US Trip 2013 - Take 9; Yosemite Epic RAGE - Part 1

After short rest day in Davis caused by sustained rage-time in Castle Crags, Jordan and I were off to Yosemite Valley. The destination which consists most of our goals for the trip. It was really awesome to get back to the Valley after 3 years since our last visit. I was even more psyched because this time I was going to touch Yosemite granite and do some climbing. I mean, don't get me wrong, highlining is really cool and we had and still do have lots of crazy plans on a high slackline but climbing in the Valley was always my dream.

Rainy welcome to the Valley (photo by Jordan Tybon)

On the 'almost tensioned' longline at one of the Yosemite Meadows (photo by Jordan Tybon)

We arrived late in a night and luckily at the time when Camp 4 still had some space available. Next morning the weather looked pretty good but we knew there was a storm coming. Our friends Preston, Jared, Max and Braden were up at the Yosemite Falls. Knowing that the Yosemite Falls Highline is up and ready to go we decided to pay them a visit and do some training for our "24 hour highline marathon" project. We started kind of early at the morning. I was feeling really fit after all of that hiking we did in Castle Crags and finished running up Yosemite Falls Trail in one hour. That felt really good and I knew I am ready to do the trail in 1,5 hour with the 10kg backpack I will have for the 24 hour run. I got to the Falls and surprisingly none of my friends were there. I assumed that they must be on the Spire rigging their slope highline project. I took some time to eat and drink lots of water and then got on the line and sent it on the first try both ways. That felt really good although the rigging was really unusual. Nothing like anything I walked before. It felt amazing to cross this line. I've helped bolting ad rigging it for the first time back in 2007 together with Damian Cooksey and Jon Ritson but even I tried lots of time I could only sent 3/4 of the line.

Right after my send Jordan and Faith finished their approach. The weather was changing and you could see the storm was coming fast. Jordan sent a line after few caches and Faith crushed OS-FM. As soon as she step off the line it started to rain and hail. We packed our stuff and went back to the woods where we thought our friends set up their camp.

Epic stormy weather (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Wet but happy (photo by Jordan Tybon)

We waited for a while but they weren't there. Later this week we learned they had some epic scary moments during the storm while sitting on top of the Lost Arrow Spire. We hiked down as fast as we could. After getting back to Camp 4 it rained even more. We decided to go sesh Taft Point highlines next day.

Jordan sending (photo by Jan Gałek)

Faith on the way back (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Taft turned out to be pretty epic location. At first it didn't look so exposed but then you look down and you realize it is pretty damn high. We finished rigging to lines this day (short one which is 20 meters and longer one 31 meters). I got the free-solo the short line and it felt really good. I was getting ready in my head for the free-solo on the classic "Lost Arrow Spire" Highline.

Freesoloco on the Taft Point (photo by Jordan Tybon)

I've also sent the longer line OS-FM in an ankle-leash. It would be amazing to free-solo this line. It is really scary and exposed. It rained on us again and we had no time to rig the big Taft Point line so we decided to return after one climbing day. Jordan and Faith wanted to get back to also free-solo the short line and walk the big one and I had the thought of free-soloing 31 meter implanted in my head.

Faith getting epic send on the 31 meter just right after the rain (photo by Jordan Tybon) 

And it got even more epic ... (photo by Jordan Tybon)

The first climbing day was way fun. We went to really easy area just 15 minutes away from Camp 4. Five Open Books has many nice climbs from 5.6 to 5.11. Together with Jordan we did 3 multipitch routes (most of them are up to 3 pitches long). We've started with "Commitment" - really classic 5.9 with some insecure moves on the pitch traversing under big roof, then moved to exciting and really good "The Surprise" with cool 5.10c starting pitch variation. I think Faith and Braden had same amount of routes climbed this day or maybe it was four. At the end of the day Jordan, Braden and I did a group free-solo ascent of the "Munginella" - classic four-star 5.6. It was way fun and Braden's variation on top was pretty exciting offering some bummer hand jams in a diagonal crack.

Jordan finishing "Munginella" free-solo

Day after that I woke up really early and went for some free-solo mission. I climber "Munginella" again and then went for the "Commitment". It was really good although I had a exciting moment climbing through the crux. I went back to Camp 4 had awesome breakfast and because the gear was ready the night before we were off to Taft Point pretty soon. We finished rigging all three lines. Jordan had a bad day and didn't got to free-solo short line and Faith wasn't psyched on it either. I did three more leashless full-mans just for practice and because it was to windy to free-solo the 31 meter or rather it was too much wind for me to commit for such a line ... I was super psyched about the big line (53 meters). We rigged it with double Type-18 MK II and even though I placed many wind dampeners it seemed not to work really well with the brutal updrafts. I went for it in a swami and it was the most crazy send for me in a long time. I was to the point where I didn't know if the line is shaking because of me or the wind.

