Entertaining read on the Tuff Dome Traverse. I was up there with a large group over 25 years ago, I remember because I still lived in Socal. We had a big lunch party, more ropes than you could hang from El Cap, all sorts of fun and goodies. So Dave was leading the regular route to get a bunch on top. Knowing this little conga line was going to take some time I decided to go up the traverse. I think it was my third or fourth trip to Pinnacles , but I loved the environment, even though the rock was not what I was used to. I remember what I think were 1/4" bolts, looking like hell, but I just ran up it thinking it is what it is. When I got to the top I thought 'Well that was a long way sideways on funny rock, I better watch this place'. I think there were two bolts after the shallow crack or lieback. Did not look like a good place to fall.
Well sure enough, my follower unclipped the last piece, took a step and let fly. At his request, I lowered him. Couldn't understand why he did not want to finish. When I got down, he was a bloody mess. Strawberried from elbows to ankles. I realized then, I better not treat this place like the smooth face climbs of Suicide and JT.
I'm sure I would not lead that today and only follow with long pants. Glad to hear the bolts are getting upgraded or have been upgraded.
