MudNCrud Forums

Climbing and ... Climbing => Masters of Mud -- Pinnacles => Topic started by: looks easy from here on November 10, 2015, 02:42:31 PM

Title: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on November 10, 2015, 02:42:31 PM
Went scouting the approaches to The Northeast Frontier last Saturday with the kiddo for his first trip to Pinnacles.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4015_zpswhvie2i4.jpg)
Just leaving the hiking trail towards Marmot Rock.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4019_zps65yoanlh.jpg)
Apple break halfway up the slabs. No disrespect intended to your guide, Brad.  ;D

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4024_zpshcyqs4xi.jpg)
Destination in sight.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4027_zpsgpuwqei6.jpg)
R&R on the ridgetop. I wonder if at 9 1/2 months he's the youngest person to experience this vantage of Frog Canyon and Mt. Defiance?
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: JC w KC redux on November 10, 2015, 02:52:26 PM
Looks like you found Weathertop and Violet Pinnacle :)
Did you go past those and into the snake den?
Man...I wish I could get a ride up there :)
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: CruxLuv on November 10, 2015, 03:05:44 PM
Cutie Pie!!  He looks like a natural.   ;)
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on November 10, 2015, 03:15:00 PM
@JC-Yeah, scoped out the whole area. Looking forward to getting back out there with a rope sometime.

@CruxLuv-Thanks. And I'm counting on him being my on-call ropegun in a decade and a half.  :D
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: clink on November 10, 2015, 03:54:53 PM
One of the coolest pin placements in the park is on a route there.  An old fossil placed a lost arrow in a horizontal pocket. Unignorible.

Decade and a half sounds about right for rope gun and pack mule. :)
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: Brad Young on November 10, 2015, 05:38:07 PM
Great photos!

They so reminded me of similar shots I've got that are 20 years old now (from before I was a fossil). My oldest, a child backpack, and, in our case, an exploration of The Crowley Towers.

And no disrespect taken about the guidebook; child seating is a recognized and honorable use for such books.

Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: mj on November 10, 2015, 06:03:42 PM
Well done sir!  Excellent job teaching the child to appreciate such things before they're old enough to know better!
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: clink on November 10, 2015, 08:26:17 PM
Quote
(from before I was a fossil).

 Fbombocus
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on November 10, 2015, 09:09:21 PM
Thanks everybody. I'm fortunate to have had good family history for getting outdoors-my dad has similar pics as well from 34 years ago with me that size, and more with my younger brothers, in a pack reminiscent of mine, albeit much more rudimentary.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: mungeclimber on November 10, 2015, 10:17:55 PM
Nice!
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on November 13, 2015, 08:43:34 PM
Headed out to The Hand and The Frog today.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4049_zpsnhu24loi.jpg)
Loving the excellent trail. Huge thanks to the crew that cleared/maintained it.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4076_zpskfosyh8k.jpg)
How do we get to the top of this thing?

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4083_zps51mcpima.jpg)
On top of The Frog. The Hand over our left shoulders.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4104_zpsqcjaxg4v.jpg)
Long day.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: clink on November 14, 2015, 06:06:58 AM
Does he play with a Grigri?  Cool pics.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on November 14, 2015, 10:03:09 AM
Grigri?! Are you insinuating I'm raising some kinda sport climbing weenie?  :P

We actually bought a Grigri after he was born with the vision that we could use it while he napped while we climbed. Ha! At least now I have one for whenever I start fiddling around with big wall stuff...
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: mynameismud on November 14, 2015, 08:58:25 PM
Good to see the young ones getting out.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: Brad Young on November 14, 2015, 09:29:00 PM

...some kinda sport climbing weenie?  :P


Repetitively redundant. (Belongs in the Department of Redundancy Department).
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on November 24, 2015, 12:01:12 PM
Tuff Chix had me eager to check out Byzantium and The Deep Groove Wall, so the day after Brad posted the full summery kiddo and I made the trip out to check it out.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4146_zpsj7vw1ldt.jpg)
Scrambled up a low-angle chute on the west side of Byzantium for a (near) summit shot looking up the Deserted Valley.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4157_zpsk4va0xox.jpg)
On the way out the universe awarded me #1 chatty; kiddo's sharing his opinion of coming in second.

