Climbing on Columns

DATE: APRIL 4TH, 2021

LOCATION: VANTAGE, WA

AUTHOR: PAM BRECKENRIDGE

TRAINING STAGE: N/A

SPORT: ROCK CLIMBING

CLIMBING TYPE: SPORT CLIMBING & TOP ROPING

This trip report begins in Vantage, WA, where five adventurous and eager climbers meet. We

do introductions, state our preferred pronouns, state what our goals are for the trip and an ice

breaker question of what our favorite type of leafy green is! We had a diverse leafy green

group, ranging from spinach, iceberg and arugula.

After our light intro we headed to the Sunshine’s Lower Cliffs. The footpath to the lower cliffs

was more of a traverse along the base of 30-50 foot basalt pillars with some loose scree

sections. The views were, most of Echo Basin with the natural beauty of Sagebrush,

Rabbitbrush and even grass. I think grass can be pretty.

Anyways, after about a 15 minute hike in we were at the Millennium Wall. We started off easy

with a warm-up on the 5.7 route, Jitterbug. Tricky finding holds, but just kept slapping those

hands around until it “felt right”. I also recall the route not being super intuitive and a bit

blocky.

The second route was a 5.9 called, Play and Win. I remember the route having a good flow to it

and found it had just the right amount of “challenge” for me that day.

Next to the Play and Win was the toughest climb of the day, My New Hammer. A 5.10a climb

with slope-y “SCAM” holds , as everyone who climbed it remarked. A lot of grunting while

clinging to sloped holds and giving it that little extra oomph seemed to do the trick for these

powerhouse Womxn.

We then skirted left and did my first or second favorite climb of the day, and I think some feel

it’s the best climb on the wall. It is a 5.10a route, called Heel High or Crescent. The route is

straight-forward, but also slightly challenging with solvable problems and a smooth ascent.

My last route of the day was a 5.9, called Y2K, which everyone loved. This one and Heel High or

Crescent were my favorites. Hard to choose. I remember it being a really nice line and NOT a

SCAM!

I wasn’t able to stay the whole weekend, unfortunately, but what I learned was that “Scam”

holds are holds that give the illusion of a good hold, but in fact, they’re FAKE! They are truly a

SCAM. I learned folks leafy green preferences. I learned about a new climbing wall and am

slightly better oriented for a later return date. Lastly, I met some pretty rad womxn. Super chill

and cool people. Love NSM! I can’t wait for future outings! Climb on!

Climbing on Mount Erie

DATE: MARCH 27TH, 2021

LOCATION: MOUNT ERIE, WA

AUTHOR: AMARI HAMMONDS

TRAINING STAGE: N/A

SPORT: ROCK CLIMBING

CLIMBING TYPE: SPORT CLIMBING & TOP ROPING

A small, really fun group to share my inaugural outdoor Washington climb with! I live in the Bay Area but was staying with my sister in the Tacoma area for a couple months. I really wanted to make the most out of the flexibility that working-from-home offers but I wasn’t quite sure how I could make climbing work during my visit since I don’t know other climbers here. As an intermediate gym climber but somewhat beginner-intermediate outdoor climber, I always appreciate learning from other women, so I was so grateful that Megan from NSM responded to one of my posts in local women’s climbing Facebook groups and introduced me to such an inclusive and supportive organization!

We met at a lower parking lot at Mt. Erie and then drove to the top. It was overcast and pretty chilly at times but we got a break from recent rainy weather. I’m a Black woman and for me personally I value opportunities to create community with other women of color who climb, so I really appreciated the diversity of our little group of four. We introduced ourselves and our pronouns, shared our goals for the day, and I was delighted by Tiffany and Sonya’s commitment to and enthusiasm for helping us achieve those goals. That and so many other things, like the fact that we actually waited for each other during the approach and return (I’ve been left behind so many times by guys I’ve gone on trips with), felt so inclusive and supportive in ways that were incredibly meaningful to me.

