Starting a new climbing season!
It always seems like winter is so long around here. Mark and I used to drive five or six hours to desert areas where we would try and climb all year long, but that plan is less practical with a fidgety one-year-old in your backseat.
And beyond the kiddo, we’ve had bouts of illness, a seasonal decrease in climbing partners (skiing sucks!) and constant winds to make getting out on the rock even rougher.
Dark Basalt and Denver views
At the beginning of March, we pounced on the first warm day and first friendly helper we could find, and headed out to North Table mountain to get our climb on. LeeAnne came out to help belay and baby watch. And she was great with both!
LeeAnne is an awesome babysitter!
We started the day getting our egos’ smashed by the classic sandbagged routes Thelma (5.7) and Louise (5.8). We were all a little shaken up by the experience, so we hiked over to Kevin Spies the Line (5.6) and finished the day on a high note.
LeeAnne gives Mark the first lead belay of her life
G spent his day climbing over boulders, throwing tiny rocks, making friends with dogs and other kiddos in the area, and eating all of the snacks I packed for him. I can already tell that climbing this summer is going to be radically different from last year. We now have (1) a more mobile child, (2) a child who doesn’t put EVERYTHING in his mouth, and (3) a child who responds to basic voice commands. I hope this makes our outdoor adventures just a little easier.
G having a blast at the crag
We got to the crag a little late and left a little early, but it was a wonderful afternoon in the sun, and we all desperately needed that.
Mark and G climbing above the Coor's Brewery
Bring on that warm weather! We’re totally ready!
G was sooo excited to see the backpack get pulled out
Are you ready for the upcoming climbing season? How about your kiddos? What’s new and exciting for you this year? Let me know in the comments!
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- Happy kiddo helps get ready for climbing
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- Gabe was sooo excited to see the backpack get pulled out
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- LeeAnne is an awesome babysitter!
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- Dark Basalt and Denver views
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- Mark and Gabe climbing above the Coor's Brewery
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- Mark preps LeeAnne for Kevin Spies the Line
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- LeeAnne gives Mark the first lead belay of her life
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- Playing in the PeaPod
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- Gabe having a blast at the crag
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- LeeAnne tops out Kevin Spies the Line!
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- Mark and Gabe enjoy the warm weather
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- Hiking out with Gabe in the backpack
I love this article, cause well…I grew up in Golden and my parents live around the corner from there. Funny thing is I’ve only climbed there once cause I started climbing after I moved away from home. But we plan on doing some climbing during our next visit, sometime in May. We might just be emailing ya for info!
Sweet! I do love climbing at North Table, even if it’s a circus, even if it’s hot, even if it smells like beer sometimes. :) There’s just something about being up above the city, climbing burly basalt that makes my day. Feel free to shoot me a line when you’re headed our way… and if you’re looking for another family to come along, we’re up for it!!