Vantage Rock Climbing

You can't fall if you don't climb, but there's no joy in living your whole life on the ground. -Unknown

On October 4, I completed my first lead climb. One more New Year's resolution crossed off the list! It was a 5.5; not a difficult route by any stretch of the imagination, but I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Saturday morning, coffee/chai in tow, Kristina, Natalie, Hexar, and I began the 2.5 hour drive to Frenchman's Coulee. During our drive, we were, unfortunately, pulled over. Fortunately, we had the pleasure of meeting the FRIENDLIEST policeman known to man or woman. You know you just experienced something out of the ordinary when you leave a traffic stop and you're all smiling and telling the green-eyed officer to have a great day. Crazy enough, he made our day better.

Meet Miles, Natalie's dog, and our day-trip companion!

Once at Vantage, we met up with Sarah and friends. Sarah set the bar high with a kick ass climb.

Natalie going after one of her many climbs

Two amazing ladies crushing it

Oh yeh, I was there too. :) 

Kristina making it look easy! I'm on lead belay and Natalie's belaying Hexar, the talented photographer.

Natalie coming down from her first lead climb!

At the top of my first lead climb!

 Taking on the rock together. The climb on the right required a little jump of faith!

I daresay this trip may have changed Kristina's opinion of Vantage to a positive one!

My little buddy. :)

Hexar killing his final route of the day, a 10c.

Gorgeous view!!

About five hours later, I had five climbs under my belt, a few lead belays, another first-hand lesson on repelling, and my first lead climb. Pretty wonderful. Certainly, a day deserving of the good Mexican grub that followed!

Fair thee well, Frenchman's Coulee, it's been fun.

The End. :)