Before you read this blog post, you need to know a few climbing facts. All climbs are rated on a scale from 5.0 to 5.15 . 5.0 would be like climbing a ladder and 5.15 is like climbing a glass window. The hardest climb I (Lane) have ever done would be a 5.5 or 5.6 . This concludes our climbing facts for the day.

On Monday morning, before our groups got to Durango, our staff set out to climb at X-Rock (a local, natural rock, climbing spot). We set up 2 climbs; a 5.7 and a 5.9.
POP QUIZ: which climb is harder, the 5.7 or the 5.9?
(If you guessed 5.9, give yourself an A for the day.)
I was very skeptical about these climbs. I wondered if I would even get 3 inches off the ground. Krista and I watched a few of the staff climb and tried to memorize their routes. My turn came and the only climb open was the 5.9. So, I gave into the pressure of the 5.9 looming over me and started to climb.

It was definitely (and obviously) the hardest route I've ever been on! It took me 15-20 minutes, with several breaks, but I came out victorious!

Krista was up next on the 5.7. (Which was the hardest climb she'd ever been on.) She overcame the hardest part of the route, 3/4 of the way up, before we had to bring her down. It was time for us to prepare for the arrival of the groups.

All-in-all, it was a successful day of climbing!

Right now, it's Tuesday night. We've got a group of 18 from Hays, Kansas. Since we are short staffed, Krista and I have been put in charge of this group. (The rest of the remaining staff is with our other 2 groups. There are a total of 3 groups here this week, so we're stretched fairly thin.) We feel honored that Lance and Courtney (the bosses) trust us to lead this group. It's definitely a learning experience.

Anyway...We'll be home in less than 2 weeks! We can't wait to see all of you! Until then...

_Lane