Candy Report: Sandmaster Flash

From the glorious world of Colorado trad climbing comes a candy report from our very own Andrew, a.k.a. Sandmaster Flash! Here, in his own words, he recounts a tale of ultimate victory:

Well the Summer of Strong kicked into high gear last week. Trad Climbing is in full effect and I am gaining my confidence, uh oh!

Sidenote: Trad climbing is just like Ze Frank's song "how do you work this thing." the full lyrics are below for effect purpose...

How do you work this thing?
How do you work this thing?
I've tried, and tried, and tried, and tried
But how do you work this thing?
Maybe you pull this pin.
Maybe you pull this pin.
I've tried, and tried, and tried, and tried
But how do you work this thing?
Maybe you plug it in.
Maybe you plug it in.
I've tried, and tried, and tried, and tried
But how do you work this thing?

So true right? for both gear placement and the crazy ways you jam your body parts into cracks.

Ok, Back on task....
Last week I took a trip to Colorado National Monument to climb Independence Monument. Leading a desert tower has been a lifetime goal for me, even beyond my summer goals, so I was stoked! I lead the 5.9 in four pitches. Had to protect some crux moves with tricams in pockets which was new to me. tricams...crazy right? (Shout out to EMS for that comp giveaway.) Most of the route was in the shade since it was on the north face which was crucial in summer desert heat! The top of the tower was to big I could have parked my semi-truck that I drive from crag to crag to gain attention.

Next day we drove to the Black Canyon National Park also in CO. This was my second time there and the Black is known to be stiff. Last month I traded of leads with my partner Hunter on Maiden Voyage 5.9 I believe we did it in 5 pitches. This time out I lead the entire 5.8 Casual/5.9 Off casual route (I include both since we got a bit off route crux times) in about 6 pitches and way too many hours.

Don't worry I am still dreaming of working some glorious boulders soon.

This photo epitomizes manliness.

Congratulations, Andrew! May you crush more awesome climbs in the near future.

Of course, this means that a Reckoning Update is coming soon, yes? Indeed it does. However, I must gather more intel from our compatriots who ventured to The Grunx last weekend before I tell the tale!