Having officially struck out on my multiple attempts over the last three months to get my 6 year old niece and her mom on rock with a friendly approach and having subsequently learned that they're up for a hike I changed tactic from a mellow day in the Valley to aiming for a full value adventure a few miles south.

But considering my audience, I decided it was prudent to scout the approach and routes prior to committing them, so the Monday before we were to go I went up with my son and his godfather to check out the Backside Wall at Queen's Throne.

Which way?

My recently acquired '04 CRV made it to the 2WD Drive Camp like a champ, and shortly after the objective was in sight!

We started out on the right path...

...but then somewhere along the way ended up on the wrong path.

But hey, that's why we were doing this. Eventually we corrected and found ourselves where we wanted to be.

Having taken care of the business at hand, we decided to relax and take our time exploring.

Story time while we take a break.

Being a dad's okay, I guess. :D

Sick, brah!

Hmm, maaaybe we won't boulder that one after all.

But that one we will!

Poseur posing on a Vnegative2 plate ladder.

Now that's a bit more serious! ;)

We'd been watching the ridges to the east gradually disappear, and decided this was close enough to retreat from.

Well, time for one more problem.

Looong day for the little guy. He did great the whole day.
Total time away from mom: 40 hours.

One last look back.

As close to a bath as she'll probably ever get.

Part 2 coming soon...