TLP is a rock climber. He's also a boulderer. This big old boulder is called King Phillip Rock (KPR) and it's located in the state rec area near our house. On the day after Christmas DRD, TLP and I took a walk out to see what kind of boulder cred this rock would have. It was ch-ch-chilly!
If you look at around 5:00 on this photo you can see Dan and see that KPR is indeed a respectable size. Dan was pleased and began to assess the "problems" that presented themselves on the rock, what kind of routes were possible.
Hmmm...cracks.
In the mean time I walked around and took fancy artsy pictures. This is the surface of the rock. Pretty cool huh?
All of these little dips and shapes in the rock are part of the problem, which is the cool climber term for getting to the top of the rock.
Out came the tools. The toothbrush and chalk are used to clean off the little lip that can be used to pull him up or hold him in position while determining where to go next. (My story here- preparing for editorial once read by said climber.)
Cracks are good news and helpful. Erosion is a beautiful thing.
Shoes are important. They have sticky toes for gripping the rock. Of course the sport would involve shoes. This from parent set that purchased no less than 30 pair of running shoes over the years. We know shoes.
The chalk bag. Also important.
So the climb begins. Feet are placed, hands are placed and the hanging on begins.
There was a lot of broken glass here so he didn't go very far. Christmas cash has allowed for the purchase of a crash pad.
Looks like he's set. That kid is pretty strong these days. And he's outside. There are lots of places to climb in the U.S. and the southeast is full of great bouldering and climbing. Looks like New England's got some cool spots too.
Face I expect to see regarding this post.
TLP - you rock.
3 comments:
whew - that last photo assures me that the climb (and the descent - I think I'm more worried about the downhills than the ups?) was a success - yay!!!
Whoa great job! It is so cool that he has a passion for something outdoors while entering his adult life. Learned from the best I think.
We almost went down there this weekend because we have yet to go and it is featured in a geology book Thing 1 has. Obviously for more geeky than athletic reasons.
: )
Tell me he didn't really make that face!
I have wanted to visit that rock since I read about it in a history class.....now you can take me. But we won't try to climb up, ok?
Post a Comment