Every summer we take a big group out to Malibu Creek State Park. I am the ring leader of this collection of loud rambunctious college kids. My main goal: Make sure they don’t kill me, themselves or everyone/thing surrounding them. This year 26 people attended this climbing/camping trip, which reasonable compared to last year’s trip of ~40 bodies.
Even though we climbed on a Thursday, the Rock Pool area was PACKED. I’ve never seen this place so populated. I was surprised some of those hefty persons were tolerant enough to take the hike in, props bru. I honestly don’t know why people willingly swim in that abnormally warm, murky green water. The location of the creek isn’t adjacent to a fresh mountain spring. You should think something is sketchy when underwater rocks are covered with a green slimy moss. Not to mention the graveyard of crayfish carcases spread around. Also, the beach is literally 7min away; but not sure if the beach is any cleaner. Due to sewage runoff just a few miles off shore. Sick bra.
To get to the climbing crag you have to traverse [5.3 & 5.5] over deep murky water. There was stacks on stacks of people heading to the climbing area, it became a miserable traffic jam. Try not to fall behind a newbie climber, you might have to lock off on wet rock. Don’t fall in, or you can kiss all your gear and your beloved iPhone goodbye. No FB check in for you! Below you can see the clusterf*** out on the right. NONETHELESS of my criticism for the area, I think the area is really beautiful and has a decent selection of sport climbs.
After setting up a few top ropes for the beginners, I jumped on a few routes for myself. Urban Struggle is my favourate climb for the Ghetto Wall Area. I love any chance where I can grab an undercling, hike my feet high up, and reach baby reach!
The end of the climbing day didn’t end so well. The route I climbed lowered onto a large pool of water. Pulling down the rope from the anchors was tricky. Apparently i’m no good at magic trickery, because I got both tips of my rope drenched in that microbe water. Had to dry it out when we got back to camp.
The Highlight of the trip was the camping. Last year we reserved the group site. Where we could be as loud as we wanted. We didn’t piss anyone off because the group site was secluded from the camp host by a half a mile. It was also divided by a nice big hill that absorbs sounds well. Unfortunately that site was booked months in advance on the day we wanted. So we had to settle with three conjoined campsites. I tried to pick the sites furthermost away form the host, and innocent families… still, no site was far enough.
Our middle site was the best, we had a huge tree to set up camp under. A few of the guys slept in hammocks high off the ground. Alex brought his generator and lights, under the starry night our site looked like a fun circus tree tent.
We had two amazing chefs who cooked food for all of us. Brian and Alex, you guys are amazing!
Overall, another great trip out with friends and VA members. It was the perfect way to enjoy a SoCal Summer. Another tradition we have with our Malibu trips (before everyone separates) we have to drive to O Dae San for Korean BBQ in Downtown LA! We got the entire top floor to ourselves, because our party was so large, nom nom fest.
Enjoy summer everyone! & Climb on
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–> Natalie Duran
