Archive for September, 2011

Basic Rock School – Field Trip #2

Friday, September 30th, 2011

On Saturday, we had our 2nd field trip for Basic Rock Climbing school. Kent took us to Dome Rock, where we took the students up their first “multi-pitch” climb.

Basic Rock School Group Picture

The first “pitch” was 4th class and ended at a large alcove/ledge with a tree. The next pitch was low 5th class. I led the crack while Kent put up a fun face section, and Michael assisted with the belay station. Our 6 students (Erin, Derrick, Chris, Max, Ian, and Walt) did great. (more…)

Rock Climbing – Rewritten (5.7+), Eldorado Canyon, CO

Friday, September 23rd, 2011

Rewritten Clare Last Belay Rewritten Lauren Topping Out Rewritten Feet Dangling Rewritten Summit Shirttail Peak

Lauren and I climbed the classic route, Rewritten, on Friday. It was a toasty day on the rock, but we still had a fabulous time. I led the easy pitches and Lauren battled with the harder ones. We had a very pleasant hike back down to the packs; no problems with routefinding. (Sometimes, in Eldo, the crux is in the descent). Pictures are courtesy of Lauren. Unfortunately, I don’t have higher resolution images…sorry!

Rewritten Lauren Money Pitch Rewritten Summit Lauren&Clare

Rock Climbing – Eldorado Canyon

Sunday, September 18th, 2011

Clare Smiling on Werk Supp Brenda Gearing Up for Pitch 2 of Flakes to Whistlestop

Brenda and I climbed in Eldorado Canyon on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon. She led Flakes to Whistlestop, a super fun 2 pitch route on the sunny south side of the Redgarden Formation. We then moved into the shade and she put up Werk Supp. Boy, does she have that one dialed! I enjoyed both routes immensely. (more…)

Basic Rock School – CMC Assistant Instructor

Saturday, September 17th, 2011

On September 17, I spent the day volunteering as an assistant instructor for the CMC Boulder’s Basic Rock School. Students Walt, Ian, Max, Derek, Chris, and Erin were eager to be belaying, rapelling, and climbing during this first (of four) field trips.

Erin Belaying Chris up to Anchor Michael Setting Anchors Ian Climbing Walt & Derek Practicing Belaying

I was excited to be working with Kent, the lead instructor, and Michael, another assistant. There was a lot of material to cover, but Kent did a real whiz-bang job!

James Peak (13,294 ft) – Day Hike

Sunday, September 11th, 2011

James Peak Topo
On Sunday, I led a CMC day hike up the gentle slopes of James Peak. It was a long end-of-summer day, but everybody had a great time. (more…)