Yes, more rocks and climbing

I am aware that my previous post was also about our little rock climbing adventures. I know, 2 posts in a row... Quite frankly, this is the most exciting thing happening in life right now. Being newly married has been wonderful, but what's even better is doing stuff like this as a newlywed.


Here, Zach and Evan are analyzing the situation before decsending. More precisely, Zach is checking, then double-checking.

And triple-checking.

And lastly, he's quadruple-checking.

And this is a good thing... this means no one will get hurt or die today. No one gets hurt or dies on Zach's watch.



Evan has to go off the edge first again. Haha.

Thank goodness.



We graduated from the "Short Cliffs" to the "Medium Cliffs" this time. They are just a few feet taller.

I see this and wonder "Would I be doing this if I hadn't have met (and married) Zach?"

Ummm... That answer would be a "no."



Then, I see this and wonder "Should Zach really trust me with his life, as he is right now?"

I will ponder that one before answering.

(Pondering here...)



Does the expression on my face instill confidence in anyone?

I didn't think so.

Do I trust Zach or Evan when my life is in their hands?

Yes, I do. And strangely, that thought never enters my mind. Not sure why.

Well, it's been alot of fun, and I caution you that this little rock climbing activity is addicting. I probably won't be posting anymore rock climbing pictures until August. Why?? Well, there was a technicality with my insurance. As of today, until August 1st, I am not insured. The transition from my insurance to Zach's isn't as easy as one would guess. So we will save activities like this until after August 1st. Schucks. I will focus on working at my computer... that shouldn't ever require health insurance.

Rock Climbing

My first time rock climbing turned out to be a great 4th of July activity. We started early in the morning at the Black Cliffs which is a convenient drive just 10 minutes from home. I finally got to try my sweet new gear - Ma & Pa Adams gave me the helmet for my bridal shower, Christina gave me my shoes (they are awesome) and we bought the harness. Everything else Zach already had of course. I wasn't scared at all (which actually scares me) and I can't wait to go again! So addicting!


View of East Boise from the Black Cliffs



Zach getting ready to repel down. He looks too calm for me.

Me at the top getting ready to repel down.

Hey, it's not too bad after all!

Half way there. This is fun!

Spider monkey Zach

Zach getting ready to go up with a harness he made himself... could be a little sketchy.

***Footnote here... only afterwards did we find out the harness could have been made a much better way. Ssshhhh...

Concentration... Or is that fear?

Dropping Evan would be bad.

Proud to show his battle wound. Afterall, his name is "Billy B.A."

He also goes by "Tough Guy #1." As you can imagine, that would leave Zach as "Tough Guy #2."

(But only because Evan did the bootcamp thing... with a broken foot.)

Not much of a reason if you ask me.

Evan on-belay for me

Don't fall, don't fall, don't fall...

Honeymoon Pictures posted

The Oregon Coast turned out to be a great choice for our honeymoon. The coastline is so beautiful; there were simply too many pictures for me to upload and post on this blog (for my patience level) so I have them located at www.shellymerrick.com/gallery...

Zach and I can highly recommend the nothern Oregon Coastline, especially this time of year. We were surprised by the clear weather, which we thought was rather untypical of the area. Actually, I think we just lucked out with the weather.

Places we went: Seaside, Ecola State Park, Crescent Beach, Cape Mears Lighthouse, Tillamook Cheese Factory (yummy!) Cape Lookout State Park and Cape Kiwanda at Pacific City.