![]() |
![]() |
|
Thumbnails |
|
Slideshow (206 photos) |
Acadia (map) |
![]() |
![]() |
The long drive back to Pompey in the Vansion (Copyright © Lucie Wellner) |
![]() |
![]() |
Studying the guidebook (Copyright © Lucie Wellner) |
![]() |
![]() |
Translantic: Funky climbing out of a cave on P1 of Translantic |
![]() |
![]() |
Enjoying the view from Great Head |
![]() |
![]() |
Morning Glory: Leslie enjoying sea cliff climbing at its best |
![]() |
![]() |
Preparing to rappel down over the water at Great Head (Copyright © Lucie Wellner) |
![]() |
![]() |
Painting on top of Great Head (Copyright © Lucie Wellner) |
![]() |
![]() |
Preparing to rappel at Great Head (Copyright © Lucie Wellner) |
![]() |
![]() |
Black Crack: At the start of Black Crack; after we climbed this, we learned that nobody does this route because it was altered by rock fall |
![]() |
![]() |
Rocky coastline near Otter Cliffs |
![]() |
![]() |
Home away from home, at the Otter Cliffs parking area |
![]() |
![]() |
Fingers on a Seascape: Crimpy (and reachy) climbing on great rock |
![]() |
![]() |
The Precipice, as seen from the road |
![]() |
![]() |
View from The Precipice, looking towards the ocean |
![]() |
![]() |
A Dare By the Sea: Following a beautiful crack above the sea, perhaps one of the best routes at Otter Cliffs |
![]() |
![]() |
Emigrant Crack: One of the better cracks at The Precipice, although one can step left at several points to reduce the pump factor |
Adirondacks (map) |
![]() |
![]() |
Alabama Hills (map) |
![]() |
![]() |
Leaping between boulders |
![]() |
![]() |
Tons of rock, like J-Tree but without all the gorgeous desert plant life |
![]() |
![]() |
Muffy: Easy face climbing on plates with cool orange lichen |
![]() |
![]() |
Puzzling out the routes in the Corridor |
![]() |
![]() |
Belaying in the Corridor |
![]() |
![]() |
Pangborn: Starting up Pangborn, one of the longer routes at the Hills |
![]() |
![]() |
Pangborn: Dancing up the face |
![]() |
![]() |
Pangborn: Looking like an ant on the face, Tommy runs up the endless plates to the anchor |
![]() |
![]() |
Call of the Canyon: Old school Tommy sport climbing…yeah boy! |
![]() |
![]() |
Call of the Canyon: Resting at a good handhold |
![]() |
![]() |
Call of the Canyon: Resting at a good handhold |
![]() |
![]() |
Beautiful Alabama Hills |
![]() |
![]() |
Hang 'Em High: Crimping at the start of Hang 'Em High |
![]() |
![]() |
Hang 'Em High: More crimps through the crux |
![]() |
![]() |
Hang 'Em High: Grabbing for a draw |
![]() |
![]() |
Hang 'Em High: The route finishes in a crack |
![]() |
![]() |
High Plains Drifter: Palming low down on the route (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
High Plains Drifter: Thin crimps at the crux (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
High Plains Drifter: Sweet face climbing with high steps (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
Angel Falls (map) |
![]() |
![]() |
Rapping the largest waterfall, Big Angel; there are a bunch of route possibilities here |
![]() |
![]() |
Unknown: The easier line at Little Angel |
![]() |
![]() |
Unknown: Going through a small, unprotected roof |
![]() |
![]() |
Unknown: Clearing the roof |
![]() |
![]() |
Preparing to climb Little Angel |
![]() |
![]() |
Rapping Little Angel; we led two routes here, one directly under the rappeller, and one to the right |
Arches (map) |
Bishop Creek (map) |
![]() |
![]() |
Unknown: Pretty much the only boulder we could climb; we suck |
![]() |
![]() |
Shredded hands from 31 straight days of climbing |
![]() |
![]() |
West Face: Slab at the top of P3 |
![]() |
![]() |
West Face: Nearing the top of P3, Lake Sabrina in the background |
![]() |
![]() |
West Face: Leading P4 in the rain |
![]() |
![]() |
West Face: View of the Bishop Creek valley from the top of P1 |
![]() |
![]() |
Cardinal Pinnacle, as seen from the dirt road on the other side of the valley |
![]() |
![]() |
West Face: In a warm puffy jacket at the P2 belay, Aspendell in the background; the vansion is parked in the pullout on the road above Colin's head |
Castle Rocks (map) |
![]() |
