The Beautiful Bluff

Today was an awesome day!  An outdoor rec climbing trip scheduled for yesterday was postponed to today due to weather, and it was well worth it.  The sun was shining, the river flowing, and the cool temps were just right.  It is just so nice to be out there climbing on the cliff right next to the Cumberland River with the rising sun shining at your back.  The group of seven knocked out about six or eight beginner routes ranging from 5.5-5.7.  I got to lead some more sport climbing, which is always good.  I'm a pretty conservative top-roper, so I don't think my leading skills are that far behind.  I was hoping to lead a 5.8 today for the first time, but time didn't allow.  Doing those easier routes was really fun though.  We implemented a more educational approach today as well, which really paid off.  The group of participants were eager to learn and take action.  They did a lot of belaying each other and learned everything from tying in to gri-gri use and the basics of leading and cleaning.  Everyone seemed to have a fun, rewarding day.  Great Success!

*If you don't know, King's Bluff is a climber owned and maintained property on the Cumberland River in Clarksville, TN.  For more information, check out www.seclimbers.org.