Bridge Mountain Scouting

Jeff and I started out to do North Peak, but decided to follow the Bridge trail to see if we could handle the crack to get to the top. We had left pretty late, so we weren't going to try to do it all today. Sad thing was, we ended up climbing about halfway up the crack before we turned back due to time. It looks scary but doable from up close; from afar, impossible. What an absolutely awesome hike this is. I can't wait to go back. This hike is truly world class. The sea of sandstone, 1000 + foot drop-offs, class 3 scrambling, a huge natural arch, and a forest high up on the sandstone are hard to describe. I'll be back soon.

It should be noted that I was extremely sore after this hike. It isn't exactly easy.

Calico Hills Tanks Circle

Today I did one of my favorite hikes that is relatively easy but has tons of safe scrambling and incredible views. I start out at Sandstone Quarry and hike a loop up to Calico Peak, across the ridge to the upper tanks, and then back down to the Quarry Parking lot. Sometimes I'll also do Turtlehead Jr, but not today. This is a great hike in Red Rock.

Lost Creek Waterfall with Pumpkin and Puppies

Today, my wife Jennifer (pumpkin) and our dogs Ripley and Bailey (puppies) went bouldering in Lost Creek. There was a decent amount of water which made it nice. We're pretty sure that Bailey doesn't like any activity that involves a leash, but Ripley loves it. He almost killed himself because he's not the best at picking the right way to go; that being said, if humans could climb as well as dogs we could skip up to the top of Charleston.

Sandstone Quarry Overlook

It's time, now that taxes are done, to catch up on some posts. My first foray was to banish the demons on this hike that I couldn't finish last week. I went by myself, and was careful not to lose my grip this time. I made it up the scary part fairly easily. It helps when you are not freaked from a slip. My apologies to Richard for not finishing it the day we were there. He was right about how hard it was. It looks worse than it is. Interestingly, though, this was the first time I can remember where I had a harder time getting down than going up. It is almost always easier to get down.

North Peak

Yesterday I set out to scout Rocky Gap Road to see how far I could drive it; it really helps in planning a longer hike like Bridge. I had never been this way, so I had no idea what I was in for. Everything was going along pretty good, and then the "road" starts to follow a wash. My truck is designed for off-road and has high clearance, but is only 2WD. About all I can do is lock the rear differential. I am not sure I would take ANY vehicle up to the summit. Yes, there were tire tracks, but these people either don't care about their cars or are crazy. I did get about as far as I expected, which makes the top of the escarpment hikes doable for me. The distance to North Peak was 4.6 miles RT. I am waiting for the rest of the snow and ice to melt before attempting Bridge. The views are awesome from up here.

Anniversary Narrows with Dixie Belle

We took Alyssa and Dixie Belle (the Papillion) to the narrows earlier this week. Although small, Dixie handled everything except on the polished stone where she couldn't get a grip. The narrows are just too cool to hike through. There were a surprising number people out that day.

Sandstone Quarry Peak - Aborted

Earlier this week, Richard and I set out to do a short scramble to Sandstone Quarry Peak. I readily admit this; I had to chicken out. I felt like I was going to fall when I lost both my hand grips at the same time. This spooked me, and I was too scared when we got to the next tough section. One slip meant a 20 foot drop. Richard proved it could be done by grabbing onto a tree and inching his way up. I was looking for another way, but the truth was that I was done for the day. I'm getting too old for this sh*t. I felt bad for him because he didn't get to finish the hike. I am learning something about myself: This is the second time I couldn't finish a scramble because I didn't trust my grip/footing, yet I have the right shoes. I just need to take more challenges and increase my comfort zone. Getting hurt is just not my thing, and when there is exposure I really struggle with the dangerous feeling it gives me. This is something I need to work on.