Today I went outdoor rock climbing at Smith Rock.  I've been twice before to go climbing, and also been hiking a few times.  I can't say much that others haven't said; it's breathtaking, and an absolute exemplar for what the desert part of the Pacific Northwest looks like at its best.  Wide open spaces, as they say.  From a climbing standpoint, we've progressed to being able to handle the very beginner routes.  I got all the way up a complete pitch for the first time in my life.  Granted, it was a 5.4, an extremely easy route, but hey, I made it!  Yay me!  I also made it about halfway up a 5.8 before I chickened out.  One of the things that I like about rock climbing outdoors is that, for me, it's a very humbling experience.  I kind of stink at it, which is honestly fun.  I'm used to sticking to things I'm good at, so to try something that I'm just not very good at it and persistently keep at it is a fun challenge.  It builds character, as my Dad would say.  Enjoy the pictures!