Cochise Stronghold: After Saguaro National Park, we climbed a day at Cochise Stronghold. Our couchsurf hosts spoke highly of the place, and they were right. Fantastic granite and thought-provoking moves, even on the easy stuff. This day, though, I missed my climbing friends in Ithaca and wished that we were together.
yucca and cochise granite |
Then California!
Joshua Tree National Park: the Joshua Trees look so odd, like something Dr. Seuss would draw. We did a day hike out into the desert and up a canyon. I'm sick of desert hiking. Just not the type of place where I feel at home, comfortable, refreshed, at peace--how I usually feel after hiking.
We climbed a half-day since we had quickdraws but no trad rack. Ooops! We climbed on Pixie Rock... lots of smearing and lots of open grip hands. I desperately attempted to crimp on microscopic numbs and to edge on non-existent features before I gave in to the style the rock required. Then it went ok, and I climbed my first outside 5.10 (no cheating, this time!).
I thought I would love JTree, but I only liked it.
joshua tree and sunset |
view of big bear lake from the pacific crest trail (PCT) |
our eagle census sheet |
Pictures are incredible, as usual. That little camera doesn't owe you a dime! Dad and I visited with Dad and Mom Redwood Trees in 1980.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how much they have grown in 31 years.
The black and white photo of coast is surreal.
Last weekend before surgery. Going to puttsy to my hearts content.... Love you Mummers