So I've lived in Enid, OK, for just over a year now. This special anniversary was marked by the in coming academy kids - graduating class of FY2010 - recently making their way out into the "real Air Force" at Vance AFB. Their arrival - of course - makes me, officially, no longer the absolute bottom of the officer core.
Not yet worn down into complacency by oppressive Oklahoman heat, a new comer, 2LT Sam Peplin (a former Tiger Ten-er) invited me to come climb with him in Arkansas at the Horseshoe Canyon Ranch.
I had nothing else going on, so I said "yes."
So the Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is a goat-herding dude ranch named for an exposed 60' sandstone cliff band that encloses the property somewhere in the Ozark mountains. In recent years, climbers have tapped the sport climbing potential of the area and provided numerous classic routes for the region. The quality of the climbing attracted weekend warriors from states as far away as Texas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Minnesota (Sam) and Colorado (me).
The rock was a super solid, uniquely featured, brilliantly colored sandstone similar to Horse Pens 40 in Alabama. Incredible stuff.
Nearby, Kyle's Landing, a national forest river access point provided a serene post-climbing soak in the warm, clear water. Positively sublime.
After three days of climbing, I'm now physically exhausted but super stoked for sending Love Slave (5.12a) on my third try amongst other remarkable routes.
The weekend proved productive for all members of 2901. Andrew and Keri finally found an affordable priced, aesthetic, and most importantly soild dining table from the good folks at K-Mart. They put their purchase to immediate use, serving a Meadowlake duck Andrew caught and broiled for dinner.
The stink of his mess permeates the house. A rather vile predicament for a snobby vegetarian.
nice work charles on the 5.12a. pretty impressive.
ReplyDeletewhos road bike is in the background. where is yours?
Great photos. I liked your red stick man drawing depicting your climbing route. Yes, finally a table! Finally a duck dinner! That duck has been burning a hole in the freezer :) It was a nice way to christen the table.
ReplyDeleteArkansas sounds like a happy place and a nice respite from the heat. For climbers/outdoor enthusiasts, possibly OK's eastern paradise.
ReplyDeleteChar, Congrats on moving up in the officer core and your successful climbing trip. It looks like beautiful country. Thanks for sharing your adventures so eloquently and enhanced further with wonderful photographs.
ReplyDeleteWait a minute---I am re-reading your post. You said a "Meodowlake" duck. No! So not the frozen duck from the commissary which has been in the freezer for months? He didn't. Did he? A duck from the local park?
ReplyDeleteSo Andrew finally caught one of those ducks, huh? ...please tell me you're joking. : )
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