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City of Rocks becomes our Magic Kingdom
Ann and I haved always found a special kind of allure in landscapes filled with rocks. You could guess it from hints like our wedding in Joshua Tree, and a month living in a camper in Vedauwoo. We now have a new rock wonderland in our collection of places that call to us in dreams,…
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Just right at Big Chief
Ann and I are becoming regulars at Big Chief this summer. On a not-so-hot day like today it’s about perfect in the morning. We repeat a few of our favorite climbs and and try some new ones until we hit one we can’t finish :D. Routes: War Path 5.8, Route Stealers From Hell 5.10a, Force…
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Beach Party
To make up for some misfired morning climbing at Trippy Rock due to loud people, kids, and pets we have fun at Hidden beach with many friends. Many of us have summer birthdays, which is a good excuse to swim, drink, and get sunburned. Routes: Roto Arete 5.9, First Dose 5.10b
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Tahoe Rim Trail run: Spooner pass to Tunnel creek
Our group from last week grows by two when Alli and Wes join us. Despite an earlier 7am start, we’re feeling enthusiastic beforehand. Runners ready It’s a hot day and we are sharing the trail with some very tired 100-mile racers on their last miles. Despite these things the run is still quite peaceful, and…
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Deep Creek Exploration
Curiosity draws Ann and I out for a drive in the truck to find the Deep Creek crags. We’re just scouting without climbing gear. The 5 miles of steep dirt roads nearly thwart us, but after recovering from one wrong turn we find it. It’s a remote place that’s pretty bushy and overgrown to get…
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Tahoe Meadows to Tunnel Creek Run
Colin and Steve have proposed running Tahoe Rim Trail segments over the summer, starting with this one. John and I join for the day, and Ann graciously agrees to shuttle a vehicle to the bottom and do the much harder hike back up. Preparing the shuttle Steve points out Mt Rose John and Colin over…
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Racing lizards home
In a last vain attempt at morning climbing we rise at 4:30am. Preparations move a little more slowly, and it’s already getting hot when we reach the base of Racing Lizards 5.7. We manage the first pitch in the heat, but decide not to venture further in the baking sun. One last luxurious vacation lunch,…
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Barbershop buttress and Pine lake
Waking up is easier on our second vacation morning. We’re making coffee at 6am, hoping to sneak in a little climbing in the morning sun before it gets too hot. Today we hit the Barbershop buttress where I start off on the very apropos Vegetarian Delight 5.8, a nice leaning crack with a crux that…
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Sheelite climbing sampler
Ah, vacation. Sleep in as late as we like. For Ann and I that’s 7 am. Are we old yet? Even so, it still feels damn hot when we head out with heavy packs to check out some of the storied granite climbing here. The easier climbs at the PSOM slab lure us first, but…
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Pine creek and Gable lakes trail meander
Some warm but scenic driving brings Ann and I to a huge rocky canyon I’ve seen many times from afar but never up close: Pine creek canyon. We’re eager to explore but also ready to relax into a long weekend. The paved road up the canyon is surprisingly good due to the tungsten mine at…