Climbing at the Shawagunks

The 'Gunks, near New Paltz NY, has the best all around trad climbing in the country. A 5.5 climb next to a 5.10 next to a 5.8. Yeah, we squeezed in some climbing on The great Mid-Atlantic / New England road trip also.

Here's a pic of Mia leading the Horseman, a wild 5.5.

I lead two 5.10 climbs also in our 3 day stay, Retribution and Nosedive. Both strenous and thought provoking. Mia lead Son of Easy O, 5.8, which has a slabby, fingery crux. I was paddling for all I was worth to not fall!

We were limited to leading routes with anchors at the top of the first pitch. Didn't want to leave Julia alone below. This is a great place for older kids because of the easier routes. We'll be back in a few years when Julia is older.