Sherri Posted October 30, 2008 Posted October 30, 2008 For our nephew's class project, family members were asked to take "Flat Stanley" along with them on their vacations. So, when it came our turn, we took him climbing, of course. Obligatory tourist pose: We spent the first day of our trip warming up on some of the single pitch gems at Willow Springs, where we saw a tarantula crossing the road. She was a beauty. But I'd hate to meet her in a crack! Next day, we met up with our friends Joanne and Jorge for a group-seige of Geronimo(there were six of us altogether, not counting Flat Stanley). We split into two groups of three to save some time, and it was my first time leading w/double ropes. Bill Hotz belaying me. Joanne leading 2nd pitch: Two of the climbers in our group were newbies and Geronimo is a great climb for confidence-building. Lots of big holds and generous belay ledges: Our party finished in the dark and we had a little fun w/stuck ropes and momentarily losing the trail back to Oak Creek parking lot. Thankfully, Bill's sense of direction was better than mine and he navigated us through the washes and cacti without too much lost time. Next morning, I met back up with Jorge and Joanne for my first taste of Ginger Crack, a fabulous 5.9 just to the right of the famed Chrimson Chrysalis. The approach was warm and a bit strenuous, but the climb itself was in the shade. I led the 1st and 3rd pitches, which were a fun mix of face, offwidth, and a bit of chimneying. (photo linked from Summitpost.org) The 2nd and 4th pitches were the money pitches, with plenty of stemming, long reaches, and steep jams. You can summit by doing a few more pitches, but we stopped at the top of 4th and rapped the route. Kelly styling "Chips and Salsa" at Tuna Wall the following day. I onsighted Spiderline at Willow Springs, a 5.7 single-pitch which had been on my ticklist for a while. It starts in a wide crack(which can be face climbed) to a ledge, at which point you follow the edge of the varnish. Book states it is "suprisingly well-protected," but I'm not sure I'd be so generous with my assessment of the pro. Even with slinging chicken-heads and threading varnish plates, the pro was sparse and the climbing thoughtful. Still, it was a nice route w/a 2 minute approach. I think Flat Stanley had a great trip. We did, too. : Approach notes: Southwest Airlines. (no charge for baggage) Quote
layton Posted October 30, 2008 Posted October 30, 2008 nice! maybe nick (skyclimb) and I saw you there, we just got back ourselves (did fiddler, triassic and woman of mtn dreams). Love the RR! Quote
sobo Posted October 30, 2008 Posted October 30, 2008 Excellent TR, Shugga! Looks like you had a great time. So is Flat Stanley a ropegun, or did he just hang out at the belays and drink beer around the fire? Quote
John Frieh Posted October 30, 2008 Posted October 30, 2008 You realize photos of "Flat Stanley" getting a lap dance or @ a brothel would have guaranteed your nephew an "A+" Quote
Sherri Posted October 30, 2008 Author Posted October 30, 2008 You realize photos of "Flat Stanley" getting a lap dance or @ a brothel would have guaranteed your nephew an "A+" Trust me, Flat Stanley had a good time there...some of the photos just didn't make it to the nephew. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Quote
rmncwrtr Posted October 31, 2008 Posted October 31, 2008 Awesome TR, Sherri. Looks like this will be Flat Stanley's fave trip! Quote
Sherri Posted November 4, 2008 Author Posted November 4, 2008 thanks, M! Apparently, this is not only Flat Stanley's fave trip, it was also his LAST trip. Kelly was supposed to take him to Moab with her this week, but he was nowhere to be found. Another case of "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." Quote
sobo Posted November 4, 2008 Posted November 4, 2008 Mebbe he got too drunk around the campfire and "accidentally" fell in. Jus' sayin' it could happen... Quote
tlinn Posted November 4, 2008 Posted November 4, 2008 nice! maybe nick (skyclimb) and I saw you there, we just got back ourselves (did fiddler, triassic and woman of mtn dreams). Love the RR! How was woman of mtn dreams? Will be there in December and looks like a nice route. Quote
Sherri Posted November 5, 2008 Author Posted November 5, 2008 Mebbe he got too drunk around the campfire and "accidentally" fell in. Jus' sayin' it could happen... Kindling. Quote
ScaredSilly Posted November 6, 2008 Posted November 6, 2008 Funny a couple of years ago Stanley went with us up Rainier. He was a stud on the Mowich. Quote
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