Yosemite during the winter, once you're on a route you become nice and toasty. Robin and I found this out mid-December, 2004 when we climbed After Six.

Austin Archer (Yosemite Mountain Shop's finest) is soloing on the 3rd pitch of After Six/After Seven

This is first pitch of After 6. An awesome climb but left me sweating like a dog in the summer heat.

Our first multi pitch climb in the valley. It's been almost 5 days since we got back but my mind is still running around somewhere in Yosemite.

My first time climbing in Yosemite. Easy route but it was still spectacular views and always fun to multpitch

This is the wound I sustained from my chalk bag carabineer when I slipped rappelling on the 4th class exit of After 6. Still not sure how or why the biner opened and then lodged itself in my right butt cheek.

Doesn't get much better

The Nutcracker on the Manure pile in Yosemite. This offwidth seemed to last forever...