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It’s nice to have a local crag
I love having some climbing options close to town, even if they’re modest. The routes at Thomas creek always satisfy – enough that we still head for our favorites rather than try some of the new unknown routes we’ve never done. Cloudy skies keep us cool, and we return with time for a nap before…
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Play day at Big Chief
We’re exhausted from moving ourselves and prepping the new Reno Collective location, and we feel the need for a play day. It starts off a little chilly, feeling like a fall day despite the nice patch of mountain pride blooming along the approach trail. Mike joins us with both his son and his dad, so…
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Big Chief South Buttress
Ann and I meet Wes in Truckee, hoping for cooler temperatures at Big Chief. It’s just about right, even climbing in the sun. The blooming bitterbrush smells like cinnamon and a breeze ruffles the ponderosas. Climbing season is definitely open! Dylan on community service Ann climbs 7-11 Burrito Wes climbs Slurpee Headache Routes: Community Service…
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Phantom Spires Thrash
Most of our first trip to the Phantom Spires is spent thrashing through the steep underbrush between crags, exploring the area and climbing a few routes before we return to our campsite. It’s a great place, but surprisingly already pretty hot. Luckily there’s always a few routes in the shade. Phantom Spires Camp Phantom Spires…
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A quiet Owen’s River Gorge weekend
It’s almost spooky how few people are climbing in the gorge this weekend. We do meet a nice couple taking some time off before starting grad school, and there are others, but not the crowds we were ready for. It’s warm, nice for tent camping and overall unwinding in addition to endless sport climbing. Although…
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Easter climbing at Owen’s River Gorge
Luckily for Wes, Ann, and I the weather forecasts were fabulously wrong and we enjoy a weekend full of warm sunny sport climbing at Owen’s River gorge. It’s been ten years since I’ve climbed here, but it feels great to kick off the season with some of my old favorites. Memory is not perfect, though,…
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We start the outdoor climbing season at River Rock
We’re hoping it will be warm enough to climb outside today, and it’s perfect! The river rock is a little busy but mellow enough, and it feels great to climb a bit outside. Wes comes along with Ann and I for a few blissful routes. wes on Karl's crack Routes: On Safari 5.7, Africa Flake…
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Lassen Peak Tour
I’ve been wanting to experience Lassen Volcanic National Park in the winter ever since I hiked through in the summer of ’96 on the Pacific Crest Trail. It does not disappoint – it’s a spectacular place when snowbound. We start by discovering that the fresh water tank in our camper no longer holds water. When…
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Coon basin exploration
The terrain east of Castle peak has always intrigued me with its ruggedness and complexity. Today I join Gabe, Mike, and Kim to explore and ski some of it. The snowmobile access ensures that there are plenty of visitors, but the featured landscape hides plenty of treats for everyone. Our timing is fortunate and we…
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Tule peak success
All five of us present have tried and failed to climb Tule Peak in the past, so it is with particular relish that we now join forces and do the job right. Given proper respect, good companions, and decent weather, it’s a fun outing! Small rocks Ascent Summit time baby Us on Tule peak Tule…