The approach was a little confusing and we ended up doing a bit of circuitous hiking and backtracking, coupled with soliciting directions from another woman who’d been to the walls we were looking for. We made the most of it, though, taking in the views of the water, petting an adorable dog named Tabashka, and warming up our smearing skills with some steep scrambling. We finally made it to Orange Wall, which allegedly was “obviously” orange but I’m still not fully persuaded. Tiffany and Sonya led three routes on this slab wall so that Victoria and I could top-rope – I had initially wanted to lead but the routes were a little bit exposed, so that was just enough for my nerves to convince me I’d be really happy to just top-rope. We climbed and snapped photos – so nice to climb with other women who understand how to compose a great climbing shot and the value of that for the socials!  – and the others let me rant about online dating during our midday snack. Oddly, the third route was rated the hardest (Agent Orange, a 5.9+) but I found it the most enjoyable. (Least favorite award goes to Orange Peel, the more exposed 5.8 that had me saying “nope!” but even that one made me feel really accomplished at the top.)

Then we switched over to Madrone Wall, which was much more recessed from the edge of the cliff on which Orange Peel sits, to climb a couple 5.8s. Sonya and I negotiated a compromise wherein I would try leading but had permission to bail if needed. My goal was to get 3 clips and I ended up doing 5 – yay! Sonya gently encouraged me to go further but knew when to acquiesce to my decision to finally come down. The second 5.8, to the left, had a weird start that made Tiffany’s initial lead a little sketch for a minute, but on top-rope I LOVED the start because it gave me confidence that I could flawlessly execute some fairly technical moves for that grade.

We finished our climbs with Sonya and Victoria cleaning, and Sonya helped Victoria practice that task. After a very rigorous hike and scramble, we made it back to the parking lot. All in all a joyful and supportive day. I’m so grateful I got to climb with this special group and I hope to do so again the next time I stay in Washington!

Trad is Rad

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.

Boulder Hopping

DATE: MAY 5TH 2019

LOCATION: GOLD BAR, WA

AUTHOR: LINDSEY

TRAINING STAGE: PERFORMANCE

CLIMBING TYPE: BOULDERING

It was a small group of 3, Caroline, Eve and Lindsey (and Caroline's dog Cosmo!), lead by Sarah.  For Caroline, Eve and Lindsey, it was their first time bouldering outside!  The weather couldn't have been more perfect.  Everyone enjoyed the cool morning air, and the clear views on the hike into the bouldering area out in Gold Bar (which we had to ourselves almost the whole time!). 

Sarah did a great job showing the basics of setting up mats, how to spot other climbers, and how to find routes from the guide book.  She took everyone to warm up on a V0, and all 3 of us were surprised at how much harder it was compared to bouldering in a gym!  But as the day went on, we all felt a little more confident and were trying V2's and V3's to push ourselves out of our comfort zone. 

Eve and Lindsey each had their "bouldering moment" and were able to top out some of their most challenging routes!  Caroline's dog Cosmo proved to be a great crag dog, he was content chewing sticks, digging up dirt, and watching Caroline challenge herself on different routes.  Sarah ended her day working on her project, and showing us a fun V3 that we are all determined to get next time.  All in all it was a great day.  :)

Climbing on Some Nubbins

DATE: MAY 4TH-6TH 2019

LOCATION: SMITH ROCK STATE PARK, OR

AUTHOR: JOSEPHINE

TRAINING STAGE: PERFORMANCE

CLIMBING TYPE: TOP ROPING / SPORT CLIMBING / TRAD CLIMBING

What a weekend for some great climbing! We pulled in on a Friday night and set up camp near the other NSM tents. Clear, starry skies provided a nice back-light for the rock formations surrounding us. It was exhilarating to set up my tent between the monoliths. The weekend itself proved to be choice for sunny weather, mid-70s throughout.

On Saturday morning we hiked out to the Dihedrals. The large ocher rock formations were gorgeous in the morning sun. Skilled climbers got busy setting up routes. As a climber getting back into the outdoors after a too-long break, I felt grateful to be shown the ropes by knowledgeable experts. Everyone was welcoming and more than happy to share their skills with me. On the routes, the tuff/basalt rock was sturdy and gave my fresh hands a reintroduction to the outdoors.

