Alex at Smith Rock

Near Terrebonne, Oregon ~ September 1, 2009

Smith Rock State Park

This is my friend Alex from Panama. In nice weather there is always either a full or sparse line of people - but always someone - winding their way up or down the trail. Others are climbing the rock with technical gear. Climbers come from all over the country and beyond. There are areas for beginners, intermediates, and . . . I assume the experts can also find something to do. What you see here is a small part of the formation. There are overhangs, 90-degree angles, and the great bulb of "Monkey Face" on the other side. The hiking trail is plenty for me. The front side is not long, but it's steep. Then there's the other side . . . a beautiful walk if you're up to it. I posted the beginning of this trail earlier on the blog.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Smith Rock State Park

Near Terrebonne, Oregon ~ September 1, 2007

If you're so inclined, you can go onto Google Earth and look up Terrebonne. The numerous blue dots nearby are pictures of Smith Rock. There's a trail up and back (long way or short, your choice) for hikers, but this is also a place climbers come from all over the world. It seems they practice here for bigger challenges, but Smith Rock is stunning in its own right. (I take the trail - and a camera.) The surrounding farmland doesn't prepare you for this anomalous outcropping and it's perfectly scenic Crooked River setting.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.