The 4th

We had a treat for the 4th of July this year- Mike came down! To celebrate his arrival, we went rock climbing down in AR at Sam's Throne. He got in really late Thursday night (or really early Friday, whichever you prefer) after making the long drive down from MI after work. We (Pat, Jackie, Derek, Kat, Atalie, Mike, and I) set off from Springfield around 1pm. Before getting outside the city limits, however, Doris (the Taurus) decided to blow a tire on the highway. Good times. It was obvious that Mike and I wouldn't be making a NASCAR pit crew team any time soon. By the time we swapped for the spare, the hazard lights had drained the battery. Did I mention that we stopped at the end of the on ramp at the start of the 4th of July weekend? By this time, Pat and Jackie were on their way back to meet us in case we had to have the car towed. Right after Pat and Jackie arrived we realized that Pat couldn't jump with his car because he was facing the wrong way with nowhere to turn around. Up pulls a State Trooper. He says "I can probably turn around" and then does the crazy u-turn with lights flashing and tires squeeling- awesome. Jumped the car from his then took off back for the apartment. We then switched everything over to Mikes car and set off (again) for AR around 2:30pm. By the time we left, Derek and Kat were already at Sam's Throne setting up camp. We rolled in around 4:30 and commenced setting up camp as well. After all was set up and refreshments were in hand, we decided that we'd try and get one route in before sunset. We, minus Atalie and Jackie, attempted a route that was above our skill set and none made it to the top. Oh well, there was always the next day! We pulled the rope once everyone had thoroughly exhausted themselves and called it a day. Dinner was served (hot dogs) an hour and a half later. We sat around the campfire the rest of the night chatting, setting some fireworks off, and then headed to bed REALLY late.

The next day was rough. Climbing was made harder by the fact that the majority of us were "sick" (I won't elaborate because I'm sure you get the idea and if not, don't bother asking). Despite this, climbing was great. I'd forgotten how much I love it. Unfortunately, we could only get 2 routes in before the rain forced us to call it a day. In our haste to leave camp that morning, we all left our tents wide open, our backpacks out, chairs out, etc. So everything we own got wet and we were forced to pack up camp in the rain. Other than that, it was fun!

The ride back was uneventful (thankfully) and after some nice, hot showers, Mike and us went out for dinner. Sadly, Mike had to leave the next morning.

The group (minus Atalie) the first night following our attempt at the really hard route.

Atalie attempting the "Posion Ivy" route.

Mike also attempting the "Posion Ivy" route.

The three of us sitting under an overhang trying to wait out the rain.