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Published: February 10th 2006
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We've been here 12 days. We love it. We left our campsite at Hidden Valley early this morning. We're headed into the town of Joshua Tree to stay a night at the Lazy H campground. Ironically, when we get there we get site #7 (like at Hidden Valley). We're going there to dump our grey and black tanks, to fill up on water, and to power up the batteries. I think we had good luck "boondocking." That means (in RV language) we ain't pluged in. We've been going off battery and whatever we had in our tanks. Pretty good. 12 days, AND we had guests (Adams friends from AZ and his dad). We plan to come back tomorrow to stay a few more nights. Then we'll be off to San Diego.
I still haven't done any roped climbs. I wanted to, when Adams friends were here, but on the INSANE hike to what they call "Dairy Queen Wall" I pulled a muscle in my thigh. It has a name, but I've forgotten. I just know that it hurt. The approach to Dairy Queen Wall itself, is crazy. Lots of large sketchy boulders to scramble up. But on the way there,
Adams Dad
Getting ready to go climb Overhang Bypass a two pitch , triple star 5.7 we decided to take a "sneaky" way so the dogs could come and to save time. I'd say it was a bad move, it was definatley the dumbest choice, but it was an adventure. Something to look back on, and laugh. We had to go up and over this huge mound of boulders. It was real precarious hike. At times I wasn't sure if I could make it. When we fianlly made it over this ginormous mass of rock, we realized we had saved no time. AND we ended up sending the dogs back with Adams dad. It was after that, during the next unnerving trek that I pulled or strained or whatever my muscle. Oh well. Maybe when we go back, we'll go back to Dairy Queen Wall. I'm enjoying being close to the ground bouldering anyway. I'll climb. I have too. Its Joshua Tree. Adam and I have found a favorite boulder. It's called Gunsmoke. Its in the Barker Dam area of JTree. The area is about a mile from our campsite and its so pretty! The dam was built in the early 1900's for the cattle and miners. The small pond there is so reflective. Absolutley amazing.
Adam
Leading Overhang Bypass a two pitch , triple star 5.7 Anyway, Gunsmoke is a 75 foot traverse (rated V2. Has over a 150 moves). I can make it ummmm, about 5 feet. BUT, I get off and try again and again and again. I think my fingers may fall off. 2 days ago I had a nasty blister. Yucky nasty (it was shiny-BLAH). That was 2 days ago. Yesterday, I developed 2 more, but they skipped the nasty part and just became torn skin. I love it. Weird. Adam does well at everything he does. He can make it pretty far on Gunsmoke, and he seems to handle the pain better than myself. He just ignores it better.
We've been out to that area a few times now, most of the time we run into this man they call the "Birdman." I guess he picks and chooses who to talk to, I saw him talking to a guy yesterday. When we say Hi, he just looks at us like we're crazy. The only thing I've seen him do is this weird move on Gunsmoke. Over and over, he bends over on a ledge (very tiny ledge), holds on with his fingertips, and thats it. Another guy told us he's
Adams dad
Overhang Bypass stretching.
A climber had to be rescued from the Barker Dam area a few days ago. We heard the sirens, which is something you don't hear often here. Then we saw the helicopter. I'm not sure of the details, I just hope everyone is ok.
A few nights ago Adam and I met a guy named Ori. He's from Israel. He was sent to DC on buisness. From there he went to New York City to visit a friend. Then he headed to Red Rocks,NV to climb, then out here to Joshua Tree. He was really nice. We met him at night. The next day, the 3 of us bouldered at Barker Dam. Later, Ori brought Adam into town for some water and I made dinner for the three of us. It was nice talking to him. Adam and Ori did some climbing the next morning and Ori left later that afternoon.
Everyday that we've been here has been beautiful. A few days were breezy, but the sun stayed out. We couldn't have asked for better. The nights do get cold. Our heat and refridgerator work when they choose too. I think the fridge knows when we
Awwww
We didn't notice at the time...but look behind us. Looks like a heart painted on the rock stock up on groceries, then decided it doesn't want to work. Adam thinks it was because the spark ignitors were not getting enough vaultage to fire on when needed. Whichever. Hopefully the problem has been solved.
We just got situated at the Lazy H. Its nice to be plugged in! I can run the water as long as I want. I can use the computer and cell phone. I can take a hot shower!! I can do laundry!!! Thers so much to do...I think I will just sit here for now.
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Margaret
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Awesome!
I am so glad that you decided to keep all of us stationary people current on your amazing adventures...talk about living vicariously. (did I spell that right?) I am happy that you are having a good time. You and Adam look amazing. Hopefully one of my vacations will take us in your direction. Lots of love!