Climbing --- 8/11/2018 - 9/25/2018 --- Colorado, Idaho
8/14 I pick up Camille and Cathy at the airport and we head straight to Eldo where we jump on Ruper. Have to bail after two pitches due to weather. When I attempted this climb years ago with Alana, we got up three pitches before bailing. So I guess next attempt will result in a bail after the first pitch.
8/15 We climb the third flatiron. The one flatiron I had never climbed.
8/16 Head to Lumpy Ridge where we climb Pear Buttress. Really fun!
8/17 4am wake for Culp Bossier. We have to drive to RMNP, but are still hiking before 6am. We see a beautiful sunrise. Two parties are ahead of us. We figure that we are a party of three and leading in blocks, so shouldn't be a problem, but the party of two is much much slower. We wait 15 to 30 minutes at ever single belay. Should have politely passed them. They also knocked a rock which hit me square in the helmet. And we weathered a thunderstorm. Finally we reach the summit. The day can only get better! I mean worse! I wipe out on the descent when a boulder rolls. Lots of scrapes and bruises. Sore wrist. And hurt ribs which will bother me for a month. Sigh. We are finally back to the truck by 9pm where we wash hair, and eat chocolate, and down multiple mountain house meals, and drink much tea. So at least that part went well.
8/19 Awake early to hike to spearhead. It is cold and wet and cloudy and windy. We hike back to the car. Nothing like taking your climbing gear for a six hour walk.
8/20 Another attempt at Ruper. Success this time! Cathy leads the Rover variation on pitch 2, which seemed pretty hard to me.
8/21 Quick jaunt up Calypso before taking Camille to the airport.
8/22 Cathy and I head to The Monastery where we climb The Steeple, The Hot Zone and Tabula Rasa (which I actually manage to onsight!)
8/23 Up at 3:45am for another attempt at Spearhead. We reach the trailhead before 5am. It is pouring rain. We wait an hour in the truck before bailing. Our climbing gear is not interested in repeating that hike. We head to Lumpy Ridge instead. We climb Melvin's Wheel (hard, fun) and White Whale (easy, fun).
8/24 Cathy and I run up Bastille Crack before I take her to the airport and pick up Sammy. Note that I get no rest days? Just saying.
8/25 Sammy and I go to the Crestones and hike to Upper South Colony Lake where we set up camp.
8/26 We climb Ellingwood Ledges. We simul when we can but the rope drag is pretty bad. Probably best to do in a party comfortable unroping on 4th class terrain. I think it takes us 14 pitches (with the direct start). Just as we reach the summit, it starts hailing. The descent takes us 5 hours as we follow the hiking path down Crestone Needle. I believe this is the first technical climb I've ever done to the summit of a 14,000' peak. BTW, I wasn't the Jeff who was rescued by SAR this day. Thanks for your concern.
8/29 In Frisco. We climb Royal Flush on Mount Royal. We try all the variations including Aces High (excellent) and Joe's Mantle (had to pull on a draw).
9/1 We are in Golden, staying at Emily and Brian's new place. We climb the first flatiron as a party of four. Fun! I think this is the best of the flatirons.
9/2 Joined by Bridget, the five of us go hiking. Without climbing gear. Weird.
9/4 This seems to be my trip for being successful in Colorado at climbs I had bailed on in the past. This is my third attempt at The Maiden. We reach the summit easily. I toprope Gates of Galas on rappel. Miss the PANSY by coming off at the very last move.
dance interlude... Sammy goes home... I drive to Ketchum, Idaho... meet up with Jess and Jay... we all head to Boise where we pick up Gretchen and Amy at the airport... Jay drives us part of the way up the Boise spur to the Idaho Hot Springs bike ride...
9/10 Ride-a-ho begins! Jay gets this drone footage of us beginning the ride. He also has some cool footage of our camp site in Ketchum. We ride about 30 miles on a very washboarded dirt road. We enjoy two hot springs and mourn the loss of Gretchen's croc. We reach Nenemyer in time for a long soak.
9/11 The hard day. Only about 41 miles, but with a huge climb. On loose dirt and rocks. In the full mid-day sun. And zero hot springs for the day. But we reach Featherville where get pizza, so the day isn't a total loss.
9/12 About 30 miles with four hike-a-bike sections. The road here has been impassable to vehicles for years due to avalanches and washouts. So we see much more wildlife. One bear. Mountain lion tracks? Tons of salmon and eagles. Two hot springs.
9/13 One more day to Ketchum. A big climb that turns out to be quite easy. One hot spring. About 35 miles total. We meet Jay and Ketchum and get a big dinner.
9/15 Our rest day was gloomy and wet. Good timing. Back on the bikes today heading toward Stanley. Long day with a big climb on single track. About 45 miles and one hot spring.
9/16 Final day. About 35 downhill miles to Stanley.
