This was an excellent and fun route the second time around, just as it had been
the first time. Unfortunately, this time the weather
didn't cooperate as well, but we all survived. It was beautiful and sunny when
we left the car, it was beautiful and sunny when we got to the base, but as
soon as I was halfway up the first pitch, the clouds rolled in, and we didn't
see the sun the rest of the day. A bitter cold wind also kicked up, and the sky
was threatening rain and thunder for several hours, though it never actually
happened. We climbed this in two parties of two, with me leading and Ann
following in the first party. The second party was made up of Courtney, who led
the first and third pitches, and Thuy, who led the crux second pitch. Both of
them led admirably, considering how little outdoor leading experience either of
them have, and how runout and scary a slab climb like this can be. Fortunately
no one took any lead falls, although on the second pitch, Thuy hung on a bolt
once or twice and Courtney fell once. Apparently they were cursing my name most
of the way up, but I was just far enough ahead that I didn't hear it. :-)