Travels and Vagabonds
First Flatiron
Back in Boulder again, I suggested to Ben that we climb the 1st flatiron before the weather started to turn and before the rock would be closed for raptor nesting. The approach we had planed was the direct route of the east face. This normally ends up being about 7-10 pitches (depending on your rope length and how ballsy you are).
Flatirons of Boulder
The Flatirons of Boulder beckoned me again this August. Ben had planned out a climb of another one of the five most recognized flatirons in Boulder. There was also talk about trying another climb, but we wouldn’t know until the day of the climb. The task ahead for the weekend would be 4-5 pitches on the Seal, and cracky 5.8 high on the ridge. Continue reading “Boulder: Trad Climbing Seal Rock and Devil’s Thumb”
Many moons ago, Ben had a great idea for a mountaineering trip up the great volcanic peak of Mount Rainer. It took many hours of planning on his part and some serious commitments from others in the group to make this a reality, but this summer it finally happened. A group of four unguided climbers made they run on Rainier, the Icy Jewel of the Northwest. Continue reading “Seattle: Mount Rainer (14er) (the mountain)”
The weekend Ben finally got his “new” 4runner, he invited me up to do some climbing in boulder and look as his car. Let me go on a little bit about Ben’s car. This car fits him perfectly. This car can now finally handle his driving style, and lifestyle. Continue reading “Climbing the 3rd Flat Iron.”
Over Labor Day weekend, I tagged along with Ben to go on a camping trip. The trip was initially set to hike the 4 pass loop in the Maroon Bells/Snowmass area. The total trip was to be a 28-29 mile slog, but do to some injuries along the way we decide to just to an out and back to the Snowmass Lake only 24 miles.
The trip started from the Maroon Bells View area (9,580 feet). This was a heavily touristed area, and allowed the visitors to Aspen a chance to see some of \the true ruggedness of the range. The first couple miles of the trail took us to crater lake. This trail was frequented by the very prolific species that is the the”Aspen Cougar”. Walking up the trail, you felt the constant glare of the predatory species. Amanda (Ben’s Girlfriend) received numerous compliments from the Cougars for hiking with “3 young men.”