Rock Climbing --- 6/8/2007 - 6/22/2007 --- Boulder, Colorado

Travel to Boulder for Tom and Beth's Wedding. Climbing with Alana, Tom, Tina, Margo, Amy and Charles.

6/8 - 6/10  Drive from Ithaca to Alana and Becky's house in Boulder.  Listen to Bait and Switch, by Barbara Ehrenreich and God is not Great, by Christopher Hitchens.  I get 35mpg on the highway!  The result of all the work I did on my car prior to the trip and driving a bit slower than usual.  I don't know anyone else with a Subaru Legacy Wagon who gets that kind of mileage.

Interesting tidbit... a Missouri rest stop has completely automated sinks.  You put your hands in the opening and it sprays soap, then water, then warm air.  Next they need to come up with urinal that pees for you.

6/11  Alana and I go to Eldorado Canyon to climb Ruper (5.8+).  We simulclimb the approach (250' of 50 degree 5.0 slab).  Then Alana leads the Art's Spar variation of P1.  I get to lead P2 (Ruper Crack -- offwidth to squeeze chimney) and P3 (Ruper Traverse).

Minor epic getting down. Our two 60m ropes didn't quite reach the ground (WTF? We were supposed to have 2x70m?) I could barely touch a toe, but it was on the 50 degree slab that we had roped up for on the ascent. My plan was to swing up the slab and get off the rope that way, but the rope was stuck in a huge crack and I couldn't swing. Ok... Plan B. I prussiked to a ledge, then waited for Alana to come down. We tandem rappelled to the ground. The extra weight plus the length of the rappel extension got us to the slab where we built an anchor with a bomber #3 camalot.

Then it started raining.

We pulled the ropes and slung a rock column to rappel down the slab and back to our packs. A nice climb! I want to get back and do Upper Ruper some day.

6/12 Rain all day.  I help Alana pack her car and clean her apartment.

6/13  Chris and I were going to climb Werk Supp in Eldo, but he smashed his finger last night playing soccer and had to make a midnight run to the hospital.  Alana leaves for Minnesota, London and Kentucky (where she is starting med school just 40 minutes from Red River Gorge).

6/14  Tom, Brielle and I hike Mt. Sanitas.  There is some decent bouldering and I get a chance to try my new madrock shoes.  Hard to convince me to give up my aces after a decade.

Then I meet up with Tina.  We eat some ice cream and head to Boulder Canyon where we climb East Slab (5.6) on The Dome.  After that we head to Beth's house for the first of many wedding events... a pool party.

6/15  Tina and I head to Cob Rock.  We enjoy the tyrolean across Boulder Creek.  Another party is on North Face Center, so we climb Empor (5.7+). We started on the wrong side of the boulder and I had to make some unprotected 5.9+ moves to get to the start of the climb. Pretty ugly.  After that we meet Tom, Beth and friends for a yoga session and another pool party.  Then Tina and I head to an improv show at the Dairy Factory.  It is good, but not great.

6/16  Tom's out of town guests join him for a 16.5 mile bike ride around Boulder.  Then we all go to Betasso Preserve in Boulder Canyon for a picnic.

6/17  Tom and Beth get married at Chautauqua.  We eat lots of food, then go for a short hike around the park.

6/18  Tom, Tina and I take Margo climbing in Eldorado Canyon.  We consider climbing Recon, but some guidebooks have that joining the last pitch of Calypso, which I climbed back in 2006.  We end up on what at least one book calls The Bomb (5.4).  This is Margo's first time following a climb.  She and I climb two pitches and Tom and Tina follow us.  Then we join ropes and do one long rappel from the top of Wind Tower.  After climbing, I head to Amy and Charles' house for a shower and dinner.

6/19  Take Luna for a nice long walk.  When Amy and Charles finish work, we head to Boulder Canyon and meet a bunch of their friends at The Bihedrals for some sport climbing.  I lead Hold the Line (5.9), Rhodian Shores (5.10b), and Flags of our Fathers (5.10-) all onsight.  It was dark when we finished, so rather than take the 4th class scramble to the road, we rappelled down.  To save time, Charles and I simulrappelled.  First time I've ever done that.  So this trip I managed a simulclimb, tandem rappel, simulrappel, and tyrolean traverse.  I'll call this trip "Rope Tricks Over Boulder" in my memories.

6/20  One final pool party at Beth's house.  We look at pictures from the wedding and eat all the leftovers from the reception.

