January climbing at Shelf in 60 degree weather

This weekend we went to one of our favorite climbing areas, Shelf Road, south of Colorado Springs. There are other posts from last fall about this area. It was a gorgeous weekend, sunny and 60 degrees and it will continue to be this way all week here in Colorado.

People who don't climb always wonder what we do with the kids. Usually we meet up with our friends, Jon, Lisa, and Ella, who is also 2 1/2. Since we are sport climbing, one of us is always on the ground belaying. The kids usually play with whatever $1.00 toys we bring, like dinosaurs, shovels, and cars. It has been 4 months since we last went to Shelf Road and we have already noticed that it is much easier. Usually we have to put them in the backpack carriers, but now they are able to hike. We still used the carriers but Jacob, especially was excellent at hiking. I also found a kid's harness and climbing shoes on craigslist for $30.00. They love to wear the shoes and climb up little boulders. When they are roped up in their harness, they will climb up a little, but enjoy swinging on the rope.

Mia swinging.

Getting ready.

Jacob swinging.

Jacob climbing.