The Pulpit - 5.8 popular

We climbed this as a warm-up and I had initially intended to brag about 5.10's Warhawk approach shoes. I had been using them as climbing shoes and lead all five pitches of the Pulpit with ease. I climbed the first pitch of Autumn Speaks and about halfway up I started losing traction. The rubber was just rubbing off the soles of my shoes. It is very soft to begin with and I am guessing it just got too hot. I have only worn them a few times prior and there are already holes in the soles. I would stick with standard climbing shoes for better durability. It was a perfect day for climbing though and we were the only people on the rock.

My new favorite climb at Stone. Gotta go back and lead it soon.

I have not been able to climb as much lately so I needed a nice easy route to get back in the swing of things. I lead all pitches while my mother followed for her first time on the Pulpit. My usual climbing partner lead the route for the first time, behind us, with his wife following. The water groove before the Oasis had quite a bit of water in it, making the traverse more interesting than normal. Everyone did make it across without difficulty. Even though the last two pitches are very easy, we completed the climb to the top.

Great route. Really enjoyed it and was glad I took the topo with me. Winds a lot and wow the step across the water below the oasis was sketchy.

I decided to lead the Pulpit today for a friend that had never climbed it before and the heat just about got the best of us. The traction was pitiful, I couldn't get my shoes to stick to most of the rock. I had to rely on good holds and forget about friction climbing since it was so slick. I still had fun and finished all five pitches. I have been trying to stop climbing here until it cools off but I just can't seem to stay away. Everything is still the same as it was on my last ascent.