Rappelling at the Inlaws
So today we dropped our foster kids off to spend the weekend with their biological family and afterwards we went to a local restaurant and ate some lunch. On the way home we decided to stop by my wife's parents house since we were in that part of the county. Her parents live in a wooded subdivision that was originally designed as a sort of hunting club. It is off the beaten path with all gravel/dirt roads, swimming lake with small beach, bass fishing pond, tennis courts and a redneck "clubhouse", pavilion. This subdivision attracts not only locals who live here full-time but people from the city looking for a cabin in the woods often purchase in this area as well.
The Inlaws House
My inlaws are completely surrounded by woods and they have a creek that borders their property. Across the creek there is a large Sandstone rock outcropping that is probably 40-45 feet high and is almost a sheer vertical face. I have often admired this rock outcropping and thought it would be perfect for rappelling. I have rappel from 12' up to 150' cliff with no face, but that was years ago and for some reason I never invested in my own set of ropes.
Not Your Normal Trip to the Inlaws
As we were driving down the driveway I noticed a woman standing in the woods in front of this rock outcropping and I commented that someone was photographing the rock face. Once we got inside, my inlaws said there was a family rappeling down the rock and included some kids. We decided to go outside by the creek and watch them having fun. Instantly, they invited us over to rappel with them. Without hesitation we agreed and off we went.
Cammie's First Rappel
As it turns out, this family was from just outside DC and owned the cabin next door and they are very adventurous. Their daughter was 8 years old and she was rappelling down by herself with no fear. We had a great time meeting and greeting this family, then they invited us to rappel.
I decided to no go so that my wife and the kids could maximize their rappelling time. I have probably 30 rappels, so I wanted my wife to experience this as much as possible because I knew time was limited.
I was amazed at how my wife, while wearing casual boots with thick heals, came bounding down the rock face with virtually no fear and a big smile on her face. Here she is stopping to pose for the camera.
The Inlaws House
My inlaws are completely surrounded by woods and they have a creek that borders their property. Across the creek there is a large Sandstone rock outcropping that is probably 40-45 feet high and is almost a sheer vertical face. I have often admired this rock outcropping and thought it would be perfect for rappelling. I have rappel from 12' up to 150' cliff with no face, but that was years ago and for some reason I never invested in my own set of ropes.
Not Your Normal Trip to the Inlaws
As we were driving down the driveway I noticed a woman standing in the woods in front of this rock outcropping and I commented that someone was photographing the rock face. Once we got inside, my inlaws said there was a family rappeling down the rock and included some kids. We decided to go outside by the creek and watch them having fun. Instantly, they invited us over to rappel with them. Without hesitation we agreed and off we went.
Cammie's First Rappel
As it turns out, this family was from just outside DC and owned the cabin next door and they are very adventurous. Their daughter was 8 years old and she was rappelling down by herself with no fear. We had a great time meeting and greeting this family, then they invited us to rappel.
I decided to no go so that my wife and the kids could maximize their rappelling time. I have probably 30 rappels, so I wanted my wife to experience this as much as possible because I knew time was limited.
I was amazed at how my wife, while wearing casual boots with thick heals, came bounding down the rock face with virtually no fear and a big smile on her face. Here she is stopping to pose for the camera.
We had a great time meeting this friendly, adventurous couple from the city and afterwards we drank coffee and ate brownies with them back at the inlaws house. This reaffirms my belief that you can find adventure in everyday normal activities like going to visit the inlaws. A great day of adventure and a new memory that we created.
Posted by The Outdoor Podcast at 2/4/2012 10:49 PM 
Categories: Adventure
Tags: rappelling learn to rappel
Categories: Adventure
Tags: rappelling learn to rappel
Awesome post. Reaffirms the notion that we need to "get to know" our neighbors. No matter where that may be. Outstanding
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Fun read. Thanks for sharing.
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It was a fun impromptu adventure! Thanks for reading!
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Craig, awesome!
reminds me of my first rappel with my then 10 year old daughter. her first descent was about 100' free rappel... she was hooked.
keep up the great work
Alan
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Sounds like you had a blast. Love the podcast, keep up the great work.
Cesar
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