- Home
- Climbs
- Jun 07, 2012
-
-
Email -
Facebook -
Pinterest -
Twitter
-
Family Climbing Trip — Finding New Possibilities in the Cascades
Here at Mountain Madness, we love the opportunity to get out to the mountains with younger generations of climbers. It gives us some perspective and perhaps allows us to prioritize a new agenda. One great way to do that is to set up a custom climb or course with our guides and we will make sure our itinerary fits your family’s needs.
Last weekend I had the opportunity to work with Doug and his 11-year-old daughter, Gina, in the Washington Pass area. Our goals stayed consistent throughout our 4‑day trip. They were; learn to travel well in the mountains; techniques for moving efficiently, and manage our risk in a mountain environment. We also had plans to get ourselves physically exhausted and have a blast doing it.
Rob Schiesser photo
As we crested over the pass from Seattle, the sky opened up and the warmth of the Methow Valley beckoned us to practice rock climbing movement skills. Here we are practicing various knots and the basics of 5th class climbing skills and rope work.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120526-00747.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=b79498c8a461c39170dab5a2cba3df28 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120526-00747.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=abaf07d97c1ca9f8c1eb64ab53c7d356 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120526-00747.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=e34961255c162edabe6e85ed3ab384a4 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120526-00747.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=ca0c925f7ca32415605b3e8dbff389c5 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120526-00747.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=65b937d827061a40c042d52ce3db8c5c 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120526-00747.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=acc0e770644feff08d3ab1bda8819584 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120526-00747.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=5dcfe1af42ea9ac233b38d8cf7f92fbe 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120526-00747.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=e3cc154f6427db52470e3cc8c847edbb 768w)
Gina enjoying some gourmet pizza! Doug DeLancey photo
For our first night in camp we had what I would consider a restaurant quality dining experience. Not bad for the camp food. Pizza with fresh mozzarella, basil and pepperoni.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120527-00751.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=58d19ceafba617aeaa64c61a67358b8d 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120527-00751.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=2450f13e103278527cd7bc4f80f319df 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120527-00751.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=36e3b5290a74b43a2cad260a1ed96f62 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120527-00751.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=0663d871ccaeddf8bbb57219b5473372 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120527-00751.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=7145834622e5718bb7cb47b213a31d92 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120527-00751.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=fb9110a08d02951aed0b9e3588d06844 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120527-00751.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=21a4e07285ed72a01784990a691bf0eb 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120527-00751.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=796d938290cea0c8f9077e1fa16a27d8 768w)
Rob belaying Gina on Fun Rock. Doug DeLancey photo
Our second day we got into the business of belaying and climbing vertical crack systems. We also investigated anchor building systems and rock protection. We finished the day off with a visit to Winthrop and some homemade ice cream.
Not a bad place to set up camp! Rob Schiesser photo
We left our vehicle at the hairpin turn and headed into Kangaroo Pass for the mountaineering portion of the trip. We were greeted by several skiers on our way in as well as gorgeous temps and a generally firm snowpack. After establishing a camp below what appeared to be the hulking ramparts of Wallaby Peak above, we got right into learning the intricacies of traveling over technical snow slopes.
On the ascent! Rob Schiesser photo
We began our ascent of Wallaby peak with perfect cramponing conditions. On the fly, we learned about the walking styles that would give us the ability to ascend the more technical slopes of Wallaby Peak above.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120529-00789.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=3622ec20bc5baf051b6edb477778c118 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120529-00789.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=dce85a14bc56b5e31ff4c37a3f7000d8 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120529-00789.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=e511f60e251f9186eebe0354d5aab2ff 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120529-00789.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=1da68715a88c5bef2947de1df8b66e03 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120529-00789.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=7a55748b1d8442f155c2345f0450e7bd 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120529-00789.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=f3e6138b48c8c51de5697614d0841993 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120529-00789.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=7e21c34d3acb8df40275be5d48a8fff7 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120529-00789.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=272706a92ea4d8a39804eecc11632dd1 768w)
All smiles at the top of Wallaby Peak. Doug DeLancey photo
After our ascent we hung out and gathered our senses to prepare for the hike out. We had a blast and, looking back at the peak and our 2,400 foot ascent from camp, found some perspective on what can be accomplished even in the thick of doubts and fear. At Mountain Madness we are in a line of business to help our guests manage their emotions on a climb while continuing the language of possibility.
~ MM Guide Rob Schiesser
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120528-00770.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=a5ee14d53384afec685869b104af5def 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120528-00770.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=0f06c8d0e016b419249679a0933bd948 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120528-00770.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=90d5bb6e5523e5951c239d52d6aeb733 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120528-00770.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=eeec658c652250c36607e20fc31c5f50 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120528-00770.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=ca5cd6d2426dc185b313a1a7bf16a3e2 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120528-00770.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=f8109fffc7f389bb4d285904b58707e0 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120528-00770.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=705890ac0dca99a3f6abdedfbb87fae1 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120528-00770.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=ea452189d3ff93a799d58326101a5952 768w)
Great Father-Daughter team! Doug DeLancey photo
From Dad:
Our trip was exactly what I had hoped for and exceeded all expectations, due to Rob’s professionalism, skill, outstanding attitude and just a knack for when Gina needed a little space to work through her fears. Rob planned an absolutely perfect Custom Trip for us that was the best imaginable combination of skills and fun. He handled over ten thousand questions from Gina, and was always great to be around.
I couldn’t have hoped for a better trip, and I want you to know he represented MM amazingly well. Our adventure was safe and exciting. I know Rob has a great future, as does your company.
Thank you for an experience that Gina and I will remember forever.
~ Doug DeLancey
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120528-00757.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=9e6b155b994a91c3f4dc79cb559db96d 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120528-00757.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=fd8104d77dbdb6a03813ca0208b773b3 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120528-00757.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=864201af8c94a193519bbd71e09d7a53 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120528-00757.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=14becf4dc10a6f793f17f14d9124fb35 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120528-00757.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=a41c7fbd226dcbf630c453cd652f55b5 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120528-00757.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=1794ca06dc0d4327e3a9474dae0cc5c1 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120528-00757.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=cef7acaf1d0011f9330720454bb4402a 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fnewswire%2FIMG-20120528-00757.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=c1b241e44421a7cdb5fb9af32e1bb16d 768w)
Taking a break. Doug DeLancey photo
From Daughter:
Ever been to the top of an 8,000 foot mountain? Ever camp out in the snow? I sure have and it’s not easy, try doing it in 20 feet of snow. Yeah! And here’s a plus, I got to wake up at 4:00 in the morning in freezing weather. But it is fun. I went to Seattle, Washington with my father and our guide Robert, Rob for short… We rock climbed huge mountains. I have to admit it was scary at times, but I was roped in so I wouldn’t fall. My dad and I had a great time. We had homemade pizza. It was delicious. Our guide Rob made it, he was a good cook… We climbed a bigger rock face…and learned some new techniques. I was scared, but I didn’t show it too much, I think… I didn’t get all the way to the top, but my dad got farther than me, go Daddy! After that we got some ice cream… best ice cream, ever. We had salmon that night, it was good, too. We went to sleep… woke up at 4:00 in the morning… had to get straight to climbing Wallaby Peak. It was almost the hardest thing I have ever done. It took 4 hours to climb, not to mention it was freezing. But like I said, fun!
~ Gina DeLancey