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.
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…)
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!
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…)
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.
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!
I climbed North Face Center with Michael while John and Russ climbed Empor.
Then, I had a bout of serious dehydration. I chugged my entire Nalgene of water and still felt crummy. It must have been after effects of attending the Stapleton Beer Festival the night before. I felt so thirsty, it was a little unsettling. (more…)