Retroment of Baron and Baroness Von D'Lucci: The Wedding and The Climb

The order was quite simple, be at Creekside Cabin at 10:30 if you wanted to keep peace in the heavens. Dutifully all responded and our caravan terminator was the red Mustang. The men were decked out in black pants, white shirts, suspenders and Alexa-made boutonierres.

And of course there is the photogenic Levi:

The women were in colorful dresses accented with red and sea green. We met with the official photographers and we were off on our stroll to the wedding site.

Remember the ladder? Well it was encountered towards the end of our hike:

Nikki is wending her way down. As Carma heads on. Notice suspenders are everywhere for spotting and polite assistance.

And then we were there. There is no way to describe this spot appropriately. It felt and looked like another planet of rock, forest and a cornucopia of color. The energy-ometer nearly broke as we assembled. Let us sneak a look from Gini’s perspective and then let the photos speak for themselves the best they can:

(Thus Spoke Zarathustra is eerily playing)

(Please click on these pictures to get a better idea)

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Shoes were a big theme this weekend and again here as packs were emptied to bow to fashion. Our hiking footwear cast aside:

It was time for steppin’ out.

Mike brought all into focus despite a deprecatory look from Baron Von D’Lucci:

The “ushers”:

Oh, did you notice Chip’s shoes? Really?!

Rittichiers reign and regale the occasion.

And then they were one

The photographers then had their session of this combination and that as the rest of the party took it all in; wandering, drifting, cosmically surfing the vibes.

A nod to our photographers:

And then everyone returned to the parking lot and changed into picnic/climbing clothes. Ah yes, another hike. This time to a rock wall with an opportunity to spread some blankets and equipment at its base. Chicken salad on croissant or tomato and basil?

Esther decided to hang out for awhile before tackling the cliff.

Alexa leapt onto the rock first and set up the ropes for the first route. Chip set up the second; Nik would later add a third. Nikki was now in her element also:

Chip and Nik patiently helped prep the climbers and giving reassuring instructions involving safety and strategies. Ron was psyched and ready to go.

At the top of each route is a chain that you would like to be in a position to touch before descending. Ron did so with Nik looking on approvingly:

Gini was determined to try this and Chip was willing to oblige her:

Really Mom, this is going to be okay! The rest of us were so engrossed with Gini on the wall that we forgot to take pictures of the event. Hopefully the pros took some.

Then Chris decided he would try. Gulp!

Yes I can! Yes I can!

Then lo and behold The Dads were on the wall:

…being belayed by the bride and groom:

These two are pretty hot together:

Carma was ready to go too:

And then Josie took on the route

She was also able to ‘touch’ the chain. You go girl!

All returned to Scenic Cabins and the Dads went to work. Spaghetti carbonara, steak and vegetables for 19 thank you please. Cameras were dropped for cooking equipment and the hive was buzzin’. Dinner was a grand success followed by the cutting of the cake: