Sometimes it’s refreshing not to see the color green. Not to say I am against the lush temperate forests of Washington’s West coast, but the red-orange rustic grounds of the steppe deserts of the East are where my roots lye. The thirsty land along the Columbia Basin is a familiar setting and nothing compares to sitting and soaking in the cold dry winter air with the desert sun setting behind the basalt cliffs. I was again visiting the basin for a small rock climbing excursion with Ian, who I persuaded in joining me. The drawn out persuasion was well worth it and the day climbing the desert rock proceeded to be more than delightful. After successfully climbing The Uprising and Don Coyote, and lead belaying Ian on a few routes I would never attempt in touching due to my early stage in the climbing world, we packed up and walked the dry land in search for the Sunshine Wall. This wall, almost unreachable by first glance, is found by following a “secret” passageway. A tight cave-like squeeze in-between the enormous pillars, that make up the wall, will get you to mother land of climbing. Numerous perfect dihedral columns line up tall side-by-side, like stiff soldiers ready for battle. The sun glowing on them, pronouncing their rich golden color makes it quite pleasing to the eye. TOO BAD IT’S BASALT! None the less, roping up here would be fun. Until next time Sunshine Wall, until next time…
