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Wild Iris
The wind has died down in the morning, so we pack up the climbing packs again and head up to the OK Corral wall of Wild Iris. At 9,000 feet, we know this area will be hit-and-miss in October, and it is indeed quite cold when we arrive. It’s sunny, getting warmer, and windier. In…
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A windy tour of Sinks Canyon
The day begins with only a stiff wind. We optimistically don our climbing packs and start toward the cliff walls of the Fairfield Hill area of Sinks Canyon. Those cliffs are more distant than they look – we hike for an hour just to reach them. By that time it’s very windy. We tour the…
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Cranner Rock Lunch Stop
Shortly after turning west at Muddy Gap we stop to take a look at the wonderfully remote Sweetwater Rocks from the rest area by Cranner Rock. The 200-meter face of Split Rock beckons to climbers, but we’re headed to Lander to meet Ann’s parents today. We do have time to explore some of the BLM…
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East of Eden – Poudre Canyon’s Best Trad Route?
We’re a bit slow in the morning, but happily able to perambulate, so we pack up and descend the canyon a few miles to East of Eden 5.9, a lovely dihedral rising up next to the road in the Narrows. The crux comes early on this 100-foot route, at a blocky roof. Just after I…
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Mountain Park Campground
Some of Ann’s coworkers treat us to a free site at mountain park campground in the Poudre Canyon. We didn’t realize how big this place is. There are multiple loops and dozens of sites, showers, hookups, the whole bit. We are given some strong beverages as we tour around admiring our hosts’ rigs. We go…
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N Table Mountain Sidetrip
We have errands to do today, but we decide there is time for a quick trip to North Table Mountain for some sport climbing. At my suggestion, Ann starts up Deck Chairs on the Titanic 5.9+ on lead. The opening moves of this climb are pumpy, which make the remaining crimpy face harder. Ann has…
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Guyot Cirque Hike
Dad (and Jezze) suggest an exploration of a small, intriguing old mining trail that Dad spotted once on his way up to Georgia pass on the continental divide. The drive itself is a treat, taking us through crowds of blazing yellow aspen (and crowds of people too) on Kenosha Pass. The hike begins close to…
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Out with a roar
Ann and I begin what we imagine will probably be our last day at Vedauwoo for the season in lower Blair, where Ann leads “Awakening to Fat Mosquitoes 5.7”, a short, stout-looking offwidth flake to double-hand crack. Ann plugs in all our biggest gear, belaying me at the top with our lone big bro. This…
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One last group session at Blair
We’re happy to see Sean, then Mark and Kate show up with Doug and Liz in the morning at our campsite in upper Blair. Fall is just arriving here, a few yellow aspen leaves flutter in cool breezes, and the morning light comes later every day. Despite all the time we’ve spent here recently, we’ll…
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Vedauwoo Moose & Sport Climbs
Cousin Doug & Liz join us for our habitual Vedauwoo weekend, and are treated to our closest-yet encounter with a Vedauwoo Moose. We’re having a leisurely morning in camp when a crashing comes from the aspen above us. Liz and I both see the shape of a horse and rider in the trees, and don’t…