Some further rappelling practise awaits me; this time we rappel down a very negative wall and I worry about finding myself in a spinning position. I take my time, and the rappel goes well while Jack comes down in a matter of seconds.
On the Head Wall we rappel down using another friendly team's rope, this time I take my first non-backup rappel which goes well due to the easy route. Back home, we were taught to use a knot as a backup, but the guide's instruction here is that the knot is too dangerous due the possibility of getting stuck in the rappel device. Well, in any case the rappel with an ATC and two ropes goes in a very secure manner compared to single rope setup we had with the backup.
The day is finished off with some toproping on the Search and Rescue Boulder where the firemen and emergency personnel train. I start to climb the Crack, switching to the Face route near the end. I have to come to the rope five times during this small climb. My fingers just can't take it any more. I start to look at the features of the Camelback Mountain instead. Like this ancient lava tunnel distinctly visible in the red sandstone.
As I write this page - onboard a 747 heading back home - I happen to be served a mandatory rerun of the Vertical Limit. The opening sequence is not proper watching when thinking about Arizona climbing ;-) Oh, and one more note to travelling climbers: watch your excess baggage charges! Climbing equipment is really heavy and camping equipment is really bulky. This time I'm able to negotiate the issue, taking both my suitcase and the climbing backpack in the cabin with me to avoid charges for three pieces of luggage. The airline personnel are usually very friendly in these matters, but it pays to select the flights so that the first airline carries also the main part of the voyage. When I have had problems, it has always been due to a local airline: they worry about a larger airline charging them for the excess baggage the local personnel would allow you to take.