Patrice Ayme and I went to the Valley last weekend.  Due to complications -
Patrice's taxes and the involvement of a French woman - we could
not leave until Saturday morning.  Nevertheless, we arrived
in time for a pleasant (partially cloudy) afternoon.  We
hiked to Little Wing - I led Honor Thy Father (10c) slowly,
runout sections and some wet spots.  Patrice led Little Wing (10d),
going even a bit slower, early season.  Nice climb, though.
Saturday night we sighted Joe, Jack, Phyllis, and Michael in
the cafeteria.  Hanging out in the bar later was enlivened by 
watching a parade of dudes try to hit on the girls at the 
next table.  Next time, she's yours Joe!  If you only had a 
cowboy hat!

Sunday - back to classics.  I began by leading Stone Groove.
One bolt up on Old 5.10 (10d) I realized that my winter layoff
had not miraculously enhanced my slab climbing powers - down.
By this time Joe had finished leading, so I jumped on the
Fringe (again).  Still strenuous.  On to the Cookie and up
on Outer Limits.  Finally I float one - with extra excitement added
by having only 2 #3's for the last 40'.  I have become a bit 
of a connoisseur of the classics - this is my current favorite.
Patrice finished the day by TRing the Stigma, making many of
the moves in spite of inferior footware - blown out Fires.

Made it Oakdale in time for Chinese food at the Peking House -
pretty good, closes at 9:30 pm.  If you've done 20+ pitches, 
there's a buffet that looked alright.

Joel