Girl vs. Wild NewsOK.com Blogging Community

I walk through life with the understanding that it is far better to give than receive. I also feel this same thing applies to the great outdoors. The excitement I get when sharing climbing, hiking, etc with a person that has never experienced it as I have is amazing. To see a young person light up with joy when they have conquered their fear of climbing a route they swore they were not strong enough to achieve is just one of the many things that gives me new energy to keep enjoying my own outdoor adventure and renews my love for climbing.

A few months back I started guiding on the weekends with Compass Wilderness, a faith based 501 c3 guide service that has set it’s path to share a message of Christ to Christians and non-Christians alike. The centered purpose to parallel adventure activities such as rock climbing, rappelling, hiking, camping etc in an way that connects with people on their daily walk with Christ.

Compass Wilderness reaches youth groups, mens groups, at risks youth, and the list goes on. It really boils down to meeting people where they are in life - connecting on a deeper and individual level. Sharing the simple yet overwhelming and amazing joys of the outdoors with those who maybe have never even been on a hike or slept under the stars.

Compass wilderness is a guide service that offers hiking, climbing, and camping primarily, but Compass staff share far more than wilderness knowledge. They work to give individuals the tools to stretch out of their comfort zone and try new things.

Over the past few months I have seen angry hearts softened, self esteems soar, and closed minds open to brighter possibilities all because Compass Wilderness gives people something that sounds so simple, yet what everyone is searching for. Strength and acceptance.

On one of my first trips with Compass I was assisting in belaying a girl who had never climbed outside. She was trembling with fear and talking herself out of trying from the start. She was just sure she couldn’t do it and that it was going to be to hard. It’s in those instances Compass’s staff is able to to reach inside a person and pull out their stregthens. Showing them that it’s ok to take risks and pull for what they want in life. She and I talked on the rocks that day until she reached the top. The look of joy on her face as she was coming down is exactly what Compass Wilderness strives to share.

For more on Compass Wilderness head to NewsOk.tv for a video interview with Compass Wilderness’s Oklahoma DIrector of Operations, Steven Charles.

Happy trials Girl vs. Wild style,

Jacquelyn Farris

A new feeling of pure bliss. That is what I have found in climbing. When I was in college I climbed off and on, but never had a steady climbing partner to progress with. I can not even begin to explain the pure feeling of euphoric joy I get from climbing a hard route. Each hand placement and foot hold closer to the top. When it would be so easy to give in and only do half the route, but comrades are at the bottom reminding me that “I can own this route in just a few feet” and that “I have what it takes to take it.” When you get to the top of something that seemed so impossible it is by far the best feeling ever. Climb on!

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris
CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES

I finally got outside and it was everything I hoped for, and more. This past weekend my climbing buddy and I hit the rocks in the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. It was epic. Everything about it was great. The weather was sunny and warm. The people were kind, and the conversation was cheerful and light. Perfect climbing!!!

My first line of the day was a 5.9c on Echo Dome in Charons Garden. My hands bled everywhere, but I focused deep through the distractions and pushed on. I was so ecstatic when I reached the top. It’s by far the best feeling to stare it down until you get it. With new friends, success, and energy high we headed off to Lower Mt. Scott for more climbing adventures. It was amazing!!!

I have to admit I did love being the only girl, and not just the only girl, but not bad either. It’s nice when I can surprise the boys. We climbed all day and I loved every line. My hands are scabbed and blistered, but I feel successful.

Tonight is a practice night. Rocktown here I come.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES

It has been far to long since I have had the slightest bit of adventure. At least the outdoor type. Obligations and social activites can hold an adventure seeker back. Fear not, I am headed out for a day trip of climbing. I have decided to take some of my own valued advice of climbing the upper and lower sections of Mt. Scott located in the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. I am excited for all it will entail. Scabbed blistered hands, muscles crying, and pain from head to toe. Guess what, I will love every bit of it.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

Go west young man seems to be a constant theme in today’s climbing world. But standing on a soap box I declare that to not be totally true. Oklahoma seems to be know for holding several of the best kept secrets and one of which is Oklahoma climbing. There is rock for everyone in this great state. Whether your pleasure is granite, sandstone, or limestone climb on.

The crowned jewel of Oklahoma climbing is the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. Located outside of Lawton off highway 49 with granite formations reaching as far as the eye can see upward, and boulder fields that look like a jungle gym there are lines for any climbing palette. With several different areas to choose from you wont be let down. One of those is Mt. Scott offering several choices wo of which are Upper and Lower Scott. Mt. Scott is open form 9:00 am to dusk daily except when weather prevails. Upper is ideal for the novice climber with more than 30 routes rated at 5.6c this is an ideal place to start acquiring your climbing legs. Lower Scott has near a dozen routes ranging from 5.6-5.11c. Note that there is not a lot of available parking in this area so carpooling is recommended. If both of these sound to be to timid, challenge yourself to a three roof climb called ‘Repeat After Me’ rated at 5.10c. This is sure to boggle your mind and have your hands blistered wanting more.

If that doesn’t strike your climbing fancy head to Quartz Mountain located 45 minutes west of the Wichitas and worth every bit of the drive. If your looking for intense trad and sport climbing, put this on your list of places to climb. Offering short approaches with easy navigation this is a perfect day trip. Quartz Mountain has the longest routes in Oklahoma with slab faces reaching as far as the eye can see. Locals will tell you that these routes can be run-out with most rated R or X. This is not the place for the passive climber.

If you’re still shaking your head with disbelief that Oklahoma has climbing worth noting, head the boulder fields in Chandler Park outside of Tulsa. Rock worth climbing weaves through this hillside with routes 15-25 feet high ranging from V0-V12 there is no doubt you will feel worked after climbing here. Most routes are fast with none longer than 40 feet with third or fourth class scrambles. You are sure to have a day full climbing tales to tell.

These are just a few of our great state’s choices and all are worth checking out. Now mark your map, grab your gear and climb on!

Routes or areas of climbing have been set and broken down into classes. These classes serve as a rating to give the climber a better understand of what they are about to attempt.

Classes range from 1-5. Most terrain or activities in 1-4 can be done with a feeling of ease and most of the time rope is only used for comfort.

Most of the climbing mentioned is rated in the class 5 range. For instance a 5.5-5.6 route is one that has two hand and foot holds for every move. 5.7 there will be a foot or hand hold missing.

As the numbers increase the holds decrease. Meaning the rating rises when the difficult increase with fewer holds to place.

When using the V scale a climber is referring to bouldering routes. When bouldering a person is not roped in. The V scale ranges from V0-V16. With V0 being pretty simple to V16 where death is a high risk if one should fall.

There are also danger ratings. With PG meaning run-outs might be present, but falls will not be dangerous. R meaning run-outs are present and there is protection, but falls may result in injury, and with X there is no protection, and falls will result bodily harm and death can occur.

Now don’t rely to heavily on ratings. Because you might run a route at your home gym smooth at a 5.6, but that same rating might be more difficult on actual rock. So take each route with ease and respect. Make the rating and rocks your friend.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES

Burn ban woes dampen camping. This past month has been a roller coaster of to burn, or not to burn. With high fire dangers constantly being announced we are in a State of danger. This means winter camping is even harder than just just the normal concerns of freezing.

Burn bans mean no campfire songs and smores shared with glee. No staying warm huddled up with friends. As soon as the sun drops it’s lights out, and temperatures follow fast.

Since february 1st: Atoka, Beaver, Beckham, Bryan, Caddo, Carter, Cimmaron, Cotton, Comanche, Garvin, Grady, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnston, Kiowa, Love, Marshall, McClain, Murray, Stephens, Texas, Tillman, and Washita Counties have all been under a burn ban.

If you look at a map of the counties listed this covers all of the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. A hot spot for winter camping.

Refuge officials state that numbers have not been affected by the ban, and in fact visitors are up from this time last year. Of the course weather has been unpredictable, but has not turned many away.

When camping during burning restrictions it is very important to remember any spark or flame can get out of control even if it’s not on the ban list.

With that said, when burning regardless of restrictions one should not count on campfires to stay warm. You never know what nature is going to do so one should be prepared for all temperatures.

Layer is a must, but more is not always better. A good rule of thumb is to never wear cotton clothing against your skin. Even when it is cold out the lightest excursion can cause perspiration. Cotton is much harder to dry which can lead to your body temperature dropping. A good synthetic or wool first layer is recommended.

Billie Dunn, a Backwoods Sales Associate says “as far as clothing goes it really is specific to the person. A hot natured person isn’t wanting to have the same layers on as a cold natured person. With that being said, an appropriate base layer is recommended such Capilene or Icebreaker.”

When getting around fire issues stoves come in quite handy. Dunn said, “the Snowpeak Gigapower or the Jetboil system, both are ultra light and compact. Ideal for backpacking, hiking or short weekend trips with 1-2 people. For 2-8 the Dragonfly or Whisperlight by MSR. With these you are not restricted to just using the ISO butane / propane fuel, and both of these are great for international traveling.”

It all really boils down to listening to your body. If you feel it’s to cold, it probably is and wait to warmer days.

Girl vs. WIld,

Jacquelyn Farris

CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES

The grass is not always greener on the other side. In fact, I would say 9 out 10 times it isn’t. The same goes for this great state.

Oklahoma is A OK. In fact it’s far better that just OK. This past weekend I went on a winter camping trip in the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. I grabbed a few friends and we hit the road.

Driving west on 44 we start chatting and laughing of good times, and dreaming up grand plans for the future. All of a sudden it hits me. I am in Oklahoma, and am having a great time. That’s right, I like it here. I live in this great state and look at all these amazing places I have at my fingertips. I have the best of both worlds!

Monday through Friday I have a great job that allows me to be creative and push my limits. I get to run through the city and take it all in. Local hot spots, live music, and eclectic food. As soon as Friday breaks I am ready for an escape. I pack fast and within an hour I am in the great outdoors. Far from the fast world, traffic and electricity, into experiencing the pleasures of what life is really all about.

Now I know what you’re thinking, because I have heard it a thousand times. If I could only live in Colorado or Utah, life would be perfect. I know from experience what you’re thinking because I lived in Colorado for 3 years. I ran through the mountains and loved every bit of it. But there was something missing for me. Family, success, and drive.

Well, I ask you this. Have you thought about what it is you want from those places?

If it’s mountains, hiking, clean trails, fresh streams and rivers, climbing great rocks, setting new routes, kayaking, or deep valleys. We have it all here. Just open your eyes!!! Oklahoma better than A OK!

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES

I made it back around 8 o’clock last night, oh wait I actually made it back around 4 o’clock, but as soon as I pulled into the city I realized that I left my wallet at the Medicine Park Love’s truck stop. Yes, you got it. I had to turn around and do the drive one more time.
I made it back safe and sound.

I am tired, wind burned, and ready for more! With relief hypothermia was never looming, and I didn’t loose my food to Ranger Rick the racoon. I will share tales from my trip tomorrow. For now you can flip through the photos from my adventure.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn

CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES

In a few hours I will be on the road, and soon there after in a tent and by the fire. Sitting in good company cooking veggie dogs fireside while enjoying fun laughs, and preparing for a cold nights rest.

Last night my camping buddy and I aligned our watches for a last minute run down on what we were about to do. It was agreed that we had to at least be slightly crazy to be heading out with the temperatures that are expected.

With that said, I am more excited than ever for the challenge, and plan to growl in the face of being cold. I will post my weekend adventures, and tales from the trails on Monday!

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

I just wanted to say a quick thank you to the OKC Outdoor Network and all the amazing people I met this weekend. I will share my tales tomorrow. For now, I need sleep and a bed. From a very wise bear. Only you can prevent Forest fires. Girl vs. Wild Jacquelyn