Archive for the ‘Rock Climbing’ Category

Rock Climbing – Turkey Perch

Saturday, October 18th, 2008

Turkey Rocks
On Saturday, Dennis & I met with the Denver Rock Climbing Meetup group to climb at Turkey Rocks. We carpooled with Ryan & Eckhard up to the crag. Turkey Rocks is a bit obscure in terms of location, finding the last turnoff was a bit challenging. We ended up turning around several times, and scratching our heads in contemplation.

Turkey Rocks Chilling Out
When we got to the pullout, there were a few cars there. We hiked about 15 minutes over a ridge, and then descended to the crag. There was a huge contingent of people there. Eckhard, Chris, & I scrambled up to the top and got to setting up some Top Ropes for people to climb.

Clare Belays Turkey Rocks
We had a great day climbing, but there were lots of people, so given a choice, I would have preferred another location. I think Turkey Perch is good if there is a smaller group, and if I’m not looking to get in a ton of climbing. The rock is sharp & solid, so the cracks are very enjoyable.

I climbed the following pitches: Left Handed Jew (5.8), Honky Jam Ass Crack (5.7), Steppenwolf (5.9), and Gobble Up (5.8). I did not bring my camera, so these pictures are courtesy of other climbers at the event…

Todra Gorge to Merzouga

Wednesday, October 8th, 2008

Auberge Le Festival Crag

Finally, I wake up feeling human. I’m still fatigued and suffering hot/cold chills, but I’m good enough to climb a couple pitches. Barry offers to give me a belay at the crag behind the hotel, so I shimmy my way up the red limestone. The texture is awesome, it’s sharp and scraggly. It reminded me of the rock up at Mt. Charleston, NV.

Clare Enjoying the Limestone of Todra Gorge
I climbed a 5.6 extremely runout pitch to warm up, it only had 4 bolts for the whole pitch. But, the climbing was so easy, I was not worried.

Clare Climbing at Auberge Le Festival Crag
The second climb was a 5.7, and I think there were only 3 bolts on it.

Clare Stemming Dihedral in Todra Gorge
The third one was a dihedral, probably 5.8, and it was my favorite. After doing the third climb, I was starting to feel sick again, so we headed over to the cafe for some juice and a light snack. (more…)

Todra Gorge – Sick Days

Monday, October 6th, 2008

Another look out my window in Todra Gorge The View Westward from my Room at Auberge Le Festival

On Monday & Tuesday, I was extremely ill with a severe case of traveler’s stomach. Jon & Barry managed to climb on Monday, but by Monday night they too were ill. (more…)

Clear Creek – Near High Wire & Highlander

Sunday, September 28th, 2008

On Sunday, I went climbing with Margaret, with the expectation of meeting with Eckhard later in the day-he was nice enough to loan us his Clear Creek Guidebook. There were some complications, due to construction, and we ended up getting a little lost around downtown Denver. Margaret’s GPS came in handy, and soon we were back on track. But the extra putzing around cost us some time.

View of Clear Creek from behind High Wire

High Wire Hoards

We ended up getting to the crag pretty late in the day (close to 10:30am!). There were hoards of people all around High Wire, and it was hot in the sun. I didn’t want to wait in line to climb, so I headed around the corner and found some nice semi-shaded climbs. (more…)

Eldorado Canyon – Rock Climbing

Friday, September 26th, 2008

Eldorado Canyon from Top of Whale's Tail

Summit of Whale's Tail looking down West Dihedral (5.4)

On September, 26th Eckhard & I went climbing at Eldorado Canyon. It was a little chilly in the morning, but it turned into a beautiful day. Towards the end, there was a thunderstorm, but we managed to avoid being struck by lightning or getting caught in the rain. (more…)