Originally Posted By: Bob West
Just one more suggestion:

Since you live fairly close to Yosemite, consider taking the Yosemite School of Mountaineering School basic rock climbing course. It lasts about one day, and will give you a good idea what is involved in technical climbing.

http://www.yosemitepark.com/rock-climbing.aspx

Hi Bob,
Excellent suggestion. If I do not get a chance to do some outside climbing with friends I will certainly do that.
Thanks,
John