It took about an hour hike to get to the start of the climb. The majority of the approach trail either consisted of bushwhacking up a slippery riverbed or hiking through fields of poison ivy. At one point I had to climb up and over a boulder (this was before we were roped in) so Drew stood under to spot me. Just as I was about over my foot slipped and I started to fall (expletive, expletive), but my wonderful, strong, dependable husband caught me. Had he not, I would likely be writing this from a hospital bed.
The first pitch felt a little sketchy because the route went up and over a ridge, so Drew had to climb out of my sight. It was weird to belay him from below when I couldn't see him, and even weirder to not be able to see the destination I was climbing to. After another pitch or so I got used to it. The climbing was easy (rated only 5.2) but very fun. We had amazing views of the flatirons and the front range along the way.
We reached the top after 8 pitches and about 3 hours of climbing. The hike down however was actually the hardest part. We had to hike down a 4th class gully full of more poison ivy. Usually when I hike down something that steep I brace myself with my hands a lot, but I was afraid to because I didn't want to get poison ivy. So instead I ended up flapping my arms in the air trying to keep my balance. I imagine I probably looked something like a drunken stork trying to get down the mountain.
Luckily we made it back to the car without rolling our ankles or going into anaphylactic shock from poison ivy. Then, we made it home in time to see the Gators beat Tennessee, which is always a joy.
Drew's fun fact: The uroshiol oil from a poison ivy plant can stay active on most surfaces for up to 5 years.
