Spring Break Part 2: Smith Rock State Park

From Fossil, we headed south to Smith Rock State Park for some climbing.  The park is a beautiful place to just be.  And additionally, there is lots and lots of climbing which is what we came here for so....

We started our days there on a crowded Sunday.  "The most crowded I have ever seen it," said one ranger.  But we managed to escape the crowd by hiking up out of the main gorge to a wonderful little outcropping of rock called Adit.   There were perfect climbs there for us.  After a top rope of our first route, Wren jumped on lead and did an excellent lead of this climb.

The outcropping had a wonderful little summit block which we all managed to get on top of at the end of the day for a view and some exposure.

The next day was quieter in the gorge and so we headed for the main walls to climb some classics.  One of the great things about this area is the wonderful structures that lend themselves to forts and caves and great little exploring spots.  Here is Dakota in a cave right under one of our climbs.

Here wren is showing his stuff and climbing like a champ.

 This is the first trip where Dakota really like the climbing.  Here he is up high on a climbing just loving it.

 A bit of wildlife is always exciting.  Here a large "bull" snake.  That is the name someone else gave it as we watched is slither around at the base of one of the climbs.  Wren really wanted me to get a picture with it's tongue out. 

More beautiful shots of the rocks and Wren.