First direction ... (photo by Jordan Tybon)

And super  windy and shiny way back (photo by Jordan Tybon)

The way back was even more brutal with the sun straight to my eyes but I managed to cruise OS-FM. It felt amazing and I felt strong inside. Faith got some good condition and she cruised line nothing, of course on-sight "full-babe". Her boyfriend Andrew was with us these day and he crushed like a champ on the shorter line and the 31 meter. We all had fun even though it was a super hot day.

Faith on the big line (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Faith had to leave to Colorado the same the speech about highlining and highlining free-solo and Jordan and I planned on heaving a rest day. When I woke up next day I decided I don't feel so tired so I can do something active but not too hard-core. I walked to Manure Pile Buttress and free-soloed on-sight super classic "After Six" 5.7. Despite long await for one team to finish the first pitch it was a really stellar route and I had lots of fun. I walked back to Camp 4 and together with Jordan did some computer work. After this I went for one more quick freesoloco run on the "Munginella". When I was back at the camp three of our friends where there. Anatolij and Clemens were taking a break from their AFF and Grant was going to do some filming with us next day.

Heaving fun on the "After Six" 5.7

Following morning we packed up our camping stuff at the Camp 4 and prepared our bags to be hiked up the Yosemite Falls trail. We got the bear-boxes and our wilderness permit and by the end we realized how ridiculous heavy our bags are. We had to hike all that shit in just two people? I think that was the most strenuous hike I ever had. The 50kg bags definitely slowed us down but we still managed to get to the top of the trail in 2 hour 10 minutes. We went to set up our camping in the same spot where I stayed during 2007 Spire trip. As soon as we started setting up the tent it started to rain an by the time our stuff and us were inside it was pouring like crazy ... It even hailed for a while. We had to spend 3 hours in a tent waiting for the weather to clear up but it finally got sunny.

We started rigging the Spire around 18.30 or 19.00. The line was pretty much finished at 21.30. We got back to our camp, managed to start a small fire and soon went to bed.

We slept really long but even a good sleep didn't erase the tiredness in m body. We met up with Grant which already hiked up to the Spire early at the morning. I was kind of sceptic about free-soloing this day. As soon as I got on the line in an ankle-leash all my worries were gone. I knew I can do this. I walked the line like this four time full-man and I was planning on free-soloing later this day when the condition is perfect. Then I thought, why not do it know. I practically free-soloed this line (I don't find ankle-leash safe ...). So I went for it. First steps and the walk back were a bit nervous but at the end I had a solid walk and couldn't stop myself from shouting a bit at each anchor. It felt amazing to accomplish this long time goal of mine and I must say it came pretty easy. It was not as hard as I imagined it would be ...

Free-soloing the Spire FM (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Jordan got many good walks in a harness and ankle-leash but felt too tired this day to solo. I got another one-way free-solo to the Spire and then we went back to the campsite. I collected bunch wood earlier this day so we had a raging fire.

Jordan practicing on the L.A.S. in an ankle-leash (photo by Jan Gałek)

Next morning Braden showed up at our camping spot. He was going to do some shots with his small helicopter but the weather conditions turned out to be too windy for it. We went together to the Spire. It was cloudy and windy day but at least on Spire you couldn't feel too much wind. I walked the line free-solo FM again and then went back up. Jordan was going through a mental battle so Braden got on the line. He did many walks in a swami-belt, then an ankle and I knew he's going for it and so he did. He free-soloed the line one-way to the Spire. It was a super stable and controlled walk. It was nice to watch.

Braden free-soloing Lost Arrow Spire

I had to motivate Jordan a bit and make him believe that he can do it so we rappelled down to the flake together. He sent the line multiple times and then switched to ankle-leash and started to feel strong. He untied and went for a free-solo. I think he was still nervous and after three controlled catches he finally walked it to the Spire. I felt really happy. I was so glad he overcame this blockade in his head. I know it was his goal to so I was just excited for my friend.

I walked the line one more time free-solo one way before we de-rigged. After quick packing we ran down to the Valley were we met up with some friends. Same day we left to Braden's place were we could stay for the last few days thanks to his and his moms hospitality.

