Climbing: Sheer Perseverance

We started out with the basics of climbing --learning how to flake, stack, and coil rope, tie and dress various knots, and belay each other safely. By the end of our first full day in climbing camp, we were on the rock.  We learned about  all the various types of gear, and we each took a turn at gear meistering.  There were plenty of routes to choose from and lots of opportunity to work on our face or crack technique.  Right Arm!

   

When we weren't climbing, we were practicing placing protection (STARRS) or building anchors (SIRENS). It looked so easy to do when Dee and Kevin demonstrated lead climbing, but we all had a much better appreciation for the skill required after we had tried it ourselves.

 Alfredo, Chubby, and his Sister take a creative approach to teaching us how to do a multi-pitch climb.   Check out Chubby's snack rack and Alfredo’s “Tie in Here.”
 

The next step was trying it ourselves. Here Dee leads Paul and Brooke on a multipitch climb up Handrail. Sticky Fingers offered a choice of a difficult face climb on the left or a foot numbing crack climb on the right.
 

During our last few days, we also got the chance to try rappeling, rescue techniques, and a few folks did mock lead climbing.

We also got the chance to climb Masterpiece -- one of the longest single pitch climbs. What a great view from the top!

   

For more on climbing, choose a segment below.

Desert and Canyon Serenity

Halloween Happiness