Hikes 53 and 54 to climbing routes

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This past week we, my husband B and I were able to go away for 4 days to go climbing with our friends. We have not seen them in along while and it was so fun to spend time with them!
B and I left on Friday afternoon and arrived early enough that we could go do some climbing that evening after eating and setting up camp. I climbed one route and they did 2.
The next morning we left somewhat early to beat the heat of the day, because climbing on hot rock is not fun. We also chose a location that required hiking, allowing us to get away from the crowds. The amount of people and cars parked on the side of the road was crazy. It did clear out some after the weekend, but there was still quit a few people.
We took our time on Saturday, we didn't get up too early but still early enough to beat the heat, loaded our gear and off we went to our first hike to the routes.
The trail starts off rather steep and is very narrow and you have to go over and around some big rocks.
The views though were amazing.
Still hiking with the climbing area above our heads.

Where did the trail go? You mean I have to go through here with a backpack?
Now to scramble down and get to the base of the climb.
It was kinda fun and scary to go through.
Be careful... B is so sure footed I don't know why I worry at times, probably because I am not so sure footed.
Finally at the base of the climb...B takes the lead on the first pitch on Special K.
I followed next, then R took the lead for him and his wife, which he caught up to me really fast.
Hi M! You guys must climb all of the time or something. LOL.
So R and M took the second pitch first.
This second route that they climbed I didn't do. It is above my climbing grade as of  now.


    

Day 2 we hiked for an hour to get away from the crowds of people.
The trail starts right off of the shoulder of the road and is steep as you can see in the above picture.
We were a little disappointed when a group of people passed us to go climb up there as well.
The trail is very narrow with lots of boulders and rocks that you have to scramble over or go around.

You also get to go through lots of small Maple trees or Vine Maples. There is no way around them.
Almost there.

Ahh we made it!
We finally reached the climbing area to discover that this is where that group of people were climbing. So the guys decided to keep going. Which was alright with me, I don't enjoy lots of people around when I climb.


Hi B! It was so hot hiking up, that we rolled our pant legs up to help cool off some.
The view down to the Valley was amazing, so it made the bush whacking that we did worth it.
R lead the first route and top roped it so we all could take turns on Opening Ceremonies
B was next,
then M went. I was the last one to go. The route was a lot of fun, it had this shape in the rock that was like a kayak which was very interesting to climb, if I am not mistaken it is rated a 5.9. Lots and lots of fun though.
The second route R lead again and topped roped, it is rated 5.10 a or b, it looked fun and the 3 of them really enjoyed it. They said that the flake at the top was the crux. I did not climb The Javelin.
M's turn on it.
B's turn on it.
After the 3 of them were done climbing that route we decided to pack up and see if the other wall was free since it was so hot and the route we wanted to do was in the shade. Turns out it was free! R took the lead again and top roped it. We then took turns again.
It was a really fun route to do also.
B's turn to climb it.
After B was done climbing we packed up and headed back down to the car. We were hungry and very hot but had such amazing morning and afternoon. We then went bouldering later that evening. It was a great trip, vacation and time with friends!
Until next time! 


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