Happy "tripple freesoloco crew" ;)

Some facts about free-soloing "Lost Arrow Spire":

- 55 meters to the notch,
- 880 meters to the valley floor,
- 16.5 meters long,
- about 0.5 meter - 1 meter off level.

List of people which soloed this line:

- Darrin Carter (1994, FM, multiple times),
- Dean Potter (2001, OW),
- Sean Snyder (?),
- Corbin Usinger (OW),
- Andy Lewis (2009?, FM),
- Michael Kemeter (2011?, OS-FM),
- Jan Gałek (2013, 15th May, FM x 2, OW x 2),
- Braden Mayfield (2013, 16th May, OW),
- Jordan Tybon (2013, 16th May, OW).

I would also like to thanks Libby Sauter and Mason Earl for all the gear support. We couldn't do this line without it! Thanks a lot!! Special thanks goes to Braden to for letting us stay at his plays, climbing together and the gear.

During last couple days I did quite a lot of climbing. I went twice to the El Cap Base and did some classic splitters. The list of sends includes:

- Sacherer Cracker 5.10a,
- La Cosita, Right 5.9,
- La Cosita, Left 5.7,
- Moby Dick, Center 5.10a,
- Little John, Right 5.8.

Getting some good fist jam on the " La Cosita, Right" after first thin finger locks section (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Easy section on the "La Costia, Right" (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Near the top of the "La Cosita, Right" (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Bomber handjams on top of "La Cosita, Right" (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Yesterday Jordan and I climbed our first 'real bigwall' here in Yosemite. I know in terms of Yosemite it's not quite so big (when on the Nose you have around 30 pitches or so). We climbed on the right side of El Cap on the route "East Buttress" 5.10b. Thirteen pitches of glorious climbing. I was lucky enough to lead all of the because Jordan just wanted an easier day. With our 80m rope after free-soloing first easy pitch I was able to link the route just in seven pitches. Whole action took us 6 hours from which 4 was just climbing. I wish I took a different T-shirt for this route. My shoulders are completely burned ...

Bomber handjams on the "Sacherer Cracker" (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Fist-jams section (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Just before the last part which is ... (photo by Jordan Tybon) 

... OFF-WIDTH - my favorite! (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Today we are going to rig and walk "Cascade Falls" Highline in a couple hours. Faith and Jerry are on their way so it should be a pretty fun day (did I just rhyme?) ... Well, after finishing this post I realized I didn't have a single rest day in a while and looking on our schedule it might be that it will stay like this till the end of our visit in Yosemite. It  is time to RAGE even more!! ;)

Peace & SlackOn!
Janek

US Trip 2013 - Take 8; Castle Crags - Round 1

During our short visit in Ashland were we stayed together with Scott Balcom for couple days we made a plan to go explore and establish new highlines in Castle Crags. He recommended to us using words like; epic, beautiful, unexplored, forgotten or remote. Just two of these coming out of Scott's mouth was enough to get our immediate attention. Even though the schedule of our trip was already pretty tight we were stoked to re-organize our schedule for this exciting adventure. I was a bit afraid it might be a bit too ambitious because as we learn establishing new stuff is always way more work then repeating existing spots but it is also way more exciting, rewarding and besides we are pretty experienced and good in it already. It was decided then, we were going to storm the Castle!

Our second day in Castle Crags. In search of new possible lines. Psyched in front of the Castle Dome!! (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Jordan and I went to Castle Crags after our visit in Humboldt. We had lots of problems finding bolts and bolting equipment. It seemed like there is no store in Northern California which carried them at the time. We were getting really frustrated but then finished ordering glue-in bolts from Fixe online and buying 8 expansion bolts from a really nice guy we met at the "Humboldt Highline/Longline Festival". We thought the problem is solved until ... ;)

We finished leaving on Monday (29th of April) and after stoping to get even more supplies we arrived on the campsite which happened to be really expensive ($25 per day!). We spent there one night and at the morning drove to Vista Point from were we thought we could start our hike to the Crags. Unfortunately the info we had was wrong and you can not leave there your car overnight. Damn it! This part of our trip started to be more and more 'cowboy style'. We drove to Mt. Shasta to the local outdoor store planning on getting more info about good spot to park and start hiking and buying a climbing guidebook. The owner of the shop happened to be really nice guy and provided us with some info although the climbing guidebook is out of print (new one is in preparation process right now). We finished with little info about the whole area which was pretty much just a confusing hand-sketch of the trail system and few black & white photocopies of the biggest walls in the area.