We enjoyed the hike and views so much we decided to head back out that way yesterday before the weather turned and ended up hanging out on a wonderful ledge across the wash west of Byzantium.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4172_zpshq9v6cyo.jpg)
Heading up the arm of the reservoir is nice right now, but I imagine it will lose some of it's appeal if it gets some consistent water flowing.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4175_zpsbw7jgqey.jpg)
Glad to be out of the saddle.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4177_zps48jgtkpl.jpg)

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4184_zpsuepfuus1.jpg)
He really is this jolly the whole time we're out. Even when Dad forgets to duck under the manzanita enough he still gets back in stride quickly.

Four Pinns trips in 17 days; not too bad an average.  8)
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: JC w KC redux on November 24, 2015, 12:07:59 PM
Those are fun. I especially like the one on the binkie :)
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: Brad Young on November 24, 2015, 12:09:19 PM
All right, if we're going to get to know "kiddo," an action of which I highly approve, we should problem learn "kiddo's" name (at least his first name).

And we'll have to adjust your timing too. One day join some of us. We can help you get a lap or two in while we watch him (this worked well for Squiddo, who brought son number two and got in several laps with us that day of Tuff Chix' FA).
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on November 24, 2015, 12:20:57 PM
Kiddo's Calvin, dad's Shane.

And a definite Yes! to meeting up sometime and sharing him. I've never been bashful about passing him around. With the exception of Tuesday and Thursdays I'm pretty open-my job is 100% childcare.  ;D
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: Brad Young on November 24, 2015, 12:25:17 PM

Kiddo's Calvin, dad's Shane.

And a definite Yes! to meeting up sometime and sharing him. I've never been bashful about passing him around. With the exception of Tuesday and Thursdays I'm pretty open-my job is 100% childcare.  ;D


Cool.

Weekends OK? Or are those usually family days (i.e. wife included)?

And J.C., your job is to find a "Hobbes" tiger for Calvin (I hope that that's OK with you dad). You get the job partly because you're good at that kind of stuff, and partly because tigers are orange.


Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on November 24, 2015, 12:42:15 PM
I usually go over to my folk's Sunday for football, but that's totally flexible. Wife's an RN on nightshift, so her schedule's all over the place (and needing a quiet house to sleep during the day has been a large part of what gets us out and adventuring), but she climbs too and isn't afraid of hoofing out into the bush.

Hobbes, you say?
(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_3559_zpsjqmymiex.jpg)
Not to suggest that we'd turn down another one.  ;) (And yes, he was very specifically named after that Calvin.)
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: Brad Young on November 24, 2015, 12:50:06 PM

(And yes, he was very specifically named after that Calvin.)


I think J.C. would agree that the day Calvin and Hobbes stopped publication was a low point of human history.

Totally photogenic? At Pinnacles? And named after that Calvin? Oh we like your boy already  ;)
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: mj on November 24, 2015, 12:53:36 PM

Hobbes, you say?

Not to suggest that we'd turn down another one.  ;) (And yes, he was very specifically named after that Calvin.)

Nice!  You're the second person I know who named their kid that way!

The first married a woman named Rosalyn, named his first son Calvin and his second son Hobbes :)

Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on December 02, 2015, 10:22:36 AM
On Monday we managed to squeak one more rambling trip into November.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4232_zpsa1cmo6r9.jpg)
Ambient temperature was a little lower than any of the previous trips, but with no breeze and sufficient layers it was still pleasant. We found a cool little plateau overlooking the river and Neglected Valley to set up camp.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4234_zpst57rfbui.jpg)
Daaawwwwww.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4237_zpslodmk4bb.jpg)
OH MY GOD I LOVE CHEERIOS!

