I went to Washington DC to hang out with my friend and original climbing partner, Brad. Brad is a legend in the motorcycling community and is famous for “Don’t Ride with Brad”bumper stickers, riding a motorcycle round trip to the Panama Canal, blowing up drug boats while in the coast guard, serving a tour of duty in Alaska fixing lighthouses, and a host of other fantastic things.

While I was there we decided to head out for a climb, and elected to visit a National Recreation Area called Great Falls.

Great Falls is right on the Potomac River but its far more awesome than the part that trudges slowly through DC. I guess if I was the river, I would move at a depressed pace in that city as well…

Brad’s roommate Nick went with us and it was his first time climbing outdoors. He did a good job. There are no bolts so every route has to be rigged with slings tied to natural anchors like trees and large boulders. We did two routes that were probably 5.9-5.10 range. The climbing was decent but it was a beautiful day to be outside, right on the river, and hanging out with friends.

After the climb we found a Subway, attacked a few sandwiches for lunch, and then I made my way back to BWI to catch a flight home.

That’s it for this excursion, until next time, cheers!