Rock Climbing With A Tarantula

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Shawna

It’s not Halloween yet but the creepy crawlers are on the loose already. This weekend we went rock climbing in Ogden, Ut. While we were there we came across this hairy TARANTULA! (Can you spot him in the photo?)

He climbed the rock with way more ease than us . According to wikipedia the small claws and tiny hairs at his feet cling to microscopic holds on seemingly smooth surfaces.

I went to the Utah Museum of Natural History website and found out this specific tarantula is a brown tarantula or Aphonopelma Iodius.

“The teddy bear of the desert, these harmless fuzzy darlings live much longer than you might think — up to 25 years for a female and about half that for a male! Tarantulas aren’t the fastest runners. Their primary defense is the irritating hairs on their abdomens. When chased or frightened, they can use a back leg to brush these hairs into the eyes or mouth of a predator.” - UMNH

This time of year is when they are most often spotted.The females are all snug in their burrows waiting for food to pass by so they can snatch it up, while the males are out on the prowl looking for their mate.

I’ve lived in Utah for five years and this fall was the first I have seen them, this experience being the second. A boy in our neighborhood caught one earlier and took it around showing the kids. Comforting, I know.

Despite the creepy crawlers we had a fabulous day climbing with friends on such a beautiful fall day.

The kids played…

got dirty…

and reached new heights!

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nature for kids, spider, Utah, rock climb, rock climbing, Fall, tarantula, aphonopelma iodius

Maintain An Active Lifestyle With Baby

Posted on June 11, 2011 by Shawna

If you’ve wondered how having a baby might affect your favorite outdoor hobby then I encourage you to watch this video. Many of the things Erica and her husband express are things that my husband and I have felt and learned along the way of parenthood as well. It’s put together very nicely. And when you’re done watching this head on over to Erica’s blog, Cragmama, where she talks about adventures big and small.

If you’re willing to take a little more time and bring a little more gear you can keep that active lifestyle and share a passion that those little ones will carry with them the rest of their lives. Thanks for sharing Cragmama!

nature for kids, rock climbing, bouldering, babies, active lifestyle, parenthood, outdoor activity

Spring Break Rock Climbing

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Shawna

Sometimes when you want to play outside things just don’t go according to plan. Our Spring Break was one of those times. We showed up at the City Of Rocks in Idaho for some rock climbing, with specific climbs in mind that we wanted to do. Unfortunately there was a snow storm that came through the previous day that left ice chunks on the holds, very cold temperatures and mud everywhere.

In the midst of our frustration we ran into a park ranger that recommended we check out the new state park , Castle Rock State Park, that was a couple miles away from City of Rocks. We didn’t have a guide book for the rock climbing there so we stopped in at the visitor center to pick one up.

We now have a favorite spot to take the kids rock climbing! The rock we found to climb on in the park was called Kid Rock and it had a climb called Small Fry 5.6. It was a whole lot warmer and convenient for little ones like Hiccup to run around and explore.

video
I guess the moral of the story is that you can’t force anything to happen, otherwise it’s not fun. But you also can’t give up all together. It’s good to be willing to change plans and be a little spontaneous. We were frustrated that our initial plans didn’t work out but as the day progressed and we kept a positive attitude it ended up being one of the best experiences we’ve ever had with our kids.
nature for kids, rock climbing, rock climb, Idaho, City Of Rocks, Castle Rocks, spring break, snow

Picture Of The Week – Scout

Posted on April 26, 2011 by Shawna

Scout the giggle guts climbing queen at Castle Rocks State Park in Idaho.

Castle Rocks, State Park, Idaho, rock climbing

Rock Climbing And Bouldering Games

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Shawna

Over spring break we are taking the kids to City Of Rocks National Reserve in Idaho. We’re eager to get some rock climbing in and explore the far from ordinary landscape.

This is a picture of our first visit to City Of Rocks, April of 2002. It was Doober’s’ first camping/climbing trip. He’s 9 now!

Here’s Ole at the top of one of our favorite climbs.

If you’re not a fan of heights or don’t have all the ropes, harnesses and carrabiner dodads no worries, you can still have fun on the rocks. Bouldering is a great alternative to rock climbing. You stay lower to the ground and use what’s called a crash-pad under you to give you a cushy landing. You can go horizontal or vertical working on multiple problems, eliminating specific holds to make it harder. This is a short video of the kids playing bouldering games at the park.

Another fun bouldering activity is the add on game. You start out with four moves on a route and then each person takes a turn adding the next move to it. But you only get to add on if you successfully finish the existing route.

If you’re eager to learn more check out these other climbing games that can entertain for hours.

I hope you have a great day today! I’m off to clean house and then it’s outside for a bike ride with the kiddos.

nature for kids, rock climbing, rock climb, bouldering, games, City Of Rocks, National Reserve

Nature For Kids

Encouragement and ideas concerning wholesome outdoor recreation

Category Archives: Rock climbing