Climbing in Joshua Tree

Even though I have been climbing for about three years, I haven't done a lot of climbing outside. I learned outside, but when I moved back to Northern Virginia, I got a part-time job at the local climbing gym. I assumed that I would learn some more basics to help me become a better climber. I have definitely improved, but I have also become an indoor climbing rat. There is a strong desire within me to experience more climbing outside. So when I bought my ticket to visit friends in Southern California I had to call my friend from Palm Springs.

I met Sean last year in Alaska. He worked at the mountain shop and he and I hit it off. In fact, I guess you could say we were somewhat dating. Since I had returned from Alaska, he and I had emailed a few times. I was hoping that he would take me out to his local stomping ground for an experience of a lifetime. I was blessed, because he agreed and invited me on a two day trip to Joshua Tree National Park.

It took about two hours to drive to Palm Springs where we met up and reunited. Then it was off to buy a few groceries for a simple camping trip. He was very nice, because he practically provided everything (I just had to bring my sleeping bag and basic climbing gear). Then we headed off to the park. It was quite hot outside, but I should have expected that since it is a desert. He convinced me to buy a hat, since the sun can be brutal. After finding a camping spot we headed off to try a few easy climbs. He was going to be leading the climbs and he wanted to make sure that I knew what I was doing so he went for a safe location. We tried two climbs that night, a 5.5 slab climb called, Wholly Mammoth Spider and then a difficult 5.6 crack climb called, Gargoyle. I don't have a lot of experience with crack climbing and I forgot how painful it can be on your feet. When crack climbing you have to jam your hands and feet into the crack, which basically holds you in place. Most crack climbers tape up their hands because the rock ripes the skin off! It can be really difficult to practice crack climbing in a gym so I didn't do so well and I was very tired near the end of the climb. However, it was fun to experience the challenge.

At this point the sun was about to set so we returned to camp to set up the tent and prepare dinner. I didn't have do anything. Sean started a fire and then cooked a delicious meal of Orange Roughy with vegetables. I got to relax and read a book by the campfire. Before I knew it was I was tired and ready to get some sleep. I never sleep well when I am camping so I was up a few times to hit the bathroom and then I was wide awake at 6am! I don't think Sean knew what to think of my early bird habits. Oh well. We eventually got on our way and walked over to a huge rockface that was right next to camp called, Headstone. We finished two climbs there, a 5.6 and a 5.8 both of which were on an arete. I loved them, because they weren't too hard yet they hung over the edge so it made things a bit nerve racking!

Then Sean took me to Saddle Rocks so that I could try my first multipitch climb. Basically that means that you climb up, anchor then climb up again, anchor, and climb again. It is usually a few hundred feet. We only tried a 5.5 climb, so it was pretty darn easy. I didn't care though, because it was the highest I have ever climbed and I just enjoyed being outside.

Now that I'm dating Boulderin' Boyfriend I have been climbing outside every week. He is a machine and he can lead climb 5.12s. I will never be that good, but at least I am getting outside. In fact, he and I are already planning a road trip this summer to hit a few climbing locations with some summer fun. And at the end of May we will be heading to the New River Rendezvous. It is all very exciting!