We got to Crater Lake Camp (8400 ft.) just after 10. We hadn't planned to do program here, but when I mentioned that they had spar climbing, an activity that we missed at Pueblano in '97, the guys decided that they wanted to do it. We had time to spar climb and still get to rock climbing at Miner's Park.
The staff at Crater Lake reminded me of the Maytag repairman. It being the end of the season, they don't have many crews. In fact, we were the only ones there, and the staff seemed anxious to do program to break the boredom.
The staff made the spar climb look easy, but it is a lot of work. It uses muscles in ways that they just aren't meant to be used. It was fun, and the view from the top of the pole (above the surrounding trees) was great. Everyone made it to the top successfully, though some of us felt compelled to take a short rest on the way up.
The staff made a lot of disparaging comments about the rock climbing at Miner's Park. "They say things like 'on ballet (sic)' there. We don't do any of that sissy dancing stuff here." "What do you do with a rock after you climb it? Nothing! It's just a rock. But a spar! You can make fence posts, firewood, or about 10 million toothpicks."
It was at Crater Peak that we learned what a "program swim" was.
We finished spar climbing at noon and high-tailed it down the trail to Miner's Park (7990 ft.). It only took an hour. (Boy were we glad that we got our service project out of the way yesterday.)
As we were sitting on the ranger cabin porch, we could smell bacon cooking. Heavenly. The guys did a lot of wheedling, trying to convince the staff to give them some bacon. I noted that the guys would probably lick the pan if given the chance.
While we were getting ready to head for our campsite, one of the staff guys came out and gave Eric a piece of bacon. He quickly ate it, much to the irritation of the rest of the crew.
We went to our site to set up our minimal campsite. We plan to get up very early, and will sleep under the equipment fly to save time breaking camp.
The crew is very tired this afternoon. Tempers are getting a bit short, and nobody is moving very fast.
At 3:00 we headed up to "Betty's Bra" (8400 ft.) to do rock climbing. It is a rather long walk up, mostly along the trail we will take to Shaefer's Pass. We were not totally thrilled about having to hike it twice. The guys all acquitted themselves well at the rock climbing. Don and I declined the opportunity.
Back at camp we had dinner and then headed to bed early. Spirits were up again. The guys are excited about tomorrow.
I went over to the last advisor's coffee tonite. None of the staff was there, but there were advisors from the two California crews that we've been crossing paths with most of the trek. It was kind of fun being the "old salt." None of their crew members had ever hiked in over Tooth Ridge before, and we talked about the trail. I had to point them to the proper trail out of Miner's Park. And they were very impressed with our plans to be on Shaefer's Peak for the sunrise.
Since we wanted to get out early, we didn't put up tents. The eight of us bundled together under the equipment fly. It was a tight fit, and those of us on the edge would have been in trouble if it had rained. As it was, I ended up sticking my head out into the open where I could watch the sky.
Sunrise was beautiful. Hike was OK, kinda hard. Rock climbing was cool. Tomorrow will be great and horrible at the same time. (EP)
Had an easy hike to MP via CL where we spar climbed. Rocks are fun!
Lots if climbin' today. Lots of hikin' tomorrow. Oh yeah. I missed another friggin' jet. (CH)
Wow, fun, fun, fun. Today we climbed poles and rocks... fun, fun, fun. (MD)
Spar climbing was great. We're looking forward to a short night.
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