Things that happened

Great thoughts about not so great events.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Climbing At Canal Zone

Today we were able to go to the Canal Zone in Clear Creek Canyon.  We took out a guy from work on his first climbing experience.  There was four total people in our group; me, Heather, Joe and Matt.

The Canal Zone is a beginners climber mecca due to the large number of moderate sport routes (right up there with High Wire Crag only an easier approach).  We arrived with one other group at 7:30 and by the time we left at 11:30 every single route had people on it. 

Due to the crowds and the added people in our group we ended up only hitting 2 routes.  I led the routes first both times and then we had Heather and Matt top rope and Joe lead and clean the route.  As an added bonus I got to hang out in my harness for a long time while I chilled at the anchors with my camera.  It is a nice change of pace to get some pictures from the top down instead of just butt shots.  I do wish I had a longer lens though (really need the 70-300 so I can focus on the subject at further distances).

So the first route that we got on is called Ripple (5.8).  It is a very easy route that has 2 hardish moves at the start.  Everyone sent the route very nicely.  It was very interesting to hang out at the anchors and take pictures, it really put a whole new perspective on the routes and how people attack them differently.  I had no issues with the route, although having the camera slung over the shoulder made balancing a bit interesting.  Matt climbed it as his first route ever.  He did a good job but made the typical rookie mistakes.  He didn't find his feet, pumped his arms, clung onto the rock for dear life...  Heather then cruised up the route as it is one of her favorites in Colorado (also the only route she has led out here).  Lastly Joe lead it while Heather belayed. 

The second route we did is called Venice Beach (5.8). It went the same as Ripple.  This route has a much easier start but a few interesting moves in the middle as you go through the slab section. 

We also met some pretty cool people while out there and I passed on some pictures to them that I snapped while they climbed. 

The last thing is that the Canal Zone is so crowded on a weekend.  We really wanted to get on this sweet 5.9 that is there but like I mentioned the place was super crowed and it just couldn't happen today.

Here are some of the best pictures:


This is a view from the top while I wait for everyone to come my way.

Matt with a grimace on the face as he pulls up the route (use the feet!)

Matt is almost finished as he makes it through the last move.

Heather knows the score as she looks for those feet.

She wishes she could just jump for me...

I think she needs to tighten up that helmet a bit...looking a little crooked.

Joe on an easy section, look at that high foot.

Joe pulling to the finish.

Joe, smooth as ever...or something.


Until the next adventure!

Monday, September 10, 2012

Weekend of climbing

Spent the weekend climbing around the front range.  Sunday I went to Highlander Crag with my friend Joe.  I didn't take any pics this time but here are the routes we did:

Airhead 5.9
Neo-Quasi Bugaloo 5.10b

Both of them I onsighted like a champ.  Feels really good to hardly train and be able to hit 5.10b cleanly.  The rock here was clean and sharp.  One of the best parts was watching the mob of 50+ people pack into High Wire Crag. 

Monday morning I took some time off and met up with Frank to climb at The Black Hole in Morrison.  It is some super stiff bouldering on good but somewhat polished rock.  I apparently do not have the bouldering strength I used to have since I decided that climbing in the gym is not for me (too much awesome outside stuff...).  I did manage to figure out a nice V1/2, no real agreement on the grade from what I can find.

Breashers Crack V1/2

It took me quite a few times to figure it out and clean it.  It felt great to make it all the way up.

Here is a couple pictures of Frank on the route. First one is the topout.  Second is on the way to the top. 


Monday, August 27, 2012

Quandary Peak

Heather, our friend Greg, and I climbed Quandary Peak.  Our first 14er (Greg's second).  It was about 6.75 miles and has an elevation gain of 3450'.  The total round trip took exactly 7 hours (with time for pictures and a nice lunch).  Finished off with some buffalo burgers and beers at Breckenridge Brewery.

The route details can be had here!

Here are the pictures:

This is a view from the peak looking to the north.

 Looking to the southeast from the peak.

Parker on the peak!

Heather on the peak!

Both of us on the peak!

 Look at this sweet goat.


It is like he is fake.


Really a nice trip.  Although very tiring.  Can't wait to get out there and tackle another climb.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Catslab





Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Rock Climbing







Sunday, April 03, 2011

boots






Sunday, October 31, 2010