Buckshot Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Trip: Trail Lake Coulee - Spanish Castle Magic Date: 11/6/2011 Trip Report: We had a little time Sunday afternoon and ran out to Trail Lake Coulee to check it out. I just learned about this area and its close to home so I thought it might be fun. Sure its cold but oh well. In the picture the route we climbed is just to the right of center under the sharp notch in the ridgeline. Of course I left the guidebook at home so we climbed the first route that looked remotely do-able. Looking back at the guidebook I think we (10 yr old son and I) climbed Spanish Castle Magic 5.8. The route had at least one football sized rock that we could have easily pried loose but decided to let the ice this winter do it for us. There were several other loose chunks to avoid and the routes all looked dirty in general. What made the trip worth it was the fact that we had the coulee to ourselves. So after one lap each, the girls decided to bail and go sit in the van with all of our warm clothes, we decided to call it a night since was getting dark and really cold. We will be back though. I think this is my first TR! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivan Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 come on now, at least give us a link to the theme song for your tr! [video:youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8iFholCpKo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rad Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 Congrats on your climb and first TR. CC.com can always use more TRs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckshot Posted November 10, 2011 Author Share Posted November 10, 2011 I'm so young and musically ignorant that I didn't even get the reference. Jimmy who? Is that black and white? Whats that? LOL! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakeRS Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 New climber here, been out to Trail Lake Coulee on three different occasions in Sept/Oct doing some top-rope soloing (climbing partner is often unavailable, so I do what I can to keep into it). It *is* kind of a nice hidden area, although there are other people there from time to time. For example, I was there one Saturday when climbing group from EWU showed up, and it sounds like I was there 5 days before you and your family discovered the area, as well as 7 days after. I wonder how often others are around? Probably from time to time on the weekend, but I'm sure it will likely never get crowded. I also experienced what you are talking about with loose rock. Every. Single. Time. It is a little disappointing, but I still enjoy it out there. Only 45 minutes from Moses Lake, and much quieter than heading the Vantage direction. Have fun, maybe I'll see you out there in the spring! (Second thought - How has your experience been with your 10-year old climbing and belaying with you? My 9-yo daugher desparately wants to get into the sport. I'm sure she would not be able to belay, but are the young ones able to enjoy top-roping out on an actual rock like this?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckshot Posted December 27, 2011 Author Share Posted December 27, 2011 My belayer is actually 13. He little bro climbed with me. She does pretty well. If its a ways up to the first bolt, or a tougher climb I have her tied to a rock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessWookie Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 GO BUCKSHOT...and cheers to the young belayer!! Awesome! I can't wait to get back there this summer. Don't forget that you'll soon have access to another belay slave! I'll be in Wenatchee this May. *sigh* I just recalled...... the last time I was at FC I ran into Charlie Porter; what a cool person he was By chance our paths crossed a few times that summer. Never again though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckshot Posted January 12, 2012 Author Share Posted January 12, 2012 I won't forget. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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