The Hazard Chronicles

Climbing at Vantage, backyard barbecues, skateboarding, bike riding, and hanging out downtown. Must be spring!

Skateboard gang

Side note: Evelyn took her driver's test and passed, so she officially has her driver's license now. She already has big plans for the Durango and for trips that she wants to take.

I get a certain sense of pride when our family shows up to the crag- especially when other people are around. This is because I know the first impression we make; we're a big loud family with a bunch of kids. Now, I believe that everyone has to start somewhere, and that kids definitely have a place at the crag. I also understand that it can be super annoying to be around these families if you are out for a day of climbing with older, more experienced friends. Families, and especially kids, tend to set up eternally long top-ropes. They tend to take a long time coaxing people (loudly) to just trust the rope, or to step up to the next hold. There are often a lot of tears and frustration and yelling and a complete misunderstanding of crag etiquette. Sometimes there are even legitimate concerns about safety that put people in awkward positions. All of this can be especially frustrating when they are hogging a route that is clearly above their skill level, and that you and your friends want to be on.

Which is why I like our family. I mean, we have been those people in the past. Everyone has. But not anymore. When we set up next to a route that is on the harder side for the area I can almost hear people's eyes rolling into the back of their head. Especially when things are as busy as they were on Saturday. But then I also catch their glances and raised eyebrows when we go into choreographed action in a way that clearly speaks to our experience. In no time, someone has flaked the rope, someone else has tied in to lead, and someone else is ready to offer a belay. Parents (Rach and I) are sitting back and smiling as kids belay each other and efficiently clip their way up climbs. Any talking is either curt safety checks, or friendly banter- the same as the other people in the area. Most of the time, the competence of these kids surpasses that of the adults nearby. In short, I think that we often defy expectations and it's fun to be a part of.

Of course we have fun too. Kids bring a joy and playfulness to everything they do that just can't be matched.

Have a good week!