April in Red Rocks, NV

Between guiding and taking my AMGA Rock Guide Exam, I was able to do a little personal climbing in Red Rocks with Matt.  The three climbs that we got on offered some of the best climbing I have done in the Red Rocks area.
We first got on a route called the Resolution Arete on Mt. Wilson.  It's a big route at around 20 pitches long, however all but one of the pitches is 5.10 or easier which makes for some fast climbing.

Matt starting out pitch 1.

Matt following an easy pitch.

Me on 'The Cat Walk" high on the route.

The next day Matt and I decided to check out a route we had been eyeing on Cactus Flower Tower, called The Warrior.  At 7 pitches The Warrior is a much shorter route then the Resolution Arete but offers more strenuous and sustained climbing.  

Me following pitch 3.

Matt high on pitch 5.

Me leading pitch 6.

After The Warrior we took a day off and rested.  On our last day we checked out a new area called the Challenger Wall and got on a route called Jupiter II.  I will definitely be heading back to the Challenger wall next time I'm in Red Rocks!

Matt on pitch 1.

Matt trying to figure out pitch 3.

Right before taking my exam I was able to get back on a sport route I had tried a few days earlier called New Wave Hookers.  Super fun climbing!

Red River Gorge May 2011

Just got back from a trip out east.  Sam and Liz got married and had the great idea of doing it in Lexington which just so happens to be close to the world class climbing of the Red River Gorge.  Four of us with gear drove out in a single push in a Diesel Jetta.  At midnight, twenty six hours after leaving we crawled out of the car at Miguels(the hub of "the red").  Matt, Bill and I guided for a couple days and then climbed for a few more before the wedding.  After the wedding, Amanda and I said good by to the others that were driving back to Durango in the Jetta, and headed to Miami to visit some family.  All in all it was a great trip.  Below are some photos of the fun.

Amanda on 'To Defy the Laws of Tradition'.

Matt on 'Too Many Puppies'.

Amanda on 'Amarillo Sunset'.

Pizza at Miguels with the crew, minus Amanda who is taking the photo.

Me on 'Wild Gift'.

Amanda and I.