Holy crap. Where has this been all my life??
If Sonora has anything similar to offer, you'd better build another bedroom, Brad.
Three of us are just back from the most amazing week of climbing in Southern Yosemite. We spent the first night in Curry Village on a lark and invite. TR'd at Swan Slab the next morning before heading to Bowler Campground (SoYo) to meet our guide from Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides (Drew). Shortly after introductions, he asked if we cared to climb before dinner. Um. Can I answer that with a "duh"?? We headed to Boulder Garden (I think) for an afternoon of intro granite climbing and assessing our skills.
Turns out we were much more advanced than he planned and had to rethink his schpeel for the rest of the week. Kid could definitely think on his feet as none of us knew this until later in the week. (he had just done Salathe for a charity cause before our trip) We were taught and exposed to trad climbing, trad anchor building, crack climbing, aid climbing, racking methods, gear options, etc, etc...it was AWESOME! Every day consisted of getting up, Drew making breakfast, climbing, climbing, chowing lunch, climbing, climbing, Drew making dinner, sleeping...rinse, repeat. Heaven.
The approaches were intimidating, the weather was spectacular, the company was stellar, the views were beyond description and just went on and on.
It's kind of all a blur (no, that's not just the wine talking) but each day was better than the next, culminating with yesterday and a five-pitch, trad climb up Fresno Dome. Each pitch offered something different - knobby, slabby, crack, lie backs, off-widths, alpine (gulp!), down climbing, fun, fun, fun!!!!
Enjoy the pics! (Drew took some too so I may post more later when he sends them)
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.315484768540531.76538.100002370323619&type=1&l=5a9a8a38bb