9/18 Gretchen and I climb Open Book on Finger of Fate. With the 3+ hour hike each way, it turns into over a 15 hour day. Fun climb. Very technical crack climbing for 5.7/5.8
A great finish to my very long summer of climbing and biking.
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The approach slab for Ruper Eldorado Canyon -- 8/14/2018 |
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The approach slab for Ruper Eldorado Canyon -- 8/14/2018 |
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Flatirons Boulder, CO -- 8/15/2018 |
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Camille starting up the third Flatiron Boulder, CO -- 8/15/2018 |
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Camille starting up the third Flatiron Boulder, CO -- 8/15/2018 |
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The Flatirons are steeper than I remember Boulder, CO -- 8/15/2018 |
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nvm Boulder, CO -- 8/15/2018 |
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Camille almost done with the first pitch. I think we did the whole thing in just four pitches. Boulder, CO -- 8/15/2018 |
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Third Flatiron Boulder, CO -- 8/15/2018 |
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Cathy coming up Boulder, CO -- 8/15/2018 |
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Top of the third Flatiron Boulder, CO -- 8/15/2018 |
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Top of the third Flatiron Boulder, CO -- 8/15/2018 |
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Top of the third Flatiron Boulder, CO -- 8/15/2018 |
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Top of the third Flatiron -- Camille's Photo Boulder, CO -- 8/15/2018 |
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Top of the third Flatiron -- Cathy's Photo Boulder, CO -- 8/15/2018 |
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Yeah, I definitely don't remember this Boulder, CO -- 8/15/2018 |
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Hiking to Lumpy Lumpy Ridge -- 8/16/2018 |
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Cathy leading the unprotected start of Pear Buttress Lumpy Ridge -- 8/16/2018 |
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Cathy glad to have some protection Lumpy Ridge -- 8/16/2018 |
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Camille coming up Pear Buttress Lumpy Ridge -- 8/16/2018 |
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Camille coming up Pear Buttress Lumpy Ridge -- 8/16/2018 |
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Camille leading the traverse on Pear Buttress Lumpy Ridge -- 8/16/2018 |
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Camille leading the traverse on Pear Buttress Lumpy Ridge -- 8/16/2018 |
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Cathy atop Pear Buttress Lumpy Ridge -- 8/16/2018 |
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Cathy and Camille atop Pear Buttress Lumpy Ridge -- 8/16/2018 |
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New Moccasyms turn Cathy's feet red Lumpy Ridge -- 8/16/2018 |
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Sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park RMNP -- 8/17/2018 |
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Sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park RMNP -- 8/17/2018 |
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Sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park RMNP -- 8/17/2018 |
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Sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park RMNP -- 8/17/2018 |
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Sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park RMNP -- 8/17/2018 |
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Sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park RMNP -- 8/17/2018 |
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First view of Hallett Peak RMNP -- 8/17/2018 |
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First view of Hallett Peak -- Camille's Photo RMNP -- 8/17/2018 |
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Approaching Hallett -- Cathy's Photo RMNP -- 8/17/2018 |
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Cathy and Camille coming up the third pitch RMNP -- 8/17/2018 |
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Cathy and I on the midpoint ledge -- Camille's Photo RMNP -- 8/17/2018 |
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Camille puzzling out the crux move on the seventh pitch RMNP -- 8/17/2018 |
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Camille puzzling out the crux move on the seventh pitch RMNP -- 8/17/2018 |
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Camille puzzling out the crux move on the seventh pitch RMNP -- 8/17/2018 |
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Camille nearly to the top of Hallett -- Cathy's Photo RMNP -- 8/17/2018 |
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Me nearly to the top of Hallett -- Cathy's Photo RMNP -- 8/17/2018 |
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Top of Culp Bossier -- Cathy's Photo RMNP -- 8/17/2018 |
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Atop Hallett RMNP -- 8/17/2018 |
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I look happy because I have no idea what is in store for me on the descent :( RMNP -- 8/17/2018 |
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Rest day blueberry pancakes!!! Mouse Cemetery, Colorado -- 8/18/2018 |
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Approaching Spearhead RMNP -- 8/19/2018 |
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Forecast was for a bluebird day RMNP -- 8/19/2018 |
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Stupid forecast RMNP -- 8/19/2018 |
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We didn't climb, but we found a lot of booty RMNP -- 8/19/2018 |
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I still want to know how they train the horses to read these signs RMNP -- 8/19/2018 |
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Ruper... my third attempt Eldorado Canyon -- 8/20/2018 |
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Camille claims more is better when it comes to sternum straps Eldorado Canyon -- 8/20/2018 |
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Cathy tried to take the summit selfie Eldorado Canyon -- 8/20/2018 |
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So we gave the job to Camille Eldorado Canyon -- 8/20/2018 |
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Camille says that extra sternum straps help her do an awesome job with selfies Eldorado Canyon -- 8/20/2018 |
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Rattlesnakes! A big one and at least two babies Eldorado Canyon -- 8/20/2018 |
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Cathy leading Calypso Update: Cathy says she is following. But really who cares? I mean... that face. THAT FACE! Eldorado Canyon -- 8/21/2018 |
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Great camping at the Monastery Drake, CO -- 8/22/2018 |
