This is my daughter and I sitting on top of Red Wall in Smith Rocks State Park. We just finished the 3 pitch climb of Super Slab. What a view!
My husband and I are truly blessed to have these amazing kids who also happen to be very athletic and, apparently, fearless. Our son, Ryan, is only 21 but has been a rock instructor since he was 14. He recently began to acquire AMGA certifications and is now a professional guide. He is also a classically trained clarinetist, not sure how these two worlds will knit together yet, but as his parents have zero musical talent, we have chosen to join his climbing world.
This was the first trip to Smith for the parentals (as our daughter Alex calls us) but the kids have been numerous times. We stayed in a motel in Redmond Oregon, about 10 minutes from the park. We had never been to Central Oregon before and were impressed with its beauty. We live in Redmond Washington so the drive is about 6 hours, give or take. Warning: Lots of pictures in this post!
We were greeted by these yellow bellied marmots, which are like rabbits there.
Our first day in was all about Red Wall, and climbing a route called Super Slab. We had a small hike for the approach, but when you are carrying gear, ropes, a camera and its 70+°F, the hike is harder! It was mostly uphill of course!
Once we finished all three pitches it was time to enjoy the view and some snacks
We rappelled down, reorganized the gear and headed off to another climb that the kids felt the parentals could handle. Ryan also had a project that he had been working on, that was impressive!
We made our way over to a route called “5 gallon Buckets” because the holds are huge-perfect for my husband and me! This was only rated a 5.8 but it was longer than most of our lead climbs, so the decision was made that I would lead up, set the anchor then hubby would top rope it. This was my first outdoor lead climb!
The good news is that I got it done in one take! Then my husband climbed it and we all headed over to Ryan’s project- A very intimidating 11.c climb named “heresy”. It is only 4 bolts and the anchor and it is intense!
We did have a short wait in line while other climbers were on the wall so I took some shots of the surroundings.
Then it was Ryan’s turn to climb!
He got it in one try! At this point we were all tired and it had been a full day! We hiked out (no small thing) and drug ourselves to dinner in town. I was asleep by 9pm.
The next day was also to be a big one-the Marsupial Traverse which was a whopping 10 pitches total. We got up and out the door and were at the park by 9:30am. We had a nice long hike out to the site. Since this climb was longer and required more gear, I did not take my canon with me, just an iPhone, so less pictures this time!
Along the way, Alex decided to try a quick climb before we all started the traverse. She got up ok, but stuck on the way down (the rope drag was too much for her size). Fortunately, little brother knew what to do and brought her down safely!
The traverse took all day, as I said before we started at 9:30am and we finished the final, 200 foot rappel at 5:45pm. Another long day, but so worth it!
We had an amazing time at Smith and will definitely do it again! The parentals did mange to get one half marathon training run done while the kids went for one last climb before we all piled in the car for the long ride home. We were dirty, tired, sun burned and very happy!
May gravity be your friend! Beautiful family. btw, and stunning scenes you got to take in. Heights and I do not get along well. Some of your photos made me feel dizzy! Still, it looks like a lot of fun being up with the birds!
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me too! lovely, but only in pictures – eek! – invisible no more – you & your family are amazing!
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You are way too kind! 😊
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It was, and my husband is not always thrilled either but he does a great job climbing. We did have a couple large boulders come down and we were lucky that gravity was directional!
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Yikes, you were very high up. 🙂 I could never do that. Stay safe climbing, I enjoy the pictures.
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Thanks Kathy!
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Oh, I also want to let you know I enjoy your blog and I have nominated you for “The Blogger Recognition Award” check it out here https://kathyknull.wordpress.com/2017/05/24/blog-recognition-award
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Aw, thanks!
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Wow, what an awesome climb. I’m so impressed. As I’m getting older steep climbs and heights do my head in a bit. Sounds as though you’ve got two great, adventurous kids, especially Ryan. Wonderful photos. I really enjoyed reading this … thanks for sharing.
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Thank you 😊
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Wow! Terrific photos!
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Thank you 😊
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HI, I love your blog! So funny because it is all true-thanks for stopping by my site and taking a look!
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First, you and your family are brave! Maybe a little crazy? Haha. That first pic of you and your daughter sitting on the edge gave me vertigo! But honestly, you ignited my hiking fire.
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Thank you and yes, we are crazy! My husband and I are also half marathon training this month and it is tough to hang with our 20 something kids! I can see by your blog that an active lifestyle is important to you as well. I am looking forward to reading more about your life balance! Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog!
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Wow great photos✨
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Thank you, so much 😊
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