Comments on: Kate and Mark take a walk in The Park

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:35:00 +0000

Sean, there is nothing like being up early and hitting the wall for a little adventure – just you and a good friend you trust, high up, pushing each other in remote places. And, unless highly motivated or extrememly quick, I think most people will find it hard to get in 700 to 1000 good feet of climbing in a single day of cragging. If you haven’t already, try it some time. The key to a good time usually lies with the partner you choose – the importance of being able to keep a positive mental attitude can never be overestimated.

That being said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with cragging – who doesn’t like chillin’ at the base with a group of friends cheering each other on? Maybe going to grab a beer and a bite afterward?

And Mark and Kate – there is definitely nothing wrong with backing down. It’s disappointing, but sometimes necessary. And in this case, it sounds like you all probably made the right decision given all of the external factors. But don’t give up, this shiz is too much fun!

Cheers,
m

By: Mark

Mark — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:10:56 +0000

If any of you out there can make it to a RMNP trailhead at 6 am in the summer, I highly recommend it.

This was above and beyond the perfect time to hike in the national park in the summer. It was astoundingly beautiful in the early morning light. I am greatful that our climbing plans forced us to wake and hike at that hour even if we didn’t climb.

The not climbing stings a bit, but I still have plenty of wicked routes in Veedauvoo which my pride can lean on. I’m a good climber, I’m just lack some qualities to be a good alpine climber. And thanks to all this prep work, I’ve got the legs of a Sherpa. Anyone need something heavy carried uphill for a couple miles?

By: Kate

Kate — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:09:59 +0000

Yeah, I think the “do I really want to do this?” feeling probably hits a lot of people just before they leave the ground. Usually Mark and I are pretty good at motivating each other, but not this time. When you and your partner are thinking those thoughts, you’re just screwed.

By: sean

sean — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:47:58 +0000

you know what’s funny? right before i started climbing on saturday, i thought, ‘what the f am i doing here? i really don’t want to do this.’ and then it ended up being the perfect day. low stress. a bunch of good, single pitches that were right in my skill level. it was great. and reminded me what i love about climbing.

i’ve never understood the desire to do 20 pitches though and probably never will. it just doesn’t sound like fun to me.