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4253_zpsacwbxniy.jpg)
Summit groupie of FA party on Dead Man Climbing Pinnacle

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4260%20route%20overlay_zpsgbzbopct.jpg)
Dead Man Climbing Pinnacle, I Just Signed My Own Death Warrant, 2.8d (R when holding a baby [X when said baby's mom or grandma see these pics])

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4254_zpsby7ibm1n.jpg)
Last view I'll ever see. At least the sun came out for it...
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: mynameismud on December 02, 2015, 11:37:38 AM
Nice vantage point.  We will scatter your ashes appropriately. 
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on December 02, 2015, 01:40:09 PM
My spirit appreciates it. ;D
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: clink on December 02, 2015, 02:58:08 PM
You are surely dead when Mom finds out.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: Brad Young on December 02, 2015, 03:43:32 PM
Hell, I've seen that slab. It's class two at most. You did nothing risky. As a reasonably prudent man, a model citizen (possibly the only one posting to this site), I'm your best witness. Will an affidavit do? Do you need my live testimony? (Are you still alive?)
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: mungeclimber on December 02, 2015, 05:58:34 PM
Quote
possibly the only one posting to this site

hey! I resemble that remark!
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on December 02, 2015, 07:12:19 PM
Hell, I've seen that slab. It's class two at most.

Going up? Yes. Going down...

I'd better shut up before I dig myself into a deeper hole.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on December 07, 2015, 02:01:22 PM
Well, I'm still alive, but I've been given notice that I've been moved to Santa's "naughty" list.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: JC w KC redux on December 07, 2015, 02:21:39 PM
Well, I'm still alive, but I've been given notice that I've been moved to Santa's "naughty" list.

I guess that means Santa won't be getting you a bolt kit :(
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on December 07, 2015, 08:15:21 PM
Unless I can convince Mrs. Claus that it will keep her grandson safe.  ;D
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on December 24, 2015, 10:58:54 AM
We managed to sneak a trip in the gap between precipitation yesterday.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4320_zpsl3jd6aik.jpg)
There's definitely a lot more water flowing than the last time we were there. Found this cool waterfall hidden in a grotto just below the turn-off up to The Hand.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4326_zpswyms5itx.jpg)
Parked for a picnic with just the right combination of sun exposure and shelter from the wind to keep warm. And the grass is a lot softer than the gravel beds we usually end up on.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4339_zpsqk9q5n8b.jpg)
"Weren't there Corn Chex here just a minute ago? Oh well, I'll just eat this rock while Dad's distracted by the camera."

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4357%20no%20neck_zpsasqmfuof.jpg)
Gotta get that "Awwww" from the audience.  ;)
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: mungeclimber on December 24, 2015, 11:04:34 AM
Awwwwww. :)

Lot of water and some nice sun. tfpu
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: mynameismud on December 24, 2015, 12:47:58 PM
AWWWWwwwwww
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on December 29, 2015, 10:37:19 AM
Had a +1 for yesterday's trip. It took me a little while to adjust to adult conversation. Unfortunately I forgot my camera and had to use my phone, so these pics are a bit less crisp.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_0240_zpsip6132h4.jpg)
For the first time Calvin is unconvinced this is a good idea. My cousin's butt in the background.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_0258_zpsnr9ip9kj.jpg)
He came around pretty quickly, in spite of it being in the low 40s and breezy. Kid's a trooper!

