This is a beginner's rock climbing adventure.
We've been playing around in the rock gym, trying to ... uhhh ...
learn the ropes, as it were. We decided that we were ready enough
to go try something out in the wild, so here it is. It's not a very
big cliff. It will be very easy for experienced rope-hangers, but
for us it was a big stretch to go from non-climbers, to
gym-climbers, to this. So if you are a non-climber, but
aspirational, this might be one to shoot for once you get some
training and experience.
Do not even think of attempting this cache
unless you know what you are doing. Rock climbing is an
inherently dangerous activity. Every year, people die due to
unsafe climbing practices. You and your partner will need to be
completely knowledgeable of proper roped rock climbing techniques.
You will need to know how to set up a bomb-proof toprope anchor,
something you don't learn in the gym.
The cache is located in a little nook halfway up
the cliff. You cannot reach it from either the top or the bottom
without roped protection. The photos show you exactly where it is.
To log this cache, you have to get to the spot where the
cache is - either to make the grab or to put it back (be sure it
gets back into the same nook it came out of). If all you do is
belay your partner, then your partner can claim the find, but you
cannot.
This is not a regular sport climbing area. There
are no bolts. Everything is natural here. We used a healthy tree at
the top for our anchor, but the tree is about 20 feet back from the
edge. You will need a system to extend your master point over the
edge. I would also highly recommend anchoring the belay.
The easiest access to the top is around the
right (east) end of the cliff face. While you are up there, you
will have a great view overlooking Mormon Lake.
Please, do not attempt this cache without
the protection of rope and harness. No matter your skill level,
unfortunate things can happen, at any time, to anyone. The rope and
harness do not enhance nor diminish the skill it takes to make the
climb. Their only purpose is to protect you if things go wrong.
It's just life insurance plain and simple.
