Visit to Millbrook

A week or so ago Anne Parmenter drove out from CT. She got slaughtered in traffic, of course. The plan was to climb at Millbrook and several friends, all guides with Alpine Endeavors, came along too. Paavo, Marty and Ryan met us in the West Trapps lot and despite the mostly overcast skies we made the trek out there. We were treated to an amazing display of mountain laurel in full bloom. It was like a forest of flowers surrounding us in color and delicious odor. The blooms don't last but a week or so and so we were lucky to catch it full on.

The climbing was good. Anne and I did Westward Ha and Cruise Control while the rest went to have a look at White Rose. Thunder began to rumble after a bit though and so by early afternoon we were packing it back through the laurel as the dark skies intermittently drizzled down on us.

Back at the cars I suggested to all that we visit the Near Trapps and try to squeeze a couple more pitches in. Anne was up and so we tagged Roseland and tr.ed Shit Face before it really began to pour. After that we were left no option but to head to a pub for a bite and some beer.

It was great to climb with Anne. She is super enthusiastic and totally competent, a great climbing partner. I definitely plan to share some more days out with her and with some of my other old climbing friends from CT.