Vedauwoo, WY – Memorial Weekend

Gusty Vedauwoo Camping

On Friday, I left work at 2pm, eager to get out of town for the weekend. Unfortunately, so was the rest of Denver! Travel was hampered by several Road Construction Projects along Hwy 25 (and the biways of Longmount). It took me nearly 3 hours to reach Ft. Collins, twice the normal time.

Vedauwoo Splendor

I was relieved at the sight of Dylan, all loaded up in the camper and ready to go. I was frazzled from the drive, but the thought of joining Ann & Sean up in Vedauwoo soon made me forget my troubles. Dylan helped me unload my camping & climbing gear into the camper, and we battened the hatches for the drive.

We decided not to drive up 25, and I’m so happy we did! The alternative route was beautiful, and Dylan had many interesting things to relate about the area. From memories of his childhood to scoping out new possible climbing crags, and sharing a few laughs about some wacky music he had playing.

There was a cover song of “Baby Got Back”-done in a folksy flair. It made me crack up, even doubly so when Dylan came to the realization that he hadn’t heard Sir Mix-A-Lot’s version. I silently wondered how many people out there have been “spared” the experience of Sir Mix-A-Lot’s ballad 8^)

Up in Vedauwoo, Ann & Sean were awaiting our arrival. I was soooo happy to see Ann, knowing we’d soon be climbing again together made me excited. Sean had set up his tent, and they both relayed the events of the day. They had made an attempt to climb but were rained/weathered out. Sounds like not such a happy day for them…but we four were soon cozy in the camper and having dinner.

Later that evening who should arrive, but Kate & Mark. They set up their tent, and we visited for a little bit and then it was time for bed. I went outside in freezing temps, with gusty wind, and dark clouds overhead. Not a good sign. My tent shuddered through the night, and at some point, I awoke to the sound of heavy precipitation. It was a bit of sleet, not much, but enough to coat the tent.

I didn’t sleep very well because I was excited about the next day, and hoping/praying/wondering if we were going to be able to climb. I had not been out with such a large group in a long time, so it was also a novel thing being amongst a crowd. Oddly enough, this made me miss Dennis even more than if it were just a couple people.

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