faust Posted May 1, 2002 Share Posted May 1, 2002 Here's a story for you poor souls stuck in an office or in class today: I was lucky to have the day off from classes and thus teamed up with the Indomitable Ms. Gray for an exhilirating day of hard-core rock climbing at the Matterhorn-esque summit of Spire Rock. For those who may be uninformed, Spire Rock is a truly spectacular peak located in beautiful South Tacoma. Though not sure of its geologic origins, I assume it is a volcanic remnant of some sort, or perhaps a massive glacial erratic. Upon arriving at the foot of the wall, we decided to first attempt the heinous off-width near the south-west corner. Due to poor protection and loose rock, I decided to set up a top rope via the spooky 4th class scramble on the North Face. The Irrepressible Ms. Gray offered a belay, and I surprised myself by succeeding on this classic route on my first try!!! It was going to be an 'on' day for me, I could tell already. After I rapped the route, my partner, the Exceptional Ms. Gray, roped up and gave it a try. After several burns on the begining crux moves, she managed to jam herself into the wide crack and flailed admirably to the summit. After my bold ascent, I was feeling unstoppable, so I jumped on the infamous Red X Traverse. I have to admit, my heart was in my throat the entire time, but I managed a truly impressive free solo on the route. This may be a first ascent, I will have to check on that. Nearly spent, the World-Famous Ms. Gray and I cooled down bouldering near the base of the massive face, trading burns on the nearly-impossible Crisco Rock. Does anybody know the grade on this bouldering problem? V13 or so? Anyway, we failed here but that could hardly dampen our enthusiasm for a glorious outing in the climber's paradise of Parkland. Yes, it was a bold day at Spire Rock, truly one I will tell my grandchildren about. (If I live to have grandchildren, what with this dangerous game of rock climbing.) I've got big plans for the weekend, so tune in next week for a trip report of our adventure to the remote crags of Fossil Rock and our red point attempts of the neo-classic death routes on Boyal Bobbins Wall. -Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
666 Posted May 1, 2002 Share Posted May 1, 2002 I AM INTERESTED TO HEAR MORE ABOUT THIS MS. GREY. PLEASE FILL IN THE BLANKS_________ THANK YOU Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeadam Posted May 1, 2002 Share Posted May 1, 2002 We used to watch Yoder send Crisco slab in his Tevas (and not even 5.10 resoled Tevas!). He said it was like 5.7...he lied.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pope Posted May 2, 2002 Share Posted May 2, 2002 Nice TR Faust. For those of you who haven't visited SPIRE (Spanaway Park Ice & Rock Education), Crisco Slab (the West Face) offers the greasiest bouldering north of Camp IV. It features vertical basalt river rocks so polished you can see your reflection, especially when a younger member of the indigenous species urinates down it. You may catch SPIRE at its finest if you visit soon: it currently features a visibly thick coat of male spores (from the local forest). Only verglas offers more tenuous climbing. [ 05-01-2002, 09:05 PM: Message edited by: pope ] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jens Posted May 2, 2002 Share Posted May 2, 2002 I was told that the polished rock that makes up the prevously mentioned crisco slab came from deep underwater near where I used to lifeguard-- Lake Spanaway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pope Posted May 2, 2002 Share Posted May 2, 2002 quote: Originally posted by Jens: I was told that the polished rock that makes up the prevously mentioned crisco slab came from deep underwater near where I used to lifeguard-- Lake Spanaway. I didn't hear that, but I'll bet you're right! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtnrgr Posted May 3, 2002 Share Posted May 3, 2002 I attempted the 7 continents, 2 weeks ago. I flailed on it for an hour, but couldn't get past #5 (would that be Africa or South America?). It has to be rated V5+ I've crossed algae covered creeks with better traction than most of Spire Rock. But on the other than hand, I was the local Hardman for the hour I was there. All I need to do is dial a few routes and I could be a climbing god. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cpt.Caveman Posted May 3, 2002 Share Posted May 3, 2002 I remember I liked bouldering at the spire when not many people were around. I used to like to climb crisco slab. The topout is scary for me - at least it was like 5 years ago. Also liked the finger crack around the corner from it - harder at the end there too. Good highball nerves on some stuff there. Everything there is rated 5.7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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