Climbing Posse: Steve, Kris, Emma, and I.
Guest Appearance: Pavi the Dawg
Destination: Clear Creek Canyon, High Wire Crag, Stone Cold Moderates Alcove
Weather: Chilly in AM and Perfect in PM
Of Note: Emma’s First Outdoor Climbing Experience
Post Climbing Noshing: El Tapatio
We were the third & fourth car in the pullout, respectively. In the shade, it was chilly. But, I knew around the bend, we would be warmed by the sun. We walked 5 minutes down the road, and crossed ever so carefully in front of the tunnel.
We made the 4th class ascent up to the climbing wall. Pavi only needed help once, at the same spot as Emma did, to my amazement! We passed a couple parties, who had started climbing just minutes before. Woo-hoo, we’d be able to pick a moderate. No waiting in line, perfecto!
Kris Up High on Stone Cold Moderate
Climbergirl Starting Stone Cold Moderate
We set up under the start of Stone Cold Moderate (5.7**). The start is a bouldery move, a little high for comfort, and involves upper body strength. Great for aspiring young 12 year olds on their first day of climbing…!
Emma Roped Up and Ready to Climb
Emma Starting Stone Cold Moderates (5.7)
Steve Lends a Shoulder…To Help Emma Pass the Crux
Emma Having Fun on Stone Cold Moderates
Next up was 5th of July (5.9***). The same cranky start as SCM, but then some fun edgy face climbing up higher. Kris & Steve both lead with assertivenes and worked out the crux move.
Emma began wandering around the crag, and had become fascinated with her cell phone ring tones. She kept playing them over & over. It was really annoying everybody at the crag (including me). She has an IPOD, with *real* music, so I think she was just bored and wanting attention.
I felt bad that she had nothing to do in between climbs, and I suggested possibilities: taking a nap, listening to IPOD music, or having lunch. She opted for a snack.
We moved on to the next climb, Poker Face (5.8+**). It was my turn to lead, so I hopped on the sharp end. I really enjoyed the bouldery start, and was a little sad when it was over. There was one slightly tricky crux move about halfway. This was my favorite climb of the day…just a lot of fun.
I did the Start of Poker Face from the Left…
And Steve did it from the Right…
Steve at Crux of Poker Face
Climbergirl up High on Poker Face
It was Kris’ turn to climb. Sometime between when he roped up and the first clip, Emma wandered off, disappearing down the trail (not good!). I did not notice because I was busy belaying.
As he was making the moves up high, I saw Emma’s head poke out from the top edge of the cliff! She was a mere inches away from the anchors, leaning way over and waving, “Look at me, Sissy Clare!”. “I got all the way up here *without* the rope!”.
Here’s Where She Was Sitting:
I couldn’t run up there because I was tied into the rope, and Kris was in the middle of the climb! What was I going to do? If I over-reacted, it might scare her, and then she could slip. I decided to try and stay calm.
This is what I said to her, “Emma, why don’t you come down here and have a snack?”. “It’s your turn up next!”
This is what she heard, “Blah-Blah Blah-Blah Blah Blah!”.
This was her response, “WHAAAT? I CAN’T HEAR YOU! I’LL JUST COME DOWN ANYWAY…”.
This is what I heard from her response, “You should *see* the view up here! It’s awesome!”
This is what I said in return, “Why don’t you come DOWN, and then we can go back UP, TOGETHER!”.
At this suggestion, she backed away from the edge and disappeared from sight. Thank goodness! A few minutes later, I saw her re-appear on the climbers trail and was hugely relieved.
I mean, GEEZ, she just got here. How bad would that be if she had an accident after only being with me a week! What kind of guardian am I???
I talked to her very soberly about scrambling above rock cliffs, and she showed me how she got up there. We hung out at the top, and I got some neat pictures of Kris climbing…
The last climb of the day was Pony Up (5.8*). Kris said giddyup, and away he went!
Climbergirl at the Anchors of Pony Up (5.8)
It was a great cool-down route, and Emma even got some experience belaying, for the first time. Making her belay was a good way to keep her engaged!
The sun started getting low on the horizon, and we packed up for the day. My back was a little sore from the itty bitty overhangy sections, and I felt happy to be out climbing.
We stopped off at El Tapatio for some yummy Mexican food.
About an hour later, four happy climbers were seen slinking out to their cars. Their wide expressive smiles glowing like Cheshires in the twilight.
Tags: Clear Creek Canyon, High Wire Crag, Rock Climbing, Stone Cold Moderates Alcove