Expedition Bliss: Vacay from vacay... climbing and a trip to St. Vincent

Before heading out to St. Vincent we did a few days of climbing, first at the Monastery, then at Jurassic park. The Monastery is a collection of very tall walls. The hike in is rough with a steep down and up hill climb. By the time we found the wall my legs were already feeling like jelly. Then came the task of wandering about trying to find climbs. The first day didn't go so well, we were 'off' and only did a 5.6 climb. It was mid-afternoon by then with all the wandering about so we called it quits.

The next day was a lounging around camp day. We returned to the climbing wall the following day and had a little less trouble looking for climbs. We found a 5.6 climb and we both lead it. Then while trying to figure out where our next climb was we came across two other climbers, Ed and Joe. They are buddies from Iowa that came out for the weekend to climb. Ed is a lively, nerdy, older gentleman and Joe is a funny, sweetheart that looks like a tough guy. We loved both of them. We teamed up to try to figure out where climbs were. After some stumbling around again we made our way to a 5.7 and 5.9 that shared an anchor. As is goes both parties assumed the others were better climbers.. we were right. And so, Joe lead the 5.7, set up a top rope and we were able to do the climb. Then Ed started to lead the 5.9 but had trouble at the crux so Joe tried it, and although it was tough he made it through. He set up a top rope and the rest of us climbed it.

Joe leading the 5.7

Ed at the top of the 5.8, with Joe belaying

We then made our way around to another climb, this one was a 105' 5.8 climb. Ed was the first up and he lead the climb with no trouble, saying it was actually the easiest climb he'd done all day, including the 5.7 which was supposed to be easier. Everyone lead this climb, but since Ed went first the quick draws were already in and we only had to clip the rope in as we went up. When I was up... I wasn't thrilled about leading a 5.8 but after watching the other two I figured I could at least try and if things go south I can back out. I did the whole climb, at about 90' it got a little tricky and I started to freak a little but something Ed said stuck with me "fear is an option". I don't know why but it gave me a different way to feel about it, to accept it. It didn't hurt that the rock was excellent for feet and I found some really good placements. I never slipped or felt like I would.

After a day of climbing together we didn't want the fun to end so we went out for dinner and dairy queen that evening in Estes park. Yay for new friends! We are now official on facebook and I look forward to more climbing adventures with those two.

We were in climbing mode after this and went to Jurassic Park, at Lily lake. The hike in was much shorter but pretty steep. We were a little worn out and did a few easier climbs, ended up doing a 5.6 and a 5.7... we were taking it easy that day because we were planning on doing Longs peak, which is at 14,259'. It didn't work out anyway because I don't have the right gear... don't honestly remember what we did instead.

Lily lake, with the rocks we climbed in the distance. What you can't see is the moose that was swimming across that lake, it was too far out to get in the photo.

hiking up to the climbing wall

Climbing a 5.7

Our Trip to St. Vincent was full of adventure, fun, laughter, and delicious food with people I love. I didn't keep up with writing about it while there and rather than take the time to recall the entire trip I will simply convey it through pictures.. which are worth a thousand words anyway, so there. 99% photo cred to Mietta. Btw, they are not necessarily in order.