Who: Frank and MJ, Steve and Deanna, Christy (Steve's sister), and Bryant (Christy's friend)
Where: Maple Canyon, Utah
When: July 28 to August 5

Who would've thought that Frank and I would return to Maple Canyon? I thought this summer we'd try other places, but in the end Maple Canyon was a good choice. We had great climbing weather: sunny with scattered thundershowers. Not too bad. The place was crawling with climbers.

It's the isolated beauty of the canyon that makes me think, "I'm glad we came." That and good company. The ten hours of driving almost melted away. Beautiful rainbows (we saw both ends of this one) and sunsets everyday can be intoxicating.

American Indian paintings, how very cool. The top right one is a hand; the bottom left is some kind of magic symbol. The Pipe Dream cave has a wicked approach, but it's worth it. We watched a guy warming up on a 13a. How often does that happen? Or do we just suck hard in Southern California?

As for climbing, we successfully did our projects. I improved my onsight level and put up all my climbs; not bad for someone who just a week ago was flailing helplessly in the gym! Granted, the ratings are soft: you could downgrade everything by a letter grade and still be fair.

On our last day we tried the Left Fork climbs, where Frank got soaked by the rain on the one climb that gets wet. Of course. One of the guidebook authors was around and told us about future plans for the canyon. We also went to Park City, which turned out to be a disappointment (well, except for the showers at the Rec Center). Totally commercialized with monster developments everywhere, the main street is all touristy gift shops and restaurants. No character. Oh well, at least the drive to and from, in the mountains at least, was nice.

◊ Slideshow in progress.