We had our first combined climbing/camping trip last weekend. At Sheep Mountain, which isn't far from home . . . but it was a great excuse to sleep outside, and a introduction for Sis Dog to the wonderful world of camping.
The first wall we attempted was . . . well, it was occupied. The tenants were less than thrilled that we were visiting, so we quickly packed up and moved on.
And then it was on to me showing everyone how it's done! If by "it" you mean looking like a fish out of water and having complete come aparts and emotional breakdowns. Fortunately I had my trusty safety net with me, both literally and figuratively! It really does add an entirely different level of trust to your relationship when you can literally put your life in someone else's hands.
Especially when later, you look back at pictures and can't help but notice the mischevious grin.
Speaking of mischevous, Sis.
Sis very, very much enjoyed climbing. She split her time between racing up and down and around and under boulders, resting, and looking for new climbing opportunities.
Mike actually got to climb this go around, which was different than last year, when he pretty much belayed the entire time, every time. Maybe someday he will have one of us newbies trained up enough that he'll be able to get more than two routes in :)
We were super darn lucky to have had a gorgeous weekend to get outside, before a week of rain and flooding.
At one point I could no longer cram my feet into the 2 sizes too small shoes, so I had to costume change into one0and-a-half size too small shoes. I would not call the transition graceful - see above reference to complete emotional breakdowns. But we got it taken care of - crisis averted.
I'm super lucky to have such a patient boyfriend, who is willing and able to teach me a new hobby and talk me through my mini crises.
A great end to a great day this time around was steaks and beer with some fabulous people, followed by a room with a view.
And a lazy Sunday morning to finish out the weekend. Fire, hammock, leftovers.
