DATE: JUNE 15TH-16TH 2019
LOCATION: TIETON, WA
AUTHOR: ADRIENNE
TRAINING STAGE: SUMMER
CLIMBING TYPE: TRAD
What another great NSM trip! A group of 9 NSM ladies met up Saturday morning in Tieton to do some trad and crack climbing. About half of the group had experience with trad climbing and the other half not so much, but were happy to follow and practice gear placements! It’s always great to have a mix of skill levels so we can learn from each other and support each other.
The first day we climbed at Royal Columns, which offered us some good beginner climbs from 5.3-5.7. Despite the scorching sun and 85-degree weather, we managed to climb from morning to late afternoon! Completely exhausted from the heat after that, we rewarded ourselves with a dip in the river below the crag. We then went to our campsite, which was next to a small river and a dreamy waterfall, then we headed to a brewery nearby for some food and refreshments.
On Sunday we went to a different crag, Bend, so that we could avoid being in the sun. Bend offered some great crack climbs and we all had a blast. It was fun to practice crack climbing and try out different crack climbing techniques. After a couple of exciting rattlesnake sightings, we managed to make it back to our cars in the afternoon to head our separate ways.
While I wasn’t one of the trad climbers this weekend, I am definitely more inspired to get into it! I had a great time practicing gear placements while mock leading and loved watching the other ladies lead the climbs. I initially wasn’t going to go on this trip because I find trad climbing pretty intimidating, but I’m definitely glad I decided to go! Big thank you to our trip leader Stephanie, who did a great job coordinating us all. I hope to go on this trip again in the fall.