Throughout the day the members of our community with varying skill levels lead routes, cleaned, set up anchors, climbed outdoors for the first time, and shared encouragement and snacks. There were plenty of routes to climb and plenty of smiles to go around. Saturday evening, we trekked back to camp, ate our dinners, and gorged ourselves on Pam’s famous guacamole.

Sunday, we got an early start to the day and hiked out to the Marsupials. We spent the warm day climbing, lounging, laughing, eating, and cheering each other on. I was so grateful for this trip and to be included in this group of tough slaydies. I was a bit nervous before leaving because it was my first experience with NSM outdoors, but I’m so glad I went. Thanks to Meagan and all the other members who helped on this trip!

Climbing in the Rain

DATE: APRIL 6TH-7TH, 2019

LOCATION: MOUNT ERIE IN ANACORTES, WA

AUTHOR: ELISE

TRAINING STAGE: POWER ENDURANCE

CLIMBING TYPE: TOP ROPING / SPORT CLIMBING / TRAD CLIMBING

Rain was in forecast but that didn’t stop us. Being that this was my first outdoor climbing experience, I was looking forward to the trip. We met at Ray Auld parking lot. Some ladies already decided to leave due to the wet conditions.

Nastassia and Tiffany, the trip leaders, planned for us to climb up the Main Wall West, accessed by climbing a 5.7 called Zig Zag. The hike to the approach was a bit of a scramble through some brush. It hadn’t rain yet, so we were feeling hopeful. As we got to the approach, Megan took one look at the crack among the rock and lit up. It was contagious. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I was excited. All of us standing on the ledge a spectacular view of Lake Erie and Lake Campbell right in front of us. Then the weather started to look grim. Clouds came rolling in and it started to rain. We were left with no choice but to turn around. 

The group decided to make the best of our time and learn about anchors systems. Then we were taught on different ways to rappel down with an anchor or without. Some of us camped out at Deception Pass Park that night while most of group headed home. The few of us were hopeful for better conditions in the morning. Unfortunately, the next day was still cloudy and wet. We spent the day learning more about trad climbing. We went over crack systems and gear placements. Then set up anchors.

Although we did not have the chance to climb, I was excited I got to meet the Never Stop Moving community. The more I learned, the more eager I got to get some hands-on experience. Its enriching to learn how to climb by women. It’s completely supportive, and it doesn’t matter what level you are at, all you need is the will to try. We shared some laughs, drank some wine, and ate up some scrumptious muffins from Mt. Erie grocery store - highly recommend. The most memorable were the ticks - I think all of us slept with a twitch all night- but funny enough it brought us closer together.

Winter Sport Climbing in Vantage

DATE: MARCH 9TH, 2019

LOCATION: VANTAGE, WA

AUTHOR: DENISE

TRAINING STAGE: STRENGTH

CLIMBING TYPE: SPORT CLIMBING

I never thought I’d rock climb in 30 degree weather. It has been a long winter and I was craving to get back outside and climb. This was my second trip to Vantage and the weather reports were looking fairly grim; temperatures in the low 30s with cloudy skies in the morning and sun in the afternoon. Our group dwindled (understandably) as the weekend approached but a small group of us decided to give it a try and see what we could climb.

Driving into the recreational area was a big shock. The hills and rock were covered in snow and the air was crisp. We were the second car in the parking lot but we saw no one around us. We decided to explore the Feathers since the South Side crags looked dry. There was about a foot of snow on the ground as we walked through the campgrounds which made hiking a little more challenging than we anticipated, but we made it to the crags and felt excited to climb. 

I led three routes during our time there and they were a lot of fun. I had to take small breaks halfway up the wall as my fingers froze touching the frozen rock. We took turns climbing the routes and towards the end, we had some redemption with the sun coming out. Overall this trip was a lot of fun. We had the whole place to ourselves and the Feathers were fun to climb. I wasn’t able to try harder routes due to the extreme temperatures, but it was still fun leading in a new area of Vantage. I enjoyed climbing with such a small group of wonderful ladies and taking in the gorgeous winter wonderland around us!