Climbers relish the chance to get outdoors
- Details
- Created on Friday, 23 July 2010 19:28
- Written by Nathan
Photo by Anthony Souffle, The Gazette
By Nathan Van Dyne, OutThereColorado.com
A challenge.
That's what three youngsters were seeking. And that's why they opted for rock climbing.
They were among a handful who took time out of their summer vacations to participate in an outdoor climbing camp last week.
Check out a photo gallery from the camp.
Led by experienced CityRock guides Bruce Hamilton and Joe Groshong, the boys headed into North Cheyenne Canon on the western edge of Colorado Springs. The group hiked to the base of a collection of rocks just north of the Mid-Columbine trailhead. But the final destination - atop the rock formation - required a harness, some rope and plenty of teamwork.
Teamwork certainly was one lesson the boys took away from the excursion, and it's a key detail when it comes to successful group climbs.
Watch a short video of the climbing.
Hamilton has been leading climbs in Colorado since 1980 and has more than 100 ascents to his credit. According to the CityRock Web site, his philosophy to guiding is simple: "Judgment and knowledge are the most important aspects of climbing."
Groshong has been climbing for more than a decade and learned the ropes from Hamilton. Groshong and his wife, Lara, are the owners of CityRock climbing centers in Monument and Colorado Springs. The indoor facility in downtown Colorado Springs opened less than eight months ago.
Their love for the sport is obvious, and they were quick to pass on instruction, advice and encouragement to the campers.
"They're really good," said Tristan Searle, who was enjoying his first week of climbing outdoors. "They're really encouraging. If you want to come down, they'll say, 'Try to do a couple more moves.' They don't let you stop unless you really want to."
On this afternoon, none of the boys wanted to stop. One climber even went up the side of the formation with a blindfold.
Anything for a challenge.
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