Archive for January, 2006
I had the chance today to try out some snowshoes that my friend let me borrow. They were the Lightning Ascent Snowshoes made by MSR. They were great! They were light and had amazing traction caused by the cleats on the frame in addition to the usual crampons under foot. They also had a three-inch-high brace that could be flipped up into a position under the heal of your boot. This was nice for going up hill because it limited a lot of wasted movement.
The Lightning Ascent Snowshoes are a little on the pricey side for a poor college student like myself, but they are undeniably excellent snowshoes. I would definitely recommend them to anyone. Good job MSR! Thanks for letting me try them out Luke!
January 28th, 2006
I sure do like the Quarry climbing gym. I have started to climb the lead wall that they have there. It’s a pretty humbling experience. I probably climb a whole grade and a half lower at this climbing gym than I do outside. I’m not use to the length or the sustained overhang. I usually go to places like the Super Bowl Wall up Rock Canyon that is 20-25 feet long, overhung, but short. I figure, if it’s short then who needs endurance, right? The lead wall at the Quarry is overhung but more like 45-55 feet long. Its a killer on the forearms but I’m hoping that after climbing that wall for a while I will be the Enduro King.
Is anyone a big fan of the bouldering room? Drop me a line and we’ll go tackle some problems (livetheoutdoorsATgmail.com.) Also, does anyone have any good workout regimen or tips?
January 19th, 2006
If you look at a map provided to you by the NPS as you enter the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park you will see the North, Middle, and South Fork Canyons labeled but only a listed trail (Taylor Creek Trail) for the Middle Fork. My wife and I tried the Taylor Creek Trail and the South Fork. (Has anyone tried the North Fork?) If I had to decide between the two I would spend my time on the South Fork.
Middle Fork:
The Taylor Creek Trail is five miles round trip to the Double Arch Alcove and the trail is very well kept. The beginning of the hike wasn’t that great but eventually we got into the big red cliffs which were spectacular.
South Fork:
The next day we took our climbing gear and headed up the South Fork of Kolob Canyons. There is no posted sign but there is a parking lot at the most eastern part of the Kolob Canyons Road as it loops by the entrance of the South Fork. Park here and then cross the road. The beginning of the trail is marked by a chunk of sandstone that is about knee height.
I liked the South Fork more than the Middle Fork because you are between the walls of the canyon much sooner. It is a very quiet and peaceful canyon. I also liked it because of the sport climbing in the canyon. We climbed a nameless 5.10 that was awesome. The bolts were often 10 feet apart and I felt like the sandstone fins that I was grabbing were going to break off at any minute. However, it was a really fun climb. I wanted to try some of the others on the wall (like the Namaste) but we were short on time (and endurance.) Fortunately, we did have a little time for a few king swings off off the 5.10. Fun as usual.
January 7th, 2006
Well, the blog is up. It’s now time to get some sweet content on this thing
January 2nd, 2006