| Steve Dougherty ~ Apr 25, 2006 |
| The seventh annual Intro to Smith Rock weekend was held April 22-23. This two day event at Smith Rock State Park is designed to give recent climb school graduates more difficult rock climbing practice and train them to belay a top roped climber. The group was forced to deviate from the original plan and spent our first day at the Student Wall, since a large group had staked out Adit Rock by 8:30 a.m. The clear sunny skies were trumped by the chilly temperatures and gorge breezes making for unpleasant climbing conditions on the cold shaded rock of the west facing Student Wall. By noon the rock was in full sun and everyone got to do plenty of climbing. We had an unusual rash of physical issues early Saturday. One participant sprained her ankle on the approach hike, another suffered a shoulder injury while climbing and a third experienced some asthma symptoms that he attributed to a combination of exercise and the cold morning temperatures. Participants camped at the Smith Rock Bivouac Area and enjoyed a pizza and salad bar buffet at the Papas Pizza Parlor in Redmond Saturday night. Sunday's climbing was done at Rope De Dope Block. All participants mastered the art of belaying by the end of the second day. A huge thank you to co-leader Mike Rudy who directed the setting of top ropes and to assistants: Scott Kelley, Scott Phillips, JP Petrin, Jim Tschantz, Tim Smith, Robyn Smith and Sue Nelson for their help in setting the top ropes and belay coaching. Participants were: Ken Prowse, Rod Jacobson, Melody Fincher, Kari Wattenbarger, Tawny Gates, Greg Phillips, Tom Jolly, Jess Palacios, Amy Palacios, Broderick Franklin, Betty Eng, Mike Miller, Jim Collins, Melissa Heuberger, Markian Hawryluk, Natalie Michael, Geoffrey Carden, Gary Greenwood, Beth Dougherty, Lindsay Nelson, and Laurel Nelson. |
| Gregory Phillips ~ Apr 25, 2006 |
| The intro to smith rock was a real introduction to rock climbing, and belaying. These skills are the staple of mountianeering. I can't thank all the leaders and their assistants enough for their support and coaching. Steve D. J.P., Mike R. and Scott P. merit special mention. I would recommend this course for all climb school grads to prepare for their next adventures. Again many thanks, Gregory Phillips |
| Melody Fincher ~ Apr 27, 2006 |
| Intro to Smith Rock was an awsome experience and I really learned a lot from everyone that went. I want to thank all the leaders for putting this together and sharing all there knowledge and I had a really great time and I think that I found a great new hobbie. Thanks again Melody Fincher |
| Melissa Nisly ~ Apr 28, 2006 |
| It was great for me to be able to just get some practice and start feeling more comfortable since climbing is so new for me. Really appreciate the help, ideas and patience from everyone. A fun group to spend the weekend with! |
| Rod Jacobson ~ Apr 30, 2006 |
| I signed up for this outing w/ the hope of brushing up on semi-forgotten knowledge, learning something new & meeting potential new climbing partners all three wishes were fulfilled. This is the second outing of mine w/ the Chemeketans. Ive enjoyed both of them & look forward to future adventures together. I would like to thank Steve, both Scotts & Mike, for making this happen. Rod Jacobson |