Alex Finishing Twofers (5.8)
On my flex Friday, I took a group of CMC folks out rock climbing. Brenda was my trusty co-leader for this trip (Thanks, Brenda). Rounding out our posse were: Michael, Michelle, Slava, and Alex. Alex had led on other CMC trips and so it worked out really well for him to be an on-the-spot-co-leader (Thanks, Alex).
With 3 groups of 2, we were able to do a super nice tour of the Happy Hour Crag moderates… (more…)
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…)
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!
We had an adventurous day in Boulder Canyon. We navigated two Tyroleans, scrambled up mystery climbs, used “group think” to solve cruxes, and dropped off some shoes to RockNResoles (even though the sign said they were closed, they let me in and took my money…WOO-HOO!). Climbing gods were kind to us as we had great weather, no gear issues, no injuries, no safety problems, and no annoying babies or dog mishaps. (more…)
Lauren & I climbed the East Face of the Third Flatiron with her 70 meter rope. We did the route in 4 very long pitches, with way more gear than we should have taken. Extra weight is good for training, right? We had enough stuff for a 120 meter rope (if they make such a thing!).
Wake Up Time: 4:45am
Meet Up Time: 5:10am
Chautauqua Parking Lot: 5:50am
Hiking: 6am
Climbing: 7:15am
Summit of Third Flatiron: 10:45am
Finish Rappelling: 12pm
Back to Packs: 1pm
Lunch at South Side Walnut Cafe where I had the artichoke heart & swiss omelette & french toast. Totally YUMMY!!!
Temps got up to the mid 90s, and again, it was a scorcher. At times, both Lauren & I were uncomfortable as the heat radiated off the rock. Good thing we were fast and started early! Pictures below, (more…)