International Climbers Meet via the American Alpine Club at Yosemite National Park

 We all rolled in on Oct 7 and were pleased to see that the catering was already there. At the meet, all meals were taken care of and were delicious!

 Any food must be kept in the bear boxes!

 Sherpa's from Mt. Everest greeted us with gifts and shared some experiences with us.

 Everyone came to see and hopefully get on top of the Captain! This is the view from the East Buttress of El Cap.

 Day one: cragging at the Cookie Cliff

 Steve A laying down the law. from Mass. USA

 Jane and Kang from China

 Some Danish climbers!

 Jeff climbing on the Cookie Cliff

Another classic at the Cookie.

Get outside and have an adventure!

piz : )

Idaho Mountain Festival (City of Rocks)

 On the way we stopped in Salt Lake City to see our friend's the Burrs and Rowan got down to business in their car.

 Sierra was willing to share her toys with while while we ate dinner.

 Then in the morning we arrived at the Castle Rock State Park which is right next to the City of Rocks! Beautiful.

 Again, let the boy out of the truck and he is on it.

 After teaching an Intro to Trad course to 25 people we went climbing with Jesse, Jen and Chandler.

 I only got to climb a few pitches but they were really nice and well protected.

 More views of the park.

 Rowan and I playing at the festival headquarters/campground.

 The food was taken care of (not lunches) and it was delicious and there was a band, movies and slide shows along with tons of gear give aways! I was one of the presenters and we had a good time as I told stories and ultimately made fun of myself a lot.

 Jane taking a morning stroll through the park.

 There are tents and then there are tents. Big Agnes knows tents. This was our home for the weekend.

 Me giving one of my clinics.

 Rowan gets into all kinds of trouble when he has a whole park to play in.

Rowan waking up the last morning of the event. He was a happy camper!
Get outside and have an adventure and take advantage of the events that are organized. Between the clinics and the presenters and the people and the climbing, you will have a great time!
piz : )

The Chalk of Destiny

 A few months back I bolted and cleaned a two pitch crack and face route in Unaweep. The Chalk of Destiny is 5.10 to 5.11+ in its two pitches. First one gear next mixed.
I finally got to climb on it after work for 2 hours this week! Whew. With three runs on it, we were able to free the techy thin face and crack route. Here are a couple of photos of Ben and I as the sun set.

 My gear at the belay

 You know what I am saying, "AHHHH YEAHHHH!"

 Ben gastoning to get to the next grips at the start of the pitch

 Ben making the lunge to the sloper from a crappy fist jam.

 Perfect finger locks on this one.

Ben making the transition from the thin face crux to the nice crack!

Get outside and have an adventure!

piz : )