We’re not in Tennessee Anymore
Bouldering until 4am is totally acceptable if you’ve just arrived at HP40.
The climbers: Jackie, Esten, Art, Kevin, and Priscilla
Hydration: Ardbeg Alligator, Laguvulin 16, Rogue Dead Guy Ale, Terrapin Rye Ale, New Belgium 1554 Enlightened Black Ale, Verange Pinot Grigio wine juice box, Rex Goliath Pinot Noir, and only because there was nothing else left Blackthorn Hard Cider.
Even though the crew had tired ourselves out at LRC earlier that day, after setting up camp at HP40 we began another session of bouldering after midnight. Everyone sent Chicks (V0), the guys sent Dope (V2), and after many frustrating attempts Esten sent the super classic Horse Pens problem Bumboy (V3).
Esten atop Sandbox (V2)
Arthur working The Thief (V7) Photo: Esten Abell
The next day, we went to the Front Area, where Esten sent Sandbox (V2), Priscilla and Esten sent Tree Dab (V2), and Kevin and Art sent Lowdown (V4). We also worked on Thief (V7). With fried tips, we then opted for the much easier Contraband (V1), which Kevin and Jackie sent, and then the V2 Panty Raid, which Esten scurried up.
Darkness settled in, and we headed back to camp for Chef Kevin’s excellent campfire dinner, followed by hydrating ourselves very well with what was left of the alcohol we had and dancing by the campfire thanks to Esten’s boom box cooler.
Fuel for the Fire
The next day Art thought we had to go to the airport, but was relieved to hear that it was only Wednesday and we weren’t climbing because it was our rest day. Even though we heard that all the cool kids in Alabama put on life jackets like diapers and float down the river, the crew instead spent the afternoon at Whole Foods and then enjoyed some sushi at Jinsei in Birmingham. Get the sashimi, not the rolls. The sweet shrimp is delicious.
Adventures in Pebble Wrestling 
Sounds awesome, enjoy!
Nice job on Sandbox, that thing spit me off over and over again.
Max I learned a way to used my forearm on the slopey top-outs that really Made a difference. I was able to repeat Sandbox after just getting off of it. Kevin and Jackie really rocked It. Art would select the best of the best and send on every body. Priscilla made a lot of progress and solved some solid problems.
Sandbox!! I think there is a typo in the HP40 Guide- Adam Henry mistakenly listed Sandbox as the “worst V2 in the South.” I think he meant to write, “best V2 in the South”!!! You know if he writes that it’s a horrible problem, it’s prolly actually very good bc he’s a grumpy old Southerner trying to protect his homeland from the damn Yankee invaders.