There's something really cool about getting to learn a new sport. An excitement that comes with experiencing something totally new. And while frustrating at moments, working through those beginning learning stages can also be pretty awesome at the same time.
A couple weekends ago I had the chance to go climbing in Yosemite National Park. It wasn't my first time on a rock, but it was my first real experience with alpine multi-pitch trad climbing and it was awesome. I think I'm hooked.
The mission was to climb Cathedral Peak in Toulumne Meadows. Cathedral isn't an especially difficult climb, but it is a pretty epic way to start off your mountain climbing career. The approach involved an hour and a half walk through the beautiful Tuolumne Meadows landscape and was a great way to start off the morning.
 |
| David Maurier at the start of the approach (Cathedral is the peak on the right side of the picture) |
 |
| Almost there! |
After reaching the base of the peak, it was time to start climbing. Getting to the summit involved five pitches of 5.6 climbing. David was leading, placing protection in the rock, while I followed behind cleaning it up. There was one pitch that involved a cool chimney (crack large enough for a body) which was lots of fun and challenged me especially with a pack on. I was a little nervous as we climbed higher, with little experience having been that high and exposed before, but the granite landscape adrenaline kept me fired up for me.
 |
| Half way there.... |
 |
| Hanging out at a belay station |
 |
| What a view! |
After a few hours climbing up the rock, we finally made it it to the summit! The summit consisted of a small ledge just large enough for a few people. It was so cool to be up there staring out over all that granite with a view of some of the highest peaks in Yosemite.
 |
| Made it!!! Enjoying the view from the top. |
 |
| A view from the summit |
After getting back to the truck we enjoyed the Yosemite lifestyle by drinking beers on the beach next to the lake. The following morning we did a five pitch climb in Tuolumne called Holdless Horror on Dozier Dome which was another great experience. Can't wait to get out there and do some more!
 |
| At the top of Dozier Dome |
