Colorado and the First Flatiron

Welcome to Colorado

 

We met up with Patrick and Maryia in Boulder and Climbed the First Flatiron. The Route is 5.6R and a perfect climb after 30 hours of driving and a late start.

 Patrick on the first 5.6R pitch.

 Maryia and Krystina at the first pitch Belay

 Joseph hadn't climbed since high school and only did a couple routes back then. It was awesome to climb with him. He cruised up the entire route. this is looking down the first pitch from the belay. 

 Joseph dropped his cigarettes and lighter from the first pitch. There was a party of Marines at the base and on the lighters third bounce it exploded. They told Joseph they felt like they were back in the war. By the way they all yelled I'de believe it. 

 Looking down from the 3rd pitch. 

 Starting the ridge traverse.

 Patrick on the Summit. 

 Joseph on top after 1000ft of climbing. What a view. 360 degrees from the rockies on one side to denver and the plaines on the other.  

Rapping off. 1,000ft of climbing and one rappel off the back side. 

Pheasant Feathers

Joseph loves feathers and things like that so when we saw this dead pheasant on the highway we had to stop. They are so beautiful. The coloring was spectacular and thankfully it had just been hit so it didn't stink. While he was pulling some feathers he mashed the body and forced air out of its lungs causing a cooing sound that made us both jump. I was glad we were not the ones that hit it.

Bouldering in Kansas

 Kansas, the great flat wide open.

We drove straight through from NC to Rock City in Kansas. We were exhausted but it was great to take a break and play. 

The Boulders of Rock City. Just a handful of boulders tossed in the middle of wheat fields.

Ancient compressed sandstone. 

   

 Ol Bessy in Rock City

 This is the view from top of the boulders. Wheat as far as you can see.

 Giant Dandelions 

Prepping to Leave for Six Months

Painful Changes

Changing out Krystina's car from South Carolina to North. 

We got Ol Bessey from Frank and Christine Webb for the trip. They had it for a long time... we sent them away with a box of tissues. 

 Seam sealing the ledge fly, hopefully just a precaution.

Building the bed in Ol Bessy.

 Bessy and the Bull.  The bull is the spot in the center of the window.

Leaving NC.  Joseph came with us for the first 3 weeks. He's never been out west before. were excited to show him some of our favoriate places. 

 Bessy and the Babe.

 Packed and Ready to go.

 

 Nashville, Tennessee at Sunset

Sunrise in Kansas