So this started out as a - get out of the front range heat - trip with a purpose.

To finally say farewell to my Mom.



The following morning, the day was gorgeous and filled with bird and river song.


I finally had the opportunity to hang with some of the "next Generation".
Like Luke Mehall a real fine climber and super enjoyable GunnyCat.


Luke's Climbing Zine

http://lukemehall.blogspot.com/2011/07/art-in-climbing-photo-essay.html


There were also Sierra & Colleen.


And Shane


Our relaxed objective was the classic routes on the Parking Lot wall called Zig Zag 5.9 & Whiskey Crack 5.10d


Luke lead Zig Zag handily but I was gratified to hear him express how it always keeps you on your toes.
We all took a lap starting with Colleen.


Then Luke took on the deceptively difficult and fairly intimidating 5.10d Whiskey Crack and did a beautiful job of it.


By that time it was scorching in the sun so I suggested we go snack in the shade. All concured. It was nice to know a 70 meter rope makes it handily to the ground from the top of P2 of Whiskey.


By that time Sierra the daring


Top Dog


became a real Hot Dog!!!


We took the wise example of Goldie Girl a real Cool Rock Hound.


We bailed to the cool recesses of the Big Roof to chill and snack.
This spot is a fantastic hang and has been for thousands of years.


Shane had to get to work so he jumped on the top rope. Using a 70 meter rope allowed us to link the first two pitches into one sustained and memorable pitch.


Meanwhile at Base Camp the saner members of our party were chillin'.


And snackin'.


Some of us were "chillin'" more than others. Bad dog. Bad dopey dog. Where's your manners. Didn't your mama teach you to share?


Eventually the sizzle left the scorch and climbing commenced anew.


It really was nice to climb these stellar lines without remembering every hold. It was also nice to have the rope overhead!!