Photos by climballnight

After wandering for more than an hour, when I got home, via satelite... there it was all along!

Incase you were ever wondering what the propper use of a nut tool was, sure you can aid on them, or snug-up the occational loose hanger, but the intended use is illustrated here... [J-tree, New Years, 2005]

Yup, there's just something about J-tree... I dunno, the perfect climbing weather, the awesome routes selection, or just the aura of God's great wilderness,... but whatever it is just tends to put all else at ease. Here are Leslie and Vinny casually re-racking and getting ready for the second pitch of the Swift. Your belay is on Vinny!

Leslie perched at the first belay ledge on the Swift.

Just a new profile pic... figured it's about time. This was from last weekend in J-tree.

Courtasy of crimposlip, who hiked to the far side of the canyon to take some pictures, here I am about mid-way up the first pitch of The Swift (yeah right, can you make it out?). Nice climb though, with a bit of a mind-boggling crux coming out of the chimney. Happy New Year!

One of the more thrilling raps I know of in San Diego county is this one off the rock we grew up calling Vader's Helmet. I was glad Vinny (criposlip) went first. Thanks for the shot Vinny!

Technical Info: 1:2.8 Smart Camera 3.3mm lenz ....in other words... its a camera phone.

The Big Goof Himself... about to charge Whodunit with Tim. We didn't have near that much energy after the first 3 pitches, but it was still a blast!

Rosie's on the arete of SW Corner. In the background the Manure Pile can be seen.

Rosie beginning the arete on SW Corner. The thrill of stepping out to the left is quite appreciable!

At the end of an afternoon of fun at the Manure Pile, here's a shot of Rosie lowering off.

A group shot by Vinny of Rosie, Chris, and me on top of the Manure Pile.

Stopping to regather thoughts and remind myself "this is only a 5.6" before reaching up and stepping out around the arete.

This is the view of the West side of Headstone Rock from atop the Manure Pile.

Here's a profile shot of Vinny on top of The Manure Pile. *Smile!*

Vinny "Showing Chris the Ropes" with how to belay as Bret sets up anchors atop of Unknown.

One of my favorite places to be, with a 5second exposure even the night is ready for climbing.

Venturing slightly to the left of the route, here I am fishing for anything that will work. Will would later send it using all but a figure four, but never having to use any part of Two Step at all.

My lil' sis Kiersti on her first outdoor climb. Need I mention that it was >110deg.F that day? Barefoot and in jeans she made it look easy the whole way. Congratulations K, nice climb!

This is a diagram of the routes on Turkey's Nest as viewed from the trail up.

View of Rock Mountain during hike to the climbing area.

Yup, we're geeks, we know. In the background is Lost Horse, site of our first multi-pitch.

This is my brother-in-law on Tree Root, 5.5R, climbing up to me at the top of one of the pitches. It's at the Black Wall, outside of Santa Barbara, California. A fun little climb. - Originally submitted by mrtristan on 2002-07-14

This is THE place to learn how to trad climb. Many 1-3 pitch routes from 5.4-5.8. Taken after my first trad lead ever. A huge storm just cleared up about 10 minutes earlier, (see profile pic) and now close to 100 degrees. Sooo beautiful. Photo by Chris Rice. - Originally submitted by sbclimber on 2003-11-16

This is me (sbclimber) on top of the formation after just climbing all 3 pitches of "Ending Crack" (including the final 10a short pitch in the gully above) in the rain. This was my second trad lead and quite scary in the rain. see view from base of wall In Area: Black Wall at Sespe, Black Wall Right Side. - Originally submitted by sbclimber on 2003-10-26

Shot of Tree Line (tree root) and Ending Crack. Ending Crack is on the left. - originally submitted by ride on 2002-10-04

Here's Leslie about 1/2 way up the first pitch of Tree Root. Looking awesome Leslie!

A second picture of Leslie repelling to the first set of anchors on Tree Root at night. .... 'twas a really peaceful time.

A truly enjoyable evening; leaving home a bit after 4:30pm and heading to climb in Ojai. Leslie led her first true trad route that evening, and the crickets and tree frogs serenaded our descent.

Here is a view toward Tahquitz Peak from Wellman Divide last winter. I highly recommend putting on your crampons and spending a couple days in solitude up there if you get tired of fighting the crowds at J-tree next winter.

'Thought someone else might appreciate the quiet nature here... I snapped the picture last December on our (seemingly) annual winter trip to the peak and down the other side. That time of year the entire area is totally beautiful, much like the Sierras, but closer to home.

Where's Waldo Pic zoom'd in: Here's we are right in the middle of the picture. Thank you sooo much Leslie for taking this picture... I've never been so high or so vertical before. WHAT A RUSH!

If you look super close you can see Frank kicking butt on his way up pitch 6. If you use you're imagination you can see the look of terror on my face as I looked back down. LOL! What a gas!

Self protrait of me with Vinny in the background getting ready for his first lead.