Smith Rock

Andy on a multi-pitch trad route with Ben & Sean*

Me starting out on a 5'8 sport route - I actually finished it!*

Future rock climber observes from the base*

Katie & Wyatt*

Last weekend we took our second annual camping trip out to Smith Rock in central Oregon with some of our Portland crew. Smith is a well-known rock climbing destination not far from Bend.

We started off the trip by locking the keys in our brand new (to us) Dodge Dakota and had to break the window to rescue the screaming baby (Nick) inside. We hadn't even had the truck for 12 hours. NOTE TO SELF: if ever breaking a window in your car, don't break the small window in the rear door. Although small, it's actually the most expensive to replace! Luckily for us, our insurance is covering the replacement.

The weekend improved immesely from there. Andy, Nick and I slept well in our new family-sized tent, dubbed the "Mondo Condo," complete with separate rooms for parents and children. We've got room to grow with this one! Next item on the list - the deluxe camp kitchen (kidding).

We had great weather (it was HOT!), great food (as usual) and fun activities. We did some hiking, climbing and biking. I even finished a route - the first in several years! Nick was great and only ate a few handfuls of dirt and rocks. Our friend Katie Fifer, a Glenwood native who now lives in Bend, joined us with her dog Wyatt. Wyatt helped keep Nick entertained.

*Pictures courtesy of Jen Gardiner.