My husband and I love climbing.  And after our second kid was born we got back into it- but climbed only indoors at the gym.  We had written off climbing outdoors for quite some time.  But since moving to Utah- where endless numbers of route are 20 minutes from our front stoop- we wanted to figure out how to make it happen.  This is where my title “Everyone find a buddy” comes in.

Now a buddy can mean a few things – either another family that wants to bring their kids along too, so you can switch out babysitters for climbers – or – a rare and hard to find single that wants to join you and doesn’t mind watching a few kids while you climb too.

We have been blessed with another family that loves to climb, had a kid, and wants to bring her along as much as possible.  And we make quite a crew!  In fact, we have attracted quite the comments from other climbers we pass with our clan of 4 adults and 4 kids under age 5. Ranging anywhere from “you guys are committed” (ie. crazy) to “Do any of you have a sister?  Cause I’d love to find a woman that would be up for that when I have kids.”
So, find a buddy!  It is fun for the kids and it is fun for you!