Memorial Day Weekend Blast

Some friends and I drove all night after work on Saturday to Smith Rock in Bend Oregon, which is close to Mt. Hood.  Smith Rock is a very cool Geological feature in the middle of an alpine desert.

Here is Wikipedia's take on it: "In addition to the world-famous rock climbing, Smith Rock State Park is host to many hiking trails, the meandering Crooked River and views of the volcanic peaks of Oregon's Cascade Range. Much of the 1994 film adaptation of the 1976 book Even Cowgirls Get The Blues was filmed within view of Smith Rock. Partial filming for the 1997 feature The Postman took place on location, while it additionally appeared in Swordfish in following years. Several westerns have been filmed here, including the John Wayne and Katharine Hepburn film Rooster Cogburn. The Rockhard building at the park entrance was built as a movie set for this film, portrayed as "Kates Saloon"".

On the last climb of the trip!

Cleaning Route on the last Climb of the day!

 On the backside of Smith Rock, getting close to the famous Monkey Face.

 And here is Monkey Face!  Wonder why they call it this? Ha, guess not.  Check out the climbers going up the Monkey's neck.  See climbers in the Monkey's mouth further down.

 On top of one of the mountains in the range before descending the other side.

Fun was had by all! 

Belaying Christy while Brian snacks

First climb of the trip!

Getting ready to climb again.

Racing Brian up on bordering paths. Of course I think he is setting the route, meaning he is taking the rope with him.  I think I was already secured in to the rock.  It is certainly easier to know you don't have far to fall, so I am probably a bit faster on this climb.

Heading down!

Job well done.  All climbers safe!