Three younger fellows — one from NH, one from RI, and the third from MA — came to us looking for an outdoor rock climbing experience. All three were proficient gym climbers. Although none were lead certified (yet), all could climb and belay. None had climbed outdoors, yet, though, so we offered a Rock Intro course so they could learn while they got after it — for which they were clearly grateful.
On lead for this was Redline Guide Will Murphy. After some consideration he decided to take them to Square Ledge in Pinkham Notch. It’s a perfect location offering some easy as well as some very challenging routes, plus it’s fairly accessible with a pleasant half-mile warm up hike. It’s also strategic from a marketing standpoint. In such a gorgeous location, nestled at the foot of Mt Washington, we’re hopping they’ll all want to come back and do some more with us (hint-hint).
They did great! It went well, and they were happy to be getting on rock and having this opportunity. —Will
