Mile 28 up the Elliot Highway north of Fairbanks lies Grapefruit Rocks.

Thanks to a very friendly five-year-old, we met our camping neighbors at Chena River State Park.  It turns out his dad is a climbing instructor.  They invited us to go climbing today near the White Mountains where we hiked a few days ago.  Thanks to our incredibly friendly neighbors Brooke had an experience she will never forget.

Brooke climbed for the first time.  I might be a little biased, but I was incredibly impressed with how quickly she clamored up the rock.  She was even a trooper on the way back down when we tried to teach her how to repel.  Brooke really enjoyed the opportunity and kept asking to try again. It looks like Scott might have a new little climbing buddy.

Do you see the proud look on Scott’s face?

You can click on the pics to make them bigger to see Brooke’s big grins.  Scott and I climbed quite a bit when we traveled the country together, but we haven’t climbed in a while.  Today reminded me of how much I missed the adrenaline rush of climbing.

Thanks for a great time today!  Maybe our paths will cross again on our Alaskan journeys.