got the climbing exclusive this weekend at the new crag with coach kimmerling.

the sun was shining, and everyone was feeling happy.

checking out the crag.

fall colors! on a mountain! with a banjo!

it was pretty romantic.

coach kimmerling showed us some good stretches.

see that part of the rock occupied by the fella in blue? i climbed that!


the view from the top.


go milo!

the pals decided to call the new spot “praying mantis rock,” and look who we found on the way down.

If bugs could be chain smokers, a praying mantis really does seem like the most likely suspect, doesn’t it?

plus there was a weird korean kid who appear to be waiting for our departure to torture the nicotine-addled mantis. but i still think seeing it was an auspicious sign.