This fall, I headed to the creek (Indian Creek, UT) for a few weeks, climbing more than I should resting less than I needed, but what a time! It was only my second trip here and I have to say it is very special, not only because of the climbing, the amazing setting, the views and landscape though they surly help.

But the community is really one of the most special aspects of it all.

So many people from all walks of life, climbers traveling from area to area chasing warm weather, people in between jobs, folks out for a week vacation, many internationals.
Ages vary greatly from 20s to 60s. But climbing and this lifestyle seem to erase age barriers, the younger people seem more mature/experienced and the older people seem still very young. Everyone clearly shares a similar understanding and appreciation for life and the outdoors. It makes for good easy conversations and joking around the fire at night or in line for the bathroom in the morning.

Within a week of my arrival many of the campsites had turned over and within a day a neighborhood seemed to form. People eating meals together at different sites, sharing fires at night, drinking into the evening, retiring to our vans, trucks or tents not till the late hour of 9pm.

Day after day we followed the same routine. We woke up at 8am, made breakfast, fed our dogs, stood in line at the outhouse and then packed our bag (my go to bag on this trip has been my Deuter Guide 45+ with our necessary gear for the day: huge rack, rope, water, lunch, dog bowl, headlamp (a must). We piled into the car of whosoever turn it was to drive and headed to the chosen crag of the day.

The climbing here is ridiculous. Everyday I cant believe the setting. The routes are super long and stout and make you work for it.

I thought I was relatively strong but had a rude awakening. Lead 6 routes in a day here and in my book you’re killing it. The climbing takes it out of you. But a few weeks definitely allows time for improvement.

I started on 5.10 hand cracks and moved on to some scary 5.11- off widths (Serrator Crack) and some tight hands/finger cracks. Definitely figure out your jams because you are going to use them (hands, fists , ring locks, ringer stacks, hand fist stacks, butterfly stacks, foot stacks, and variations)

Gordo is the best! Traveling, climbing, eating, sleeping with him makes me so happy. He loves it here. Playing all day with other climbers, dogs, hiking, getting tons of attention. When people tell me that he’s a good dog my climbing partners who I just met here quickly jump in and let them know that in fact he is the best dog in the world. I like this!!

My first rest day was not so restful. I was supposed to drive us to town but found my battery was dead. Took a while to get it charged but finally we got it going and left camp only to find a few miles away that I had a flat. Adventures continued but morale stayed high.

After my fall at the Creek, I headed to New Mexico to my parents for Thanksgiving. It was sad to leave but at the same time some family time, rest and good food was be a good change of pace and a good start to recovery. Life is good, enjoy it! MWA to the world!

–Jesse Spiegel (Outdoor Ambassador).

Head to the Desert for Sun and Dry Rock!

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