Pat Tracy, more cartoon character than human, made the long drive from Vermont to climb. I told Pat a year or so ago that for his graduation present I would climb with him at the RRG... talk about a self serving gift!
Joe Talarico and his Wife Jackie and their newborn Mia were there from E-town PA to throw down (Mia, only a few months old did some climbing, but only from the firm grip of Joe. Keep your eye on the mags... I have a feeling that Mia will probably be a spotlight climber in the not to distant future.)
Bruce Stick from Lancaster PA made the journey down with this wife Heather (all of the photos from the trip - 800+ - were taken by him). He also provided my personal supply of beer for the entire two weeks, which was above and beyond the call of duty.
My lady, Katy, made the trip out from our home in Oregon for the second week of the climb, and showed that being, as she calls, "out of shape" for her is potentially the best shape to be in! She climbed very strong and very confident throughout her week there.
John Rutter also made the journey down from PA to test himself on the best sandstone in the East.
Currently I'm working on a story of the trip that will be published on www.greatoutdoors.com, and although it isn't finished yet, I will post it here as soon as it gets published by the editors over there. The trip was excellent, with punnishing sport climbing and a good crew to keep the scene motivated. I'll wait to describe the trip in words.... but here's a few images from the journey to keep you motivated..... If you're digging the blog, let me know!
Drew Peterson on Reilquary, 5.12b
Pat Tracy on Ro Shampo, 5.11d/12a
Katy Van Dis throwing down on Velvet, 5.12a
Joe Talarico redpointing Tic Tec Toe, 5.12b. Joes's daughter, Mia (a few months old) was watching from the ground as Joe cruised the crux on this classic.Thanks Bruce for all the photos! For more photos, check back when I publish the story to the blog.
