Had a fun day today. We were surprised to see so many climbers out even though it isn't Pinnacles season!
We almost had first tracks in the upper lot - there was an older unfriendly couple there ahead of us - really people?
Is it that hard to say good morning?
We hit the trail shortly after 8 and headed to the Monolith as planned.
I led Wave Rider and KC followed. I slung a knob and placed an alien on the last runout.
JC riding the crest of the longest runout on Wave Rider 5.7R*
After we topped out we rapped down to the Rocket in my Pocket anchor and pulled the rope to lead the Upper North face 5.6.
I thought this route was star worthy once it crossed over the piton traverse - before that it's a few moves of uninteresting 3rd class on thick moss. Although there is only one bolt you also have the choice of a nice sling knob, an alien placement (or two) in the piton crack or the first piton with a sling extension - pretty sweet! Fun climbing and it was shady...ahhhhh...
Clueless geology students from SJSU on a field trip were wandering along the trail below - second weekend in a row we've seen a group from there.
JC high on the Upper North Face 5.6
Before we left the Monolith we topped out on the summit block and signed the summit register - thoroughly devirginated.
We were hungry and hot so we took a lunch break at the reservoir and hung out with some tourons in the shade and breeze.
After lunch it was on to the Rim Trail for one more climb The Proctor 5.6
This was a fun lead with some nice gear placements. I placed my shiny new gray alien for the first time
The climb is a bit chossy but it was probably good to get back on something a little rotten since we've been climbing on such high quality rock the last few weekends.
JC on top of the Proctor
KC tops out on the Proctor
we took a detour on the way out to stop and scalp some nat-zies...
