Archive for August, 2008

Boulder Canyon Avalon Wall

Saturday, August 23rd, 2008

On August 23rd, I attended my first “Meetup” outdoors. I met with Rebecca, Chris, Stan, and Eckhard for a day of fun at the Avalon Wall in Boulder Canyon. The weather was nice, and I was excited to be visiting a new crag.

Clare's First Tyrolean

I was a little nervous about being belayed by people I just met, but that was the my only concern. In order to reach the Avalon wall, one has to use a Tyrolean. I was a bit excited (maybe too excited?) to be going across one of these for my first time. (more…)

Mt. Julian (12,928 ft) Attempt

Sunday, August 10th, 2008

Start of Hike

On Sunday, Dennis & I attempted to hike up Mt. Julian from Milner Pass. The hike starts out at the pass, and for the first 20-30 minutes follows a fairly steep incline until one passes above treeline. Once above the trees, one is on an exposed ridge. (more…)

New Belgium Brewery Tour

Saturday, August 9th, 2008

New Belgium Logo

Later at the Park...Techies Chill

Our Animated New Belgium Tour Guide

The Denver New Mexico Tech Alumni Chapter had a meeting in Fort Collins and then toured the New Belgium Brewery. I did not attend NMT, but am a spousal affiliate. Besides, “Techies” are usually good people to hang with as they are generally good natured and sufficiently nerdy. (more…)

Joint Statistics Meetings Denver 2008

Tuesday, August 5th, 2008

Clare at JSM, Denver Convention Center
JSM (the Joint Statistical Meetings) is the largest gathering of statisticians held in North America, and this year I’m happy to say, it was being held in Denver…So, of course I attended! I was lucky in that my employer allowed me to go for work, and all I had to pay for was gas & parking.
Outside the Denver Convention Center
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Mt. Evans Via Right Side of 2nd Apron (5.6)

Saturday, August 2nd, 2008

Clare & Dave Victorious

On August 2nd, I met up with Dave and we climbed the 2nd Apron of Mt. Evans, 5.6. It was a gorgeous day for climbing. Dennis met us at the top, after ascending via a ridge hike, and we three hitched a ride back to Summit Lake.

Dennis Happy to be on a Sunny Summit

This climb has several good qualities, a short 30 minute approach, 5 pitches of beautiful lichen spotted granite Alpine climbing, a spectacular ridge topout, high altitude exertion, and fantastic views.

IMG_3961

It took us between 2.5 and 3 hours to complete the route in 5 pitches. The last pitch is not really necessary to rope up, if one is experienced and comfortable bouldering. We took a #1-#3 cams, aliens, a few metolius tcus, and a set of large cams. Nothing special required.

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