In April I finally got the chance to get outside to climb on real rock in 2024. It was a late start to the midwest climbing season for me, but I’m grateful the regular climbing crew made the trip down to Robinson Bluff on a perfect Spring Missouri day.

We head to Southern Illinois for the last outdoor rock climbing trip of the year. Ryan Wittich attempts climbing Jaybird a 5.11d, a sport climbing route on the Watchman's Wall at Ferne Clyffe State Park.

Youtube video of Ryan Wittich climbing Side Effects 5.10d at Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas. This a beautiful sport climbing route on the Lower Tier of the Moderate Mecca wall at Red Rock.

My rock climbing journey began in February 2022 and the goal has always been to get outside on real rock. After 10 months of climbing at the gym roughly 2 days a week, top rope certification, lead rope certification, and making new climbing friends I was able to go rock climbing outside for the first time.