I had so much fun at Elevenmile Canyon last month, I decided to go back once more before winter. Steve & Kris were both game to join us for the weekend, so we were sure to have a fun time. Emma & I jumped in the Subi and took off for the granite domes.
We found a campsite in the Cove (#3 I believe!). It’s a really nice site, and has a hidden spot for one of the tents…so Emma & I had some privacy from the guys. It was her first time on a climbing and camping road trip. I was so excited I could share this first experience with her!
My first camping and climbing trip was in April, 2001 when I attended the Phoenix Bouldering Comp. And, being that I was 22, and it was a competition, I’m sure my experience was quite different (less desirable!).
I digress. Kris, Emma, and I set up camp and then headed to Elevenmile Dome for sport climbing.
We did a really easy warm-up climb (Emma’s First completed rock climb!) to start the day.
Then, Kris did what appeared to be a 5.9 sport route, which ended up being the first pitch of the Elevenmile Dome Direct rock climb…a mixed route. Lucky for us, he bailed by traversing to the anchors of the warm-up climb!
Emma took a stab at the beginning of the climb, and then Steve cleaned it.
Finally, the guys did a couple more climbs over to the left, Cheryl’s Peril being one of them.
Emma and I scrambled down by the river to see if we could see the Trout jumping. The sun was setting and the bugs were out…perfect time to see the fish. We did glimpse a couple of Trout, and then we headed back to the cars.
Emma & I drove back to the campsite and started a fire. The wood was the smokiest wood I’ve seen in a long time…it took a whole pizza box for me to get it going AND half a magazine!
The guys soon arrived and started cooking dinner.
Kris made wonderful chicken dumplings, and Steve flame roasted some fajitas.
I’m sure Emma will forever be spoiled as she will think camp food is normally this exciting. We enjoyed the international fare, and then settled down with some smores.
We read a little by the fire light, and I noticed a group of tiny mice scurring about the campsite. I quickly put away all the food. Dennis had made some bread and it was sealed in a ziploc. Figuring it was safely sealed and not smelly, I left it (in the canvas Trader Joes bag) on the table…
I watched the fire die down, and then joined Emma in the tent. She was excited to be sleeping outside, but quickly dozed off. I lay quietly in the tent, listening to the rustling of the leaves as the slight evening breeze brought in the night chill.
Tags: Camping, Elevenmile Canyon, Rock Climbing