It was July 2011 when I was invited on my first real climbing trip.  My first rock climbing classes weren't on rock at all, but on plastic in a gym.  It was a great way to learn, but for the first 8 months of climbing, I only went outside on three separate occassions.  It was a completely different experience each time.  First, I went to Stoney Point on a REI guided class.  Next, I went with a group of new friends to Point Dume in Malibu... because of the nature of the trip, which was celebrating a birthday, I only climbed one easy route and then it was time to go home... (continue reading)