Pretty much whole info we had for our trip to Castle Crags

Well, the good place to park and start your hike is Soda Creek exit of the I-5 highway and that was where we finished. After eating breakfast and packing most of the stuff (not including highlining gear) we were able to realize how heavy our backpacks were and that was just the first load. I definitely didn't feel excited about that hike.

The gear we carried up and down way to much for almost a week (that doesn't include food and water) (photo by Jordan Tybon)

We finished hiking up in 2 hours finding our selfs confused and dodging around in order to find a right path. Jordan found an awesome and well hidden spot five minutes away from our water source (Indian Creek) which turned out to be amazing, first-class bivy. We also worked on it during next days so now it has a nice fire-pit, 4 seats, 'gear-tree' and nice flat tent spot. After quick snack and setting up our camp we went up with just drilling equipment and few cams and a rope for a scouting mission. We checked pretty much whole lower ridge where we found and bolted our first spot. It turned out to be really cool and we scrambled, hiked and climb 4-5th class terrain for the whole day. The ascent on the far sight of the potential highline spot turned out to be pretty scatchy. It doesn't look like but climbing slabby and mossy terrain in hiking shoes with 100m drop on one side was kind of challenging experience. We placed 5 bolts in total (3 on tensioning side, 2 on the spire side + 2 existing climbing bolts for back-up) and started our hike down to the campsite.

It's nice to hike with a light backpack (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Almost at our first highline spot (photo by Jordan Tybon)

We couldn't stop staring at the Mt. Hubris aka The Ogre Summit and the wall next to it. The notch between this too was calling for the most obvious and epic highline in the whole area. We decided to climb up to the top of The Ogre next day following region's classic 'Cosmic Wall' (8 pitches, 5.6R).

Fixing to leave after bolting first highline in Castle Crags ever! Feels good ... The target for our next day is just in a background (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Route-scheme (mountainproject.com)

Chilling next to our "rager-fire" (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Next day at the morning we went up to our climb. We definitely didn't find the path and did some EPIC bushwhacking. I was lucky enough to have long pant on but Jordan's legs were fucked when we got to the place were out route starts. The climb was really fun but the day was brutally windy. It was windy to the point when it's hard to enjoy yourself but we did anyways ;) ... We couldn't hear each other on the belays and I was cursing my self for not bringing my new walkie-talkies. We finished the route in about two hours, linking it by climbing in total 5 pitches. The view from the top was definitely rewarding. Behind our spot way in the outback is even more spots. On one ridge there is probably around 8-10 rock spires alone. This place is just amazing! We were out of words. Another good news was the spot between the peak we just climbed and another wall was definitely 'highlineable' and way epic. After grueling rappel in a wind which kept the ropes horizontal making them get stuck on every each rock tooth and descend to the campsite we could rest for couple hours.

Psyched on top of The Ogre, and behind us spires, spires, spires ...

Because it was still light and we had not enough bolts we decided to hike down, re-charge our stuff, sleep in a car and get the bolts and Delta Quicklinks from the post office next day. We finished stoping to do all of this while eating delicious burgers at the local brewery in Dunsmuir and that is when ... the plan changed again. Jordan realized he had a voicemail from Fixe. It wasn't good - basically no bolts. We realized the only solution was to drive back to Davis to pick up 9 glue-in bolts from Jerry and then go back to Castle. We arrived in Davis at 2am after 4h of drive and immediately fell asleep. Well, we did sleep only 6 hours and then hang out a bit with Jerry and convinced Grant to go back with us. It wasn't to hard though. He was filming and sending with us and in some time there will be a movie coming out which will also promote one of our great sponsors HippyTree.

We were back at our parking spot late afternoon and hiked up again, this time with highline gear and more food. The time was way better too. I got up in 1h 10min and Jordan made it in 1h 35min. Lots of hiking was definitely paying off. We will be in shape for Yosemite!

Next day our first mission was bolting the big line. We decided on climbing both sides from the notch even though we had no beta of climbing routes but it looked doable.

