The Rake (Blob) - Pickets

[geosean]

Hi, I read an article that talked about the Firey's et al climbing the north buttress of The Rake in the Picket Range, but I can't find any more info about it other than red Fred saying that most of the rock climbing is solid class 4 and easy class 5. 

This is suitably vague to pique my interest but also not make me too excited to go there and give it a shot. Has anyone done it / know more about it / want to tell me to shut up and just go do it?

I'm not looking for play by play beta, just basic info on the difficulty so I don't go out and epic or get skunked.

Also interested in info on other routes up the Rake besides the east ridge...

Thanks!

 

Also, I don't know where the names come from but I personally find The Blob to be a bit disrespectful of a decent looking mountain. Maybe the moniker "blob" could be applied to something in Colorado?... Iowa?

[JasonG]

I could be convinced to go in there and check it out.  It has been long enough since I approached the north side of the Southern Pickets, obviously!

[JasonG]

My guess is downclimbing from the WR Terror col in early July might be the ticket.

[emilio taiveaho pelaez]

3 hours ago, geosean said:

Also, I don't know where the names come from but I personally find The Blob to be a bit disrespectful of a decent looking mountain.

Reading Mike Layton's TR for "Plan 9" on the Blob (such a humbling read!!) suggests that the name comes from the 1958 sci-fi flick, which doesn't seem disrespectful as it's a classic in the horror genre. Plus, I've found something carnivorous and alien about the rock in the Pickets, haha!

That N. Buttress on the Rake sure is gorgeous... I, too, hope to find out more about it, so really appreciate you starting this thread!