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My truck is in that photo somewhere Drake, CO -- 8/22/2018 |
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Cathy leading The Steeple Drake, CO -- 8/22/2018 |
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Cathy leading The Steeple Drake, CO -- 8/22/2018 |
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Cathy leading The Hot Zone Drake, CO -- 8/22/2018 |
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Me after leading Tabula Rasa Drake, CO -- 8/22/2018 |
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I was psyched to get the redpoint Drake, CO -- 8/22/2018 |
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Very psyched! Drake, CO -- 8/22/2018 |
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Cathy, get the packs! Lumpy Ridge -- 8/23/2018 |
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Cathy leading the exit of Bastille Crack Eldorado Canyon -- 8/24/2018 |
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Crestone Needle Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado -- 8/25/2018 |
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Sunrise Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado -- 8/26/2018 |
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Crestone Needle at sunrise Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado -- 8/26/2018 |
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Crestone Needle at sunrise Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado -- 8/26/2018 |
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View of Upper South Colony Lake Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado -- 8/26/2018 |
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Upper South Colony Lake and Humbolt Peak Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado -- 8/26/2018 |
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Sammy high up on Ellingwood Ledges Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado -- 8/26/2018 |
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Sammy high up on Ellingwood Ledges Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado -- 8/26/2018 |
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Sammy high up on Ellingwood Ledges Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado -- 8/26/2018 |
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We just finished coiling the rope when the hail started Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado -- 8/26/2018 |
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Yay? Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado -- 8/26/2018 |
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The second comment in Mountain Project for this route says, "A rain or hail storm would make the downclimb suicidal." Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado -- 8/26/2018 |
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At least we got a double rainbow Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado -- 8/26/2018 |
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At least we got a double rainbow Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado -- 8/26/2018 |
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We survived. In spite of doing the most difficult descent of all 54 Colorado Fourteeners. Having not seen the route on ascent. In a hail storm. Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado -- 8/27/2018 |
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I like biking Frisco, CO -- 8/28/2018 |
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Sammy coming up Royal Flush Frisco, CO -- 8/29/2018 |
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Sammy coming up Royal Flush Frisco, CO -- 8/29/2018 |
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Sammy coming up Royal Flush Frisco, CO -- 8/29/2018 |
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Sammy coming up Royal Flush Frisco, CO -- 8/29/2018 |
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Sammy atop Royal Flush Frisco, CO -- 8/29/2018 |
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Sammy atop Royal Flush Frisco, CO -- 8/29/2018 |
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I still like biking Frisco, CO -- 8/30/2018 |
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Party of four on the first flatiron Boulder -- 9/1/2018 |
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Party of four on the first flatiron Boulder -- 9/1/2018 |
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Sammy atop the first flatiron Boulder -- 9/1/2018 |
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Bridget and Darcy 13,000' in Colorado -- 9/2/2018 |
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Bridget and Darcy 13,000' in Colorado -- 9/2/2018 |
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How many Ptarmigans do you see in this photo? 13,000' in Colorado -- 9/2/2018 |
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The Maiden looks like a leaping dolphin from this angle Boulder -- 9/4/2018 |
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This is actually just the approach to the maiden. Hard for third class :) Boulder -- 9/4/2018 |
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Cooper sad to see us go -- Jay's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 |
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Drone shot of us starting Rideaho -- Jay's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 |
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This guy was bikepacking with only half a bike! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Population 2 Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Everyone looks so fragile in this photo. Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Jefe y Tres Esposas Locas! Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Atop Galena summit, our final climb Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Gretchen... causing yet another #metoo moment Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Ride A Ho!!!! -- Jess's Photo Idaho -- 9/9/2018 - 9/16/2018 |
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Approaching Open Book on Finger of Fate Sawtooths, Idaho -- 9/18/2018 |
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Great reflections early in the morning Sawtooths, Idaho -- 9/18/2018 |
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Great reflections early in the morning Sawtooths, Idaho -- 9/18/2018 |
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The wide section on the first pitch Sawtooths, Idaho -- 9/18/2018 |
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What was that tree thinking?!?!?!?! Look at that tree right in the middle of the lake!!!! LOL! Sawtooths, Idaho -- 9/18/2018 |
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Tunneling under the summit block Sawtooths, Idaho -- 9/18/2018 |
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Summit! Sawtooths, Idaho -- 9/18/2018 |
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Summit! Sawtooths, Idaho -- 9/18/2018 |
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Homeward Bound Iowa -- 9/23/2018 |