Greer 2009

Every year the Brenton clan goes to Greer, located in the White Mountains of north eastern Arizona. We do some fly fishing and general woods bumming. Amy and I try to get some runs in, but at 8,200 feet plus it is tough on us low landers. All of the good food usually slows us down a bit too.

Last year Ryan told me that there is a sport climbing area at the Big Lake lookout which is very close to Greer. I went and found it when we were up there last year, but hadn't brought my gear. This year I came prepared. I was a little surprised when my brother and niece said they wanted to go along.

Amy did belay duty while I led the climbs we did. It was a little strange not having Ryan or Meagan belay me, but Amy did fine. I tried to pick easy climbs for the kids, but there was a 5.5 and then a couple of what I thought might be 5.8's from the ground but were more like 5.9+? I didn't have any beta so I am just guessing.

This is my niece, Harley working her way over the vegetated ledge on the 5.5. This was her first time climbing outside.

The 5.5 wasn't bolted, but a top rope could easily be set up by walking around the back to the anchors. I had seen some anchors that I was going to use to rapp off of, and look at some of the other routes. It turns out that it was a free hanging rappel. Here is Amy going over the edge.

This is my brother on the free hanging section. Everyone wanted to try it so it cut our climbing session a little short. Most of the other routes were way above my lead climbing ability anyway.

This is what happens when the kids get the camera while the adults are trying to make sure no one decks.