Somehow, I convinced Ben to come with me on my first-ever alpine rock climb.  We climbed the West Face Standard Route (II 5.3) and a combination of Sancho’s and the Rappel Chimney (II 5.9).  This was a great adventure and felt super committing at the time.  I learned so much on this trip – what to bring, what to leave behind, and how to move in rough terrain (still working on that one).  Perhaps the coolest part of the weekend, aside from the incredible summit, was sleeping in a cave! Photos:

Waiting out a rain storm in our cave while sipping whiskey and reading the guidebook. Photo: Nick Sweeney

The first view of Chimney Rock. What an awesome feature! Photo: Nick Sweeney

Ben starting up pitch one of Sancho’s. Photo: Anick Lheureux

Ben doing some bouldering in our home for the night. Photo: Nick Sweeney

Me starting up the second pitch. I had just started leading trad, and protected the pitch like a total gumby. Photo: Ben Ward