Dirtbags

This weekend i took a trip into the high desert of central Oregon. It was basically a climbing trip for most and a kegger birthday party for others. Annually a handful of climbing buddies get together at Smith Rock and celebrate the passing of age. My friend Zack invited me along for the trip. Although Smith is a well known climbing mecca, i stayed off the ropes and opted for the slightly more sure footed trails of the park. Being back around that scene kind of made me want to don a harness and reconquer the crags (not that i ever actually conqured any crags). Maybe next time. Since i didn't do much more than party and hike. . .i don't have a lot to say. . .or remember. I did take some pictures while on the Misery Ridge hike through the park. So this is what you get. . .pictures (and captions).

Home sweet home for the weekend. Zack slept under the tarp and i took my usual post in the back of the truck.

Entering the park.

This is the actual Smith Rock.

The crew sets up for a day of climbing. Smith is like Disneyland for climbers. The well manicured belay stations are just one example of the park's hospitality.

The birthday boy (Jamie) leads the first climb of the day.

His girlfriend Jody is next to the top.

Zack was the last to go.

I left the group to their climbing and hiked around the park via the Misery Ridge trail. No actual misery took place.

Monkey Face is one of the most popular features in the park. It's also one of the more difficult areas to climb.

I took this just before i started off course. This is looking back toward Monkey Face and the park's namesake.

After my 3/4 mile deviation i had to trek back up a wall of switchbacks. On the way back up there were some good views up the back of Monkey Face.

Once i hit the ridge i was rewarded with some views onto Monkey Face and back into the valley.

This picture was taken from a spot known as the "spring board," a little flake of rock near the top of Monkey Face.

A view from the south side of the ridge just before heading back down to the Crooked River.

When i met back up with the group they were just about to change locations. The cool weather and looming storms kept climbers chasing the sun all day. It also afforded me with some good black and white images.

Jamie and Luis lead two separate climbs. Jamie on a 5.8 called "12 Buckets" and Luis on a 10.b name unknown.

My parting shot of the day was a frustrated climber taking a break hoping the light would last long enough to finish this problem.

I was happy to get away from town for the weekend. While it threatened to rain and actually did at times. . .the weekend was great. Good company, good beer and beautiful scenery.