I'm not entirely sure why I got this idea into my head but it happened. Here in Boulder we have these formations called the Flatirons. Flatirons - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

They are all around 600-1500 foot long rock formations. They are run out (little protection) but pretty easy climbing (5.4-5.7 for people that know what that means). There are five in total.

I've done all of them a few times before but decided that it would be cool if Merlin did them as well. Maybe I can get his picture published in a climbing magazine or bird magazine, who knows?

Anyway Merlin and I ( and my wife) just finished the First Flatiron via the direct route. Mountain Project: Climbing Direct Route > North > Flatirons > Boulder

I didn't get many good pictures because it was so windy I had to rappel off as quickly as possible so he wouldn't get blown off my shoulder but here is one.


I think I have the most outdoorsy macaw out there. Merlin's previous accomplishments include climbing Seal Rock,
Mountain Project: Climbing East Face South Side > South > Flatirons > Boulder




Completing the Boulder Skyline in six hours (friend's trip report),
The Boulder Skyline Traverse Trip Report with photos

and numerous ascents of local 7000 to 10,000 foot peaks.

If I get a vet's clearance I plan on taking him to 12-14 thousand feet and we might go climb this guy Mountain Project: Climbing The Bastille Crack > The Bastille > Eldorado Canyon SP > Boulder

Moral of the story - go take your macaw for a walk, just make sure to have ear plugs for the ear he/she is sitting next to.

Edited for spelling and grammar.

Thats COOL! You should try to get it published as one of those amazing animal stories! He is really getting a birds eye view of things!

wow cool way to go

Ruby is so jealous! I bet Merlin loved that. He probably felt like an eagle with that view! Ruby and I are outside as much as possible and she loves tree climbing!

Oh my GOODNESS!! So awesome! Just where RF come from, the side of cliffs! What a lucky baby!!!

Awesome, I do know what you are talking about and my son and his wife would love to see you and the pics of Merlin in CLIMBING magazine!

I climb, confidently at the 5.10 level, not at your son's level, I'm mediocre but I'd like to get Merlin on some 8s and easy 9s. I think it would make for some good pics.

What a great challenge and goal. I am confident that you will make it. It would make for excellent pics.

LOVE IT!!!
No mountains here...guess I could take mine to the beach.

Jared, this is sooo cool! You really should try to get that published. By the way, I'm still considering an RF, but they are not easy to come by! I had a baby in waiting but that didn't quite work out. I just love them though!