6/21 - 6/23  Driving back to Ithaca.  I listen to The Bean Trees, by Barbara Kingsolver and a bunch of David Sedaris short stories.  Also, I stop in the library in Ogallala, NB.  That means I've only got Idaho, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota left in my quest to do something in all 50 states.  Maybe next summer...

Alana (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Alana    Boulder, CO -- 6/10/2007

Alana made us ice cream sandwiches.  Yum! (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Alana made us ice cream sandwiches. Yum!    Boulder, CO -- 6/10/2007

This chipmunk enjoyed rummaging in another climber's pack. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

This chipmunk enjoyed rummaging in another climber's pack.    Eldorado Canyon -- 6/11/2007

I kept tossing rocks at him, but was too busy belaying to really run him off. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

I kept tossing rocks at him, but was too busy belaying to really run him off.    Eldorado Canyon -- 6/11/2007

Alana most of the way up the approach slab we simulclimbed to the start of Ruper. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Alana most of the way up the approach slab we simulclimbed to the start of Ruper.    Eldorado Canyon -- 6/11/2007

Following the approach slab. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Following the approach slab.    Eldorado Canyon -- 6/11/2007

Alana ready to lead P1 of Ruper. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Alana ready to lead P1 of Ruper.    Eldorado Canyon -- 6/11/2007

Following P1 of Ruper. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Following P1 of Ruper.    Eldorado Canyon -- 6/11/2007

About to lead the traverse on P3 of Ruper. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

About to lead the traverse on P3 of Ruper.    Eldorado Canyon -- 6/11/2007

About to lead the traverse on P3 of Ruper. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

About to lead the traverse on P3 of Ruper.    Eldorado Canyon -- 6/11/2007

About to lead the traverse on P3 of Ruper. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

About to lead the traverse on P3 of Ruper.    Eldorado Canyon -- 6/11/2007

The rock column we slung to rappel the approach slab. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

The rock column we slung to rappel the approach slab.    Eldorado Canyon -- 6/11/2007

Becky cooking an entire head of cauliflower. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Becky cooking an entire head of cauliflower.    Boulder, CO -- 6/12/2007

Chris smashed his finger playing soccer, so no climbing for us. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Chris smashed his finger playing soccer, so no climbing for us.    Boulder, CO -- 6/13/2007

Alana and Becky (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Alana and Becky    Boulder, CO -- 6/13/2007

Becky and me (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Becky and me    Boulder, CO -- 6/13/2007

Becky and the fish.  These pictures crack me up. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Becky and the fish. These pictures crack me up.    Boulder, CO -- 6/13/2007

Becky and the fish. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Becky and the fish.    Boulder, CO -- 6/13/2007

Becky and the fish. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Becky and the fish.    Boulder, CO -- 6/13/2007

Becky and the fish. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Becky and the fish.    Boulder, CO -- 6/13/2007

Brielle hiking Mt. Sanitas. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Brielle hiking Mt. Sanitas.    Boulder, CO -- 6/14/2007

Brielle hiking Mt. Sanitas. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Brielle hiking Mt. Sanitas.    Boulder, CO -- 6/14/2007

Bouldering along the Mt. Sanitas trail. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Bouldering along the Mt. Sanitas trail.    Boulder, CO -- 6/14/2007

Bouldering along the Mt. Sanitas trail. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Bouldering along the Mt. Sanitas trail.    Boulder, CO -- 6/14/2007

Brielle at the top of Mt. Sanitas. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Brielle at the top of Mt. Sanitas.    Boulder, CO -- 6/14/2007

Tom at the top of Mt. Sanitas. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Tom at the top of Mt. Sanitas.    Boulder, CO -- 6/14/2007

Cactus (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Cactus    Boulder, CO -- 6/14/2007

Cactus (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Cactus    Boulder, CO -- 6/14/2007

The Dome.  East Slab is on the far right and stays right of the huge block. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

The Dome. East Slab is on the far right and stays right of the huge block.    Boulder Canyon -- 6/14/2007

Looking down The East Slab of The Dome. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Looking down The East Slab of The Dome.    Boulder Canyon -- 6/14/2007

Tina following The East Slab of The Dome. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Tina following The East Slab of The Dome.    Boulder Canyon -- 6/14/2007

Tina following The East Slab of The Dome. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Tina following The East Slab of The Dome.    Boulder Canyon -- 6/14/2007

Tina following The East Slab of The Dome. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Tina following The East Slab of The Dome.    Boulder Canyon -- 6/14/2007

Tina following The East Slab of The Dome. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Tina following The East Slab of The Dome.    Boulder Canyon -- 6/14/2007

At the top of The Dome. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

At the top of The Dome.    Boulder Canyon -- 6/14/2007

At the top of The Dome. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

At the top of The Dome.    Boulder Canyon -- 6/14/2007

Tina doing the Tyrolean across Boulder Creek to get to Cob Rock. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Tina doing the Tyrolean across Boulder Creek to get to Cob Rock.    Boulder Canyon -- 6/15/2007

Tina doing the Tyrolean across Boulder Creek to get to Cob Rock. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Tina doing the Tyrolean across Boulder Creek to get to Cob Rock.    Boulder Canyon -- 6/15/2007

Erika, David and Virginia (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Erika, David and Virginia    Boulder, CO -- 6/15/2007

Biking around Boulder. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Biking around Boulder.    Boulder, CO -- 6/16/2007

Beth and Erika (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Beth and Erika    Boulder, CO -- 6/16/2007

Tom (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Tom    Boulder, CO -- 6/16/2007

Everyone thought this was a particularly funny picture of Tom's brother-in-law, Rick. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Everyone thought this was a particularly funny picture of Tom's brother-in-law, Rick.    Boulder, CO -- 6/16/2007

Getting ready to ride. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Getting ready to ride.    Boulder, CO -- 6/16/2007

Riding around Boulder. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Riding around Boulder.    Boulder, CO -- 6/16/2007

Erika's orchestra warming up before the wedding. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Erika's orchestra warming up before the wedding.    Boulder, CO -- 6/17/2007

Erika, Tom and Beth (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Erika, Tom and Beth    Boulder, CO -- 6/17/2007

Mary took most of the pictures, but I stepped in when she had to be in the photo. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Mary took most of the pictures, but I stepped in when she had to be in the photo.    Boulder, CO -- 6/17/2007

Mary took most of the pictures, but I stepped in when she had to be in the photo. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Mary took most of the pictures, but I stepped in when she had to be in the photo.    Boulder, CO -- 6/17/2007

Hiking around Chautauqua. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Hiking around Chautauqua.    Boulder, CO -- 6/17/2007

View from Chautauqua out past the University of Colorado at Boulder. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

View from Chautauqua out past the University of Colorado at Boulder.    Boulder, CO -- 6/17/2007

First, second and third flatirons.  First is on the right. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

First, second and third flatirons. First is on the right.    Boulder, CO -- 6/17/2007

Margo (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Margo    Eldorado Canyon -- 6/18/2007

Margo at the first belay on The Bomb. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Margo at the first belay on The Bomb.    Eldorado Canyon -- 6/18/2007

Me and Margo at the first belay on The Bomb. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Me and Margo at the first belay on The Bomb.    Eldorado Canyon -- 6/18/2007

Margo, Tina and Tom on The Bomb. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Margo, Tina and Tom on The Bomb.    Eldorado Canyon -- 6/18/2007

Get the manicure AFTER climbing. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Get the manicure AFTER climbing.    Eldorado Canyon -- 6/18/2007

Margo finishing the rappel from the top of Wind Tower. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Margo finishing the rappel from the top of Wind Tower.    Eldorado Canyon -- 6/18/2007

Luna (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Luna    Boulder, CO -- 6/19/2007

Leading Hold The Line at The Bihedrals. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Leading Hold The Line at The Bihedrals.    Boulder Canyon -- 6/19/2007

Leading Hold The Line at The Bihedrals. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Leading Hold The Line at The Bihedrals.    Boulder Canyon -- 6/19/2007

Charles climbing at The Bihedrals. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Charles climbing at The Bihedrals.    Boulder Canyon -- 6/19/2007

Amy climbing at The Bihedrals. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Amy climbing at The Bihedrals.    Boulder Canyon -- 6/19/2007

Additional Wedding Pictures - Pool Fight! (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Additional Wedding Pictures - Pool Fight!    Boulder -- 6/20/2007

Additional Wedding Pictures - Tina and me (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Additional Wedding Pictures - Tina and me    Boulder -- 6/15/2007

Additional Wedding Pictures - Tina and me (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Additional Wedding Pictures - Tina and me    Boulder -- 6/16/2007

Additional Wedding Pictures - Tina and me (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Additional Wedding Pictures - Tina and me    Boulder -- 6/15/2007