markwebster Posted May 5, 2010 Share Posted May 5, 2010 (edited) Trip: leavenworth, smith, vantage - many Date: 5/2/2010 Trip Report: I've not posted a trip report in a while. I enjoy reading other peoples trip reports, so I thought it was time I repaid the favor. These are photos from several weekend trips over the late winter and spring, ending with last weekend in Leavenworth. Climbing for me is not just about the rock, it's also about the friendship around the campfire at night, so my first picture is of my edgeworksclimbing friends jamming at Skull Hollow campground over Spring Break. Dave and I enjoyed the sound so much we recorded it later in a makeshift studio and you can here it here: Dave and Mark play the climbing blues song Dave is on the left. Joel, on the right, is the resident Mayor of Smith, waiting out a rain shower. I seem to run into Joel everywhere I go, from Smith to Yosemite to Joshua Tree, Joel is there. Hangdogging my way up New Testament 5.10a, Smith. It was not pretty. Brett, leading Toys in the Attic, 5.9, Smith in a heavy rain storm. It stays dry. Brett, leading Toys in the Attic, 5.9, Smith Natalie following Craig up a 10c at Vantage Dave leading Poison Ivy Dave leading "Just another sucker on the vine", 5.8, Leavenworth Dave leading "Just another sucker on the vine", 5.8, Leavenworth Craig racking up for Vertigo at the Peshastin Pinnacles. I used to lead this back in the day with stoppers and hexes. The new gear makes it much easier and safer. Vertigo has very clean and solid rock over much of the route. The stemming here is challenging. You can see the size of the route here. Craig is just entering the upper chimney section. There is smaller gear off to the left, but it does not look as solid as the big chimney gear. He goes for the Big Bro. Craig bought this last fall on sale and vowed to carry it until he placed it. The Peshastin Pinnacles is very beautiful in the evening light. The orchards stretch forever out across the valley. Pitch one, Winter Solstice 5.6, Castle Rock, Leavenworth. This was Cameron's second day on rock. Craig forgot to bring a helmet for her. Cameron on the second pitch of Winter Solstice where it requires precise footwork. Cameron safe on the top of what many would call a "girl friend route". She was a real trooper, but I thing Craig was wondering if Castle was the best place for a first date. Gear Notes: your standard el cap rack Approach Notes: no longer than 20 minutes anywhere. Edited May 5, 2010 by