20years

This week in 2001, Mrs AB and I visited the Devil's Tower in northern Wyoming. Buying the climbing guidebook and a crucial piece of rock climbing protection in a shop in Boulder Colorado, we drove 400 miles north into Wyoming. 

As we arrived at the National Monument, there was a wildfire burning on the horizon filling the air with smoke and cinders,  making our campsite an interesting experience. 

The following day we headed up to the intimidating columns of basalt to start our ascent. We were aiming to climb the Durrance Route, the most popular and 'easy' climb to the summit. The huge camming device (in the picture) that I had bought for one of the wide cracks was hanging from my harness. 

Unfortunately the Devil had his way that day and we were forced to retreat after only a couple of pitches, abseiling back to the base, tails between legs. But what a place! 

No UFOs were seen.