Big spot visible from the Caste Dome area (photo by Jordan Tybon)

We had kind of a late start and manage to climb some fun terrain between 5.10a/b, bolt the highline anchors + rappel bolt on the side opposite to The Ogre in about 4 hours. Finding a good place to bolt on both sides wasn't easy task. We finished placing 4 glue-in bolts per each side (3 per main anchor + 1 for back up). Afterwards we hiked down to Castle Dome. It was already quite late and everyone seemed pretty tired but surprisingly I still had lots of energy so we went to rig the shorter line which was already bolted. The gear was already stashed there. I did brought everything there during the hike to The Ogre at the morning. Together with approach and rigging, after exactly 1h 10min Jordan was ready for the FA. He walked it like a champ OS-FM in a swami and named it "Mongol Hordes". The line finished to be 23m long and 20m high with 100m to the bottom of the high side and around 800 meters of exposure and the view on the snowy Mt. Shasta. Pretty epic ...

Jordan ready to get some (photo by Jan Gałek)

I got on the line after Jordan and send it OS-FM in an ankle leash. On the second walk I untied the leash and walked one direction free-solo. It was too late and I was a bit tired to finish the 'FM business'. Even though the line was pretty loose I felt really solid on it.

Freesoloco on the 'Mongol Hordes' - first highline in Castle Crags (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Grant send the line too, even throwing few tricks on the way back. It was getting dark, so we hiked down to our bivy getting some firewood on the way down. We felt pretty crushed but we finished waiting for Scott Balcom, who was hiking in a night. He arrived around midnight and soon after we all fell asleep.  The plan for the next day was to sesh the short line and then move it up to the bigger spot.

Grant sending (photo by Jordan Tybon)

On our last day we woke up early super motivated to rage hard. After getting to the short highline spot we were faced with harsh truth. It was super windy, the weather was dramatically changing and it didn't look like it's changing for better. Jordan took some cool pics of the spot from below. I've sent the line few times in an ankle in a crazy wind. I really wanted to complete this free solo and I knew I'm ready. The line was perfect tension, good for catching at any moment the only obstacle was super hard wind. I set on the line unleashed waiting for the wind to come down but of course it never happened so I just went for it. When I was in a middle of the line the wind just went nuts. I was standing there for a few second trying to decide if I should catch or walk and that second option won. I have to say this few seconds felt like ages. Paradoxically even though I was scared the whole experience felt pretty fun at the same time. I am pretty sure Grant and Scott didn't enjoy it as much as I did. The footage of it looks just ridiculous - that's all I can say ;) On the way back it was still windy but nothing comparing to the walk to the spire side. I cruised really fast trying to avoid the winds and that was really nice and stable walk.

photo by Jordan Tybon

photo by Jordan Tybon

Jordan and Grant send the line few times. Jordan was really bummed because I know he had the same plan to free-solo this line and the line was just perfect for it. He was really stable walking in a swami even in a wind. We de-rigged the line and went to check the conditions on the big line. We were deceiving our selfs that condition up there is good but of course after we got there it was clear it's even worse. There was no point to even rig this line at that time. Heartbroken we retrieved our ascending ropes and went down. Walking down we already made the plans for the second line. I wish we had done everything we could the first time but on the other hand I feel like it meant to happen. Now we can go back with more friends which can enjoy this line with us, we have all the beta and even a place for the third line, Jordan can get his chance to free-solo 'Mongol Hordes' and I would really like to free-solo Cosmic Wall and maybe climb something more besides highlining.

Not this time! (photo by Grant Thompson) 

Getting ready for art of suffering (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Same day we packed our campsite and hiked down with all the gear in one load which was just horrendous. My body was completely destroyed afterwards. That was definitely the heaviest haulbag I have ever carried. We went together to celebrate with a nice meal and then everyone went on their way. Grant, Jordan and I went back to Davis to restore some energy and Scott went back to Ashland. We are really hoping to see him again in Yosemite or Castle Crags (or both!) ...

We will be back for the round two and this time must to get some!! And now off to Yosemite Valley ...

Peace & SlackOn!
Janek

US Trip 2013 - Take 7; Humboldt Madness

Last weekend Jordan, Jerry and I had a pleasure to visit Arcada during first 'Humboldt Highline/Longline Festival'. Humboldt is mainly known from the THC (trickline competition originally started by Andy Lewis, which is on now for quite few years). It must be said even though the highlines rigged during the festival are tree-highlines they are really epic and some of them pretty exposed. Red Woods is quite magical place. Massive sequoias covered with moss, green dells coated in ferns makes it really cool experience and perfect highline spot. I had no idea that sequoias have common root system so they are one of the biggest if not the biggest living organism on our planet (!)

Jerry rigging (photo by Jordan Tybon)

More of Jerry rigging (photo by Jordan Tybon)

I drove from Davis together with my friend Jerry and Jordan joined us few hours later after few last skydives in Lodi at the morning. The way to Arcada was truly beautiful and we definitely saw more then few 'highlineable' spots on the way. We arrived late afternoon and went to the forest to check some highlines and rig some more. Unfortunately the organizer of the event couldn't be there with us because of some important business so our three finished rigging 4 highlines, finishing the festival with six lines in total (not bad at all) ...

Rigging on the "Over The River" (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Jerry clipping second pulley system to the back-up webbing (photo by Jordan Tybon)

When we showed up on the spot one short line was rigged ("Stumpy" Highline) and few people were hanging out. I met some of them during our short trip to Yosemite but most of them I had a pleasure to meet for the first time. I don't think I need to say it again but ... highliners are awesome people!

Jerry sending the "Over The River" Highline (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Jerry on the 41m line (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Together with Jerry we rigged another fun highline (41m length on double Type-18 MKII) and cruised it after rigging. I got a nice relaxing freesoloco on the "Stumpy" and Jordan send it pretty much at night in a beltloop-swami (that was pretty scary to watch). After that we went to eat and crush to rage next day.

On of many free-solo sends on the "Stumpy" (photo by Jordan Tybon)

We spent most of the Saturday rigging next free-lines. We got 65m "Over The River", 23m "Through The Woods" and 50m "To The Grandfathers House We Go". Both 65m and 50m were rigged on double Type-18 MKII. BTW I love my new highline set-up which is green and dark blue Type-18 MKII taped together. It looks just beautiful.

Still we managed to squeeze in a few walks. After an ankle leash got to free-solo 23 meter line which was reasonably high and exposed as for a tree-highline. It was really nice experience. It is kind of weird that you can not step of the line, so as you walk towards the tree (which is your highest point) you need to gently grab it at the end and turn around to walk balk. Jordan sent the "To The Grandfathers House We Go" late afternoon and when I was walking it was almost completely dark but the line felt so good and with nice tunes it was no problem to send.

Freesoloco on the "Through The Woods" (photo by Jordan Tybon)

To set up "Over The River" and "To The Grandfathers House We Go" I had to climb these huge trees for even 25 meters up high. I used my 2 slings method which worked great, trailing the rope behind to rappel down and work freely on the highline anchor when I got to the right spot. I will describe this method in a future post on rodeolining here on my blog as well as in Slack Science.

Climbing huge sequoias was challenging but fun (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Switching to higher spanset (photo by Jordan Tybon)

On Sunday we could finally have all day designated for sending. Jerry raged hard trying some crazy korean butt-bounce combinations on the loose 65m highline, followed by bunch of rad and really long exposure turns presenting as usual amazing sense of balance and control on the lines.

Jerry and Chris performing double exposure turn (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Jordan and I started a day on the 41m line. I got an ankle leash send and Jordan followed in a swami. Jordan continued crushing in a swami and presented some amazing skills surf-walking the 50 meter line. It was impressive. Surprisingly, I got solid ankle sent on the 50 meter line. We had a also nice free-solo sesh on three short lines (all in range of 21-23m length). It was really positive experience which built our confidence. I did a bit of walking looking straight down, exposure turns, double knee drops and other stuff. Jordan got some nice free-solo walking with hands in his pockets. It was bunch of fun!

Jordan being super psyched after good free-solo session (photo by Jan Gałek)

Jordan free-soloing 'like a boss' (photo by Jan Gałek)

Session on the "Stumpy" Highline (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Jordan free-soloing the "Through The Woods" (photo by Jordan Tybon)

By the time we got to the biggest line we were already pretty tired. After re-tensioning the line I got on it and managed to send OS-FM. I was really happy that I don't have to fight to much. Jordan was really close to send both ways but you could see he's body was not there anymore. We both exhausted our day energy limit. With help from bunch of others de-rigging went pretty fast and I was really glad my 'escape method' worked well enough to retrieve both spansets and rope from high end highline anchors.

Sending the 65 meter OS-FM (photo by Jordan Tybon)

Jordan on the 65 meter looking good (photo by Jan Gałek)

To top out great day we went to restore our energy by eating delicious pizza and of course ice-cream. I wanted to say thanks to everyone who was there, people which let us stay at their homes and I'm hoping to see you soon in Humboldt or the other occasion!

P.S. Come to Lublin for the 5th edition of the legendary Urban Highline Festival ;)

Peace & SlackOn!
Janek