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_0267_zpsdlqbunbt.jpg)
We made it the furthest afield we've gotten yet. My cousin on a tower only a couple hundred yards from the park's western border.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: Tuff Chik on December 29, 2015, 11:10:11 AM
Trying to figure out where you guys were hiking yesterday.  We were there too but did not climb even though we had our rope, harness and shoes with us.  We were hiking around the Hanging Valley yesterday.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on December 29, 2015, 12:11:54 PM
We headed west along the main creek that feeds the reservoir all the way up to the last drainage that leads to Piedras Bonitas Cliff, turned north towards Knuckle Ridge, headed basically straight east over several ridges, then cut back south down the drainage on the west side of Byzantium where we dropped back down to the main creek bed to head back to the parking lot.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: mynameismud on December 29, 2015, 12:49:28 PM
Nice area.
I have been back there a few times.  One of the farmers used to ride his three wheeler back there.  We could see his tracks  : )

You can go just a bit further and have lunch on his property.  Just as funny.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on December 29, 2015, 01:52:35 PM
Yeah, it was really beautiful and isolated, especially when we pushed past Spasm Block and the trails petered out. The mist and clouds made it especially atmospheric. The weather and terrain brought to mind the Scottish Highlands.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on September 23, 2016, 09:45:45 PM
Calvin and I are reopening our Pinnacles Season tomorrow (hopefully the "lower 80s" forecasts are more accurate than the "upper 80s" forecasts), which got me reminiscing in this thread and I realized I missed posting his first trip to the High Peaks in March, so here are just a couple quick hits from that trip.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4603_zpszttfb5so.jpg)

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_4632_zpsvgsvudym.jpg)

And totally unrelated, I love the "Warning: this topic has not been posted in for at least 120 days.
Unless you're sure you want to reply, please consider starting a new topic." admonishment.  :D
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: mynameismud on September 24, 2016, 09:20:23 AM
Awesome
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: JC w KC redux on September 25, 2016, 09:36:41 AM
I missed posting his first trip to the High Peaks in March, so here are just a couple quick hits from that trip.

Did he try to reach up and grab the starting holds for the Denny Colliver route above the railing at Condor Crags?

Are you guys coming to the PCAD?

I'm pining for Pinns this weekend  :lol: :biggrin:
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: clink on September 25, 2016, 05:08:34 PM

Quote
Insert Quote
Calvin and I are reopening our Pinnacles Season tomorrow

Hope to see you two out there soon.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on September 25, 2016, 07:47:31 PM
Did he try to reach up and grab the starting holds for the Denny Colliver route above the railing at Condor Crags?

Are you guys coming to the PCAD?

Ape index isn't quite high enough to reach it from a sitting position.

And unfortunately no. We're going to be in Modesto that weekend.

From our visit yesterday:

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_6621_zpsbtrtrsoi.jpg)
A new angle of the The Sisters for us.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_6636_zpsdm3gilco.jpg)
Name that chute?  ;D

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_6642_zps2aharlqd.jpg)
Cars are much more interesting than these big, boring rocks.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_6652_zpsixzx0iwa.jpg)
Little rocks are also much more interesting.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_6662_zps1ptns5z0.jpg)
Tunnels for me are freeways for him.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_6665_zps9jitk4bv.jpg)
Parting shot of our destination.

The sharp-eyed amongst you might notice a slight glaze around Calvin's nose. He had (has) a touch of a cold, but nary a peep of complaint through our three hours of hiking and exploring and total 5 hours in the car (had to make a sidetrip post-Pinns to REI to buy a new pair of shoes). The hike in and out was a touch warm, but I think it was easier on the rider than the mount, and once we were in the slot it was nice and cool. Huge thanks to the team that found it and worked it. I'm looking forward to getting on those lines. And I love the range of grades clustered so closely to one another (I know that's not really in your control, but that doesn't make it any less fantastic).
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: JC w KC redux on September 26, 2016, 04:29:53 AM
Wheel Chair Access could be Calvin's first lead  :yesnod: :ihih:
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on September 28, 2016, 01:56:36 PM
Wheel Chair Access could be Calvin's first lead  :yesnod: :ihih:

Heh, if I don't keep an eye on him it'll be his first solo! He zips up stairs and slides, I don't imagine rocks and trees are far behind.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on December 12, 2016, 01:58:59 PM
Double issue this time. Our last two trips have expanded to include Mom in October, and Aunt and Uncle yesterday.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/1007161246c_zpsdzbhg8qt.jpg)
October got the ultimate Calvin highlight when we stopped to look at the Calfire helicopter from the roadside and the captain invited us up for a closer peek.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/1007161247c_zpsgoyryrof.jpg)
Safety first!

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_7077_zps4t7moo9g.jpg)
Then a mellow cruise up the reservoir inlet.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_7085_zpscxlfzvla.jpg)
Extra mellow for some of us.


Yesterday was my sister-in-law's first trip ever to Pinns, and my brother's first time in about 20 years, so I took them on the park overview tour from Bear Gulch to the High Peaks, along the ridge and down. We were all excited to have a condor cruise by less that 30' overhead at the top.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_7298_zps20viebx7.jpg)
Center of attention, as usual.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_7300_zpsqr2dwqww.jpg)
Summit treats.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_7302_zpsbhtals6c.jpg)
Cars on top of the pinnacle over the outhouse.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_7303_zps4twgrhat.jpg)
I'd like to say it's less cute when you know you're that cute, but I don't think it's true.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_7319_zpshfpv4gio.jpg)
BRIDGE!
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: Brad Young on December 12, 2016, 10:04:06 PM
Very nice.

What percent of your distance is he walking on his own now?
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on December 13, 2016, 12:45:04 PM
Not much, as real life has kept our hiking pretty sporadiac since he became very stable. But as of today my schedule has opened up immensly, so we will be able to get out more and I'll really be able to start testing his range.

Though I predict that ground level distractions slowing our pace will be more of a limiting factor than actual distance. And I have to keep him accustomed enough to the backpack that he's willing to go back in it when I can tell he's running out of steam.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: Brad Young on December 13, 2016, 01:08:31 PM

Though I predict that ground level distractions slowing our pace will be more of a limiting factor than actual distance. And I have to keep him accustomed enough to the backpack that he's willing to go back in it when I can tell he's running out of steam.


I actually used "distractions" to great benefit with my girls. When they were "beginners" I'd set out on a walk with them, usually with a modest goal in mind for how far they'd walk on their own. We'd get going and a girl would get distracted by, say, collecting acorns. I'd let her play around for a short time and then I'd point and say something like: "wow look at those acorns over there," and we'd be walking again.

It'll be your job: balancing your goal and his fun  8)
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: clink on December 13, 2016, 03:02:25 PM
Great pics! Especially the CDF showing the helicopter to your son!
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: mynameismud on December 13, 2016, 04:58:18 PM
awesome TR. 
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on January 28, 2017, 09:52:23 PM
Sign of successful parenting:
This is an actual conversation Calvin and I had near the end of December
Me: "what do you want to do tomorrow?"
Calvin: "Hike!"
Me: "Hike with big trees, or big rocks?"
Calvin: "Big rocks!"
Me:  :thumbup:
Unfortunately the next morning instead of Pinnacles he got to go to the ED with a bad flare up of what turned out to be RSV, but nonetheless I think he's hooked.  ;D

But finally, a month later we made it back out, for Calvin's first ever trip to the West Side, and first trip sans backpack.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_8622_zpsamzppndd.jpg)
Oh yeah, this is why I show up at 10 am on cold weekday mornings instead of 1:30 on beautiful Saturday afternoons. But no problem; to a 2 year old rocks are rocks.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_8635_zpsqnywzjo0.jpg)
Enjoying the freedom to throw rocks anytime you want.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_8647_zpsemru1qpm.jpg)
"TUNNEL!" -direct quote

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_8655_zpsdif2pmja.jpg)
Catching last week's raindrops.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_8669_zpsgro1lqeu.jpg)
Showing me C for Calvin (it's under his finger).

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_8673_zpsvd57zdxp.jpg)
R&R beneath Machete Ridge.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_8683_zpsu4krbojm.jpg)
Pooh sticks.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_8701_zpszugynvb7.jpg)

He made it on foot all the way from the first bridge to right before the caves, and back again, in just about 2:10, and was still laughing when we got back to the car. Not too shabby for a 2 year old attention span.  :smile5:
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: clink on January 29, 2017, 06:34:57 AM
Super cool LEFH & Calvin!
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: mudworm on January 29, 2017, 10:17:12 AM
Quote
Not too shabby for a 2 year old attention span.

Calvin for president!!!

Nice outing, father and son.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on March 12, 2017, 08:22:15 PM
A few pics from Brad's 1000th:

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_8835_zpsq2pnyg2v.jpg)
Safety first!

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_8836_zps5p8jhmpd.jpg)
Always interested in story time, regardless of venue.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_8872_zpsrmyciuus.jpg)
HUUUGE thanks to my Calvin-wranglers for giving me the opportunity for this uncommon angle of him.  ;D
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: clink on March 13, 2017, 05:52:42 AM

 Calvin took the day in stride!
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: Brad Young on March 13, 2017, 07:05:16 AM
The Dawsons and I used to talk about whether climbing crags were "Alex friendly." In other words, how was the approach for a little boy? How about the base (no nearby cliffs to fall off)?

Obviously he's grown past that stage. "Calvin friendly" seems like an apt replacement  ;)
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on April 27, 2017, 08:51:58 PM
The Dawsons and I used to talk about whether climbing crags were "Alex friendly." In other words, how was the approach for a little boy? How about the base (no nearby cliffs to fall off)?

Obviously he's grown past that stage. "Calvin friendly" seems like an apt replacement  ;)


Yep. Though what qualifies as "Calvin friendly" changes with who's looking at it. I expect my definition and my wife's definition don't overlap 100%...  :biggrin:


A couple weekends ago we accidentally went on "free admission" day, but the little trooper was as patient as ever, and after about an hour in line we finally rolled in to the Chaparral Parking Lot and once again got lucky with getting a close spot. A quick snack to refuel and we were on our way.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/DSC00296_zpsvfgbvdf3.jpg)
There's a metaphor in here somewhere.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/DSC00298_zpskoxidyl1.jpg)
Hamming it up.

(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/www.GIFCreator.me_IxE96B_zpskaiz4k8h.gif)
Action shot.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: clink on April 27, 2017, 09:47:21 PM
Calvin the mighty hiker.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: JC w KC redux on June 17, 2017, 02:50:37 PM

clink and I were talking and he said he is going to have to do 10 pull-ups or 1 extended hang for every keystroke he types on the forum. That means he is either going to get into really good shape or we aren't going to hear from him much any more  :lol:
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: NOAL on June 17, 2017, 09:17:20 PM
how many pull ups do photos count for?  he could communicate through images but they are so small........
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: clink on June 18, 2017, 06:15:57 AM
50

Hi
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: mynameismud on June 19, 2017, 08:14:10 AM
dead hangs are easier on the elbows
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: Brad Young on June 19, 2017, 08:17:52 AM

...or we aren't going to hear from him much any more  :lol:


I certainly hope that this will not be the case.

One of the recent pleasures of my mornings has been signing on to Mudn'Crud and seeing Jon's early, early morning posts. The fun comes from imagining him (quietly) giggling to himself as he posts his frequent nuggets while everyone else is asleep at 5:30 a.m.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: JC w KC redux on June 19, 2017, 08:34:36 AM
The fun comes from imagining him (quietly) giggling to himself as he posts his frequent nuggets while everyone else is asleep at 5:30 a.m.

He's pure evil... :devildevil: :devildevil: :devildevil:...and Kat's up  :lol:
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: Brad Young on June 19, 2017, 08:46:46 AM

...and Kat's up  :lol:


I kinda meant in his house; he's awake and up to no good while the normal family members are still asleep....
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: JC w KC redux on June 19, 2017, 08:59:03 AM
I kinda meant in his house; he's awake and up to no good while the normal family members are still asleep....

I thought you were referring to The Sleeping Inn Crowd  :lol:
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on June 06, 2018, 07:09:33 PM
Between Photobucket's greed and my laziness finding a new hosting site I've fallen a bit behind, but thanks Clint for posting on the Taco that Photobucket's come to it's senses. So, a few quick hits from the last year.

Lunch on the terrace of the Balconies last fall. We got quite a show from the condors that day.
(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/DSC02752_zps0vwwbolz.jpg)

Excited about a natural tunnel on the Westside, approaching the cave. He liked the caves more than his mama did!  :D
(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/DSC03139_zpsqp3h2w4g.jpg)

Excited about a mammade tunnel on the Eastside, on the way to the reservoir (he made it all the way there and halfway back before Daddy's Sherpa Service had to shoulder the load, pun very definitely intended).
(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/DSC03531_zpsxandnrmd.jpg)

Spotting a highball. We tried getting him on a rope that day, but he wasn't keen on that. He loves bouldering, though. I can't believe I'm raising a pebble wrestler.  :frown2:
(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/DSC03993_zpsmeqxafh6.jpg)
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: Brad Young on June 06, 2018, 07:40:32 PM
Hey, hey, hey, nice to see both of you back.

That kid's getting out a fair amount!
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: mungeclimber on June 06, 2018, 07:46:24 PM
He's quite a bit taller too!

Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on June 06, 2018, 07:54:11 PM
Thanks. I was hoping to make MoM back in March, but found out I was committed to Modesto that weekend, and until last week ochem had been occupying most of my forum time.

And I like it, Mom likes it, he likes it; win-win-win situation. We try to get out somewhere at least once a week.

Tall enough to go on every ride at Disneyland except one (no, I don't know which one, you'd have to ask my brother and his wife-they're responsible for fulfilling that part of his childhood  ;D).
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: clink on June 06, 2018, 08:35:25 PM
Nice to see what you are doing with the mud addict in training!
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: mynameismud on June 07, 2018, 05:59:37 AM
Good pics, thanks. 
Title: Re: Mud Addicts-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on October 10, 2018, 08:45:22 PM
Scouting False Flatiron for potential family climbing finally got us back out (spoiler alert: it looks great; thanks John and Kathy).

For the first time ever I finally saw some of these guys (gals?) Now I just need to catch a horny toad.
(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_0474_zpsb306r82e.jpg)

I stand by this backpack as the best baby purchase I made. From 4 months to now nearly 4 years he's logged hundreds of miles in it.
(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_0489_zpsbas7kehe.jpg)

Picnic time.
(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_0511_zpsp7ry277j.jpg)

It doesn't quite come through in the pic, but when I stepped back from him here it looked like he had absolutely wild exposure.
(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_0518_zps7le2msek.jpg)

This is a pretty spot-on reenactment of my blowing the approach via Pinch or Lynch Wall. We went back over the top past Scout Peak and it went much better.
(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/giphy_zpsrgqsasrw.gif)

I asked him to count how many rocks he saw. Fortunately he stopped at 10, because I can personally vouch he can make it to at least 107.
(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/IMG_0571_zpseuuaz1xd.jpg)

And then there's this. Before too long I'll have to figure out how to edit the whole thread's title to plural.  ;D
(http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/HSKillometer/miriam_zpsxbq4rjvz.jpg)
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: mungeclimber on October 10, 2018, 09:22:20 PM
Grats!!
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: clink on October 11, 2018, 06:33:52 AM

 Is that last pic bouldering a V7 dyno?

 Congratulations!

 Nice to get an update on the Mud Addict.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: Tuff Chik on October 11, 2018, 07:38:09 AM
Congrats!  Looks like you guys are having fun out there.  The backpack looks like it might be the same one my friends Laura and Jesse purchased.   I know they bought an Osprey and I have used it to carry Kim and it is so comfy. 
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: JC w KC redux on October 11, 2018, 07:49:44 AM

Thanks for sharing Shane. Good to see you and Calvin out and about.
If you want to try a different approach (and check a bunch of stuff out) you can go to Deep Groove/Byzantium via the CCC road, cut uphill left of Onomatopoeia, then stay on top of the ridge toward Little Flatiron - veering right toward and up past Toadstool's right side and then just a short jaunt from there. It is a long way out there but rewarding for solitude, fun easy climbing and probably cell reception.

here's mud in your eye  :biggrin: :thumbup: :yesnod:
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: Brad Young on October 11, 2018, 07:56:44 AM
Nice photos. They make me miss Pinnacles. Luckily this very weekend, I'll be seeing it again.

That boy is getting really big. Does he know yet that he's gonna be a big brother?
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on October 11, 2018, 01:00:07 PM
Thanks everyone. We're excited. 2 more months!

Quote
Is that last pic bouldering a V7 dyno?
Ugh, she'd better not be. One of my kids already wears beanies and specifically goes looking for short rocks. I don't need another in the family.

Thanks for the approach info JC. I had wondered about that as an option. I believe I went up that ridge with Brad during the Tour of Mud, but I didn't realize it until I had already thrashed my way there. It sounds easier than coming in laterally or going all the way over the top.

Quote
Luckily this very weekend, I'll be seeing it again.

That boy is getting really big. Does he know yet that he's gonna be a big brother?
Eventually we'll get out to another group event.  :frown:

Yes, he knows. Most of his cousins live in Modesto, so he doesn't have to share the spotlight much. This'll be quite a change for him, so we've been trying to prepare him as much as possible. Sometimes it seems to sink in a little more than other times. Like this morning when we got to meet the very new baby brother of one of his friends at playschool.  :D
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on March 17, 2024, 06:48:56 AM
Well, she's no longer a fetus. The fam took a trip out to the Rolling Stones Friday, and the littlest one climbed more than me, mama and big brother combined!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593558815_4318c8cbe4_c.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53592242112_6a04d859fb_c.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593114676_c8727959c0_c.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53592243662_97b2ec1e52_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: Brad Young on March 17, 2024, 12:14:57 PM
I know you well enough to understand that you know what's coming. It's gonna get harder and harder to keep up with her....

Speaking from experience.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on March 17, 2024, 12:53:24 PM
Umderstand? Heck, I'm counting on it! My previous ropegun moved to Reno. I'm hoping to keep this one local until she's at least 18.  ;D
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: NOAL on March 18, 2024, 09:05:18 AM
Nice! Got those hand gestures down.  My adult climbing partners seem to only know one of the middle finger variety.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: JC w KC redux on March 18, 2024, 09:24:10 AM

Nice shots Shane - funny too.

Good to see someone enjoying those routes.
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: looks easy from here on March 18, 2024, 06:17:01 PM
Thanks!

Yeah, her stoke level was pretty much 100%.

And thanks, too, to JC, KC and Brad for developing it. Bolts and anchors are hard to come by in those grades, and it's an especially great place to take the little ones, because the climbing's so mellow but still steep and fun, and in the mini camyon they were conveniently trapped while mama and I were climbing.

Calvin was also there, but I didn't get a chance to get a good shot of him while we were dealing with Miriam. He was primarily content to boulder solo and deride the rest of us as "rope pullers". Where did I go wrong?  ::)
Title: Re: Mud Addict-In-Training
Post by: Brad Young on March 18, 2024, 07:12:24 PM

Where did I go wrong?  ::)


You haven't. Yet.

Wait until he's 17. At that point everything you do and everything you've ever done will be wrong.

But, as you and Ms LEFH witnessed with me and my older daughter Katie last June, they come around. Or, as Mark Twain said (paraphrased): A boy of 14 is amazed at what an ignoramus his father is. By the time that same lad turns 21, he's equally amazed at how much the old man has learned in seven years.

Keep up the good work.