it is really rainy here, I can hear it on the roof like a million little mice running all around.
But that is ok, because we have had a great few weeks climbing around Moab. AND my dad, Mark Rutherford came to visit, he never had a rest day! busy busy!
dad and the six shooters
Day one we climbed the South Six Shooter, an extra classic 5.8 desert tower with a beautiful 2.5 mile approach. The walk takes you out of the cottonwoods and up in to the sandy wash of Davis canyon before you head up the talas cone. Half way up the cone is a beautiful plateau with a wild moonscape and great shade boulders.
on top of the south six shooter
Day two we took him cragging at the Optimator wall in Indian Creek. We did the coolest 5.8 behind a small pillar, really good rock, and in the shade. Might be the best 5.8 at the creek. He cruse a 5.10 and then he watched me fall off the Optimator a few times. They were a great cheering squad.
aged juniper corral
golden cottonwoods
Day three we hiked to the top of the Toombstone, and watched Mikey drill a new bolt for the anchor. Then we headed south and went walking in to the fins finding secret arches and good fall colors.
fins
Day four was a choss tower in the Arches, it was a great hike, and nice view, but made my dad want to climb solid granite next time.
Dark Angel
The last day we headed for the Fisher Towers, to the most classic mud climb in the states, Ancient Art. The funky muddy tower is beautiful, but a bit scary. Dad made us proud standing on the tiny summit.
Dad on summit of Ancient Art
And as we began to rappel, I look over towards the parking lot to see lights and sirens heading up the road. Grand County Sheriff yelled up to ask if we needed a rescue, we did not. But Mikey and I headed up to offer our skills. It turned out a guy aid soloing the King Fisher had fallen and broken his ankle. We helped the Search and Rescue team rig anchors to lower Mike in the litter over some sketchy exposed 4th class mud gullies.
From the time we arrived at the base of the tower it took about 5 hours to get Mike to the Ambulance. It went fairly well all things considered. Good work crew.
Mike headed for the Ambulance
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