![]() |
Hanging out in the van at a City of Rocks campsite |
![]() |
![]() |
Store in Almo |
![]() |
![]() |
Hiking around Castle Rock |
![]() |
![]() |
Red Rib: Starting out on Red Rib, which I thought was pretty hard for the grade |
![]() |
![]() |
South face of Castle Rock |
![]() |
![]() |
Pretty rainbow during one of the frequent showers |
![]() |
![]() |
Mantel Dynamics: The most over bolted route on the planet, we had to back clean draws to make it to the top |
![]() |
![]() |
Comp Rock, the other "big" rock at Castle Rocks |
![]() |
![]() |
Comp Rock again, named for a rock climbing competition that occurred here |
![]() |
![]() |
Sleeping under an overhanging wall, waiting out the rain |
Cochiti Mesa (map) |
![]() |
![]() |
View from our van, parked on the road that traverses the top of Cochiti Mesa |
![]() |
![]() |
Wandering around in the rain, which happened every day of our trip (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Colin sketches in the van waiting out the rain (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Finally the sun; we ran out and climbed a few routes before dark |
![]() |
![]() |
Open Mouth Syndrome: Perplexed by a sea of pockets at the start of the route |
![]() |
![]() |
Open Mouth Syndrome: Typical pocket at Cochiti |
![]() |
![]() |
Open Mouth Syndrome: Typical pocket at Cochiti |
![]() |
![]() |
The Prow: Sending the super-overhanging Prow |
![]() |
![]() |
View from the descent to the South Cliffband |
![]() |
![]() |
The Prow: Pulling the crux on big jugs |
![]() |
![]() |
View from the Vista Point Overlook |
Colorado National Monument (map) |
![]() |
![]() |
A lizard we saw on the hike out |
![]() |
![]() |
Another lizard we saw on the hike out |
![]() |
![]() |
Lots of towers as seen from the road near the visitor's center |
![]() |
![]() |
Pipe Organ Spire (left) and Organ Pipe Spire |
![]() |
![]() |
Kissing Couple, as seen from the top of Indepdence Monument |
![]() |
![]() |
We nearly walked into some sheep on the way out…really! |
![]() |
![]() |
Otto's Route: Starting up the third pitch easy chimney |
![]() |
![]() |
Otto's Route: Pulling the final move onto the summit |
![]() |
![]() |
Otto's Route: The final rappel off Independence Monument |
![]() |
![]() |
Otto's Route: At the belay below the summit |
![]() |
![]() |
Independence Monument as seen from the rim; the Kissing Couple is to the left, Rainbow Tower behind, and Grand View Spire to the right |
![]() |
![]() |
Independence Monument as seen from the approach trail; looks narrow and overhanging from this angle |
![]() |
![]() |
Otto's Route: A nice spot at the belay at the top of the second pitch (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Otto's Route: The fourth pitch face climb, made easy by the drilled stances (thanks Otto) (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Otto's Route: Bomber anchor in sandstone |
![]() |
![]() |
Otto's Route: Nice to see our president getting out |
![]() |
![]() |
Otto's Route: Colin's signature in the summit register |
![]() |
![]() |
Otto's Route: Some goodies we found in the summit register box |
![]() |
![]() |
Otto's Route: Massive runout up to the capstone |
![]() |
![]() |
Otto's Route: Ahhhh…protection; notice the drilled stances up the face above him |
![]() |
![]() |
Otto's Route: Hard pulling over the overhang leads to a good ledge and fixed anchor |
![]() |
![]() |
Otto's Route: Woo hoo |
![]() |
![]() |
Otto's Route: Starting up the first pitch of Otto's Route |
El Rito (map) |
![]() |
![]() |
View of the conglomerate as seen from the road |
![]() |
![]() |
A scary self portrait (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Approaching in the rain, of course |
![]() |
![]() |
Our campsite at El Rito; cows roamed around our van at night |
![]() |
![]() |
Boltaneer: In a sea of knobs and cookie-chip chunks |
![]() |
![]() |
Boltaneer: Amazing jugs where cobbles used to be |
![]() |
![]() |
Boltaneer: A super juggy and high-quality route |
![]() |
![]() |
Blackballed: Jug pulling on a steep, beautiful wall (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
El Rito, Pirates Wall, as seen from the road |
God's Crag (map) |
![]() |
![]() |
Aspens on the approach (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Walking back to the car in the rain (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Abandoned mine on the road to Engineer's Pass (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Somebody got all Hayduke on this dam (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Approaching the mine shaft; no, we didn't go in it, especiallty after The Descent (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Two-tiered waterfall with a spooky mine shaft at the base (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Approaching God's Crag (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Plaque at the base of The Renaissance Man below the waterfall |
![]() |
![]() |
The crag, as seen from the road |
![]() |
![]() |
Descending in the rain through a grove of aspens; we picked up a hundred ticks here (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Fear is Never Boring: Crux moves at the top of the pitch |
![]() |
![]() |
Fear is Never Boring: Styling the second pitch, in the rain |
![]() |
![]() |
Fear is Never Boring: Cool face climbing on the first pitch (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Fear is Never Boring: Self portrait, belaying in the rain |
![]() |
![]() |
Fear is Never Boring: Following the beautiful face on P1 |
![]() |
![]() |
Fear is Never Boring: Nearing the top of the pitch |
Granite Mountain (map) |
![]() |
![]() |
Falling Ross: Nearing the top of P2 (Copyright © Emilie Drinkwater) |
![]() |
![]() |
Falling Ross: Delicate moves onto the slippery slab at the top of P2 (Copyright © Emilie Drinkwater) |
Owens River Gorge (map) |
![]() |
![]() |
Checking out the view on the way into the Gorge |
![]() |
![]() |
Fear of a Black Planet: First route in the Gorge, slippery and good |
![]() |
![]() |
Fear of a Black Planet: Long reach at the crux |
![]() |
![]() |
Ambassadors of Funk: Making a clip before the crux (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Ambassadors of Funk: Powering through the crux (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Welcome to the Gorge: Near the start, and pretty slippery |
![]() |
![]() |
Expressway: In a sea of pockets near the anchor |
![]() |
![]() |
Bone Up: Pulling through the first overhanging section |
![]() |
![]() |
Bone Up: Pulling though the big overhang high on the route |
![]() |
![]() |
Bone Up: Whew…getting established after the roof |
![]() |
![]() |
Expressway: Thin, crimpy moves at the bottom |
![]() |
![]() |
Expressway: Crimp…ouch! |
![]() |
![]() |
Expressway: Steep climbing that just doesn't let up |
Questa Dome (map) |
![]() |
![]() |
Questa Dome, as seen from highway 522 |
![]() |
![]() |
Question of Balance: Rapping off after getting spanked…too wet, too cold, too hard (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Question of Balance: Looking at the pitches above with water streaming down the face |
![]() |
![]() |
Question of Balance: Hanging out at the belay |
![]() |
![]() |
Question of Balance: Cool view looking up at the P1 belay |
![]() |
![]() |
Question of Balance: View from P1, looking towards the Rio Grande |
Rifle (map) |
![]() |
![]() |
Mossy creek in the canyon |
![]() |
![]() |
Red building in the canyon |
![]() |
![]() |
Camping in the vansion at Rifle, which was a good thing since it rained every day |
![]() |
![]() |
Pretty canyon |
![]() |
![]() |
Lookin' smooth at the Middle Ice Caves area |
![]() |
![]() |
Tenuous brook crossing |
![]() |
![]() |
Cold Cuts: Starting up Cold Cuts (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Cold Cuts: Near the bottom of Cold Cuts |
![]() |
![]() |
Cold Cuts: Angular holds characterize this route, and just about every other route at Rifle |
![]() |
![]() |
Feline: Bustin' back muscles |
![]() |
![]() |
Feline: Amazing climbing, no route finding here due to the chalk (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Feline: Strenuous pulling and an intricate sequence coming up (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Unknown: Suppose to be 5.9, but more like .11a (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Rehabilitator: Another "warm up" route, pretty much at our limit (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Handy Boy: Givin' it on Handy Boy |
![]() |
![]() |
Rumor Has It: Colin on Rumor Has It, a super popular .11b |
![]() |
![]() |
Rumor Has It: Fierce and strenuous laybacking |
![]() |
![]() |
Forgotten Years: Nice thigh jam in the back of Skull Cave |
![]() |
![]() |
Pile Driver: Steep climbing in a cave…a good choice because it was raining |
Rock Creek (map) |
![]() |
![]() |
Standing at the base of Gong Show Crag |
![]() |
![]() |
Gong Show Crag, as seen from the road |
![]() |
![]() |
He She: Thin moves at the start of the route (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Awesome views from the base of the wall |
![]() |
![]() |
Gong Show Crag proved a popular destination with locals |
![]() |
![]() |
Welcome to the Iris Slab: Preparing to lead, not super motivated |
![]() |
![]() |
Welcome to the Iris Slab: Shoeing up |
Rock Garden (map) |
![]() |
![]() |
The beautiful Rock Garden, as seen when approaching from Penetente Canyon |
![]() |
![]() |
U2RINXS: Starting up, pretty much the crux of the route |
![]() |
![]() |
U2RINXS: Traversing to the arete |
![]() |
![]() |
U2RINXS: The route climbs the left tower of the highest formation in the photo; Colin is there if you look closely |
![]() |
![]() |
U2RINXS: Cranking on a jug in a sea of rock |
![]() |
![]() |
Approaching the Rock Garden from Penetente Canyon |
Sedona (map) |
![]() |
![]() |
The Original Route: Sitting on top of The Mace, at the end of P4 (Copyright © Emilie Drinkwater) |
![]() |
![]() |
The Original Route: Stemming up the complex assortment of towers on P4; crux is at the top of the pitch (Copyright © Emilie Drinkwater) |
Table Mountain (map) |
![]() |
Sorry, no pictures available |
Tres Piedras (map) |
![]() |
![]() |
Tres Piedras as seen from the road |
![]() |
![]() |
Waiting out more rain (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Our beautiful campsite at the trailhead |
![]() |
![]() |
Unknown: Starting up an unknown (but good) route in the Beastie Alley |
![]() |
![]() |
Mama Jugs: One of Colin's first trad leads; real juggy with good pro |
![]() |
![]() |
Walking off Mosaic Rock |
![]() |
![]() |
View from the top of the rocks, looking towards Taos |
Whitney Portal (map) |
![]() |
![]() |
Mt. Whitney, as seen from our campsite |
![]() |
![]() |
Colin sketches on top of the bear-proof storage box |
![]() |
![]() |
Michelle finally arrives at the campsite after an epic trip |
![]() |
![]() |
Eating lunch at The Beach (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Banana Hammock: Slippery friction; our first route at Whitney Portal (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Lizard King: We all got a taste of 5.9 friction…yikes! |
![]() |
![]() |
Manta Ray: More 5.9 friction |
![]() |
![]() |
Hiking to the crags around Whitney Portal involves some portion of the Mt. Whitney trail, which is where we're standing (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |
![]() |
![]() |
Whitney Portal Buttress, much larger than it looks |
![]() |
![]() |
No Country for Old Men: Colin belays Tommy on P5 while Michelle snacks |
![]() |
![]() |
No Country for Old Men: Super happy, finally a pitch for short people; I found this pitch desperate |
![]() |
![]() |
No Country for Old Men: The undercling pitch |
![]() |
![]() |
No Country for Old Men: P5 of the route goes into the mountain, inside the obvious opening |
![]() |
![]() |
No Country for Old Men: Nice rope management |
![]() |
![]() |
No Country for Old Men: Tommy follows the undercling pitch with a full pack of gear, no less |
![]() |
![]() |
No Country for Old Men: Colin emerges from the P5 chimney |
![]() |
![]() |
No Country for Old Men: Taking a nap after the big whipper |
![]() |
![]() |
No Country for Old Men: At the P5 belay, happy to be bailing |
![]() |
![]() |
No Country for Old Men: Belaying at the top of P5 (Copyright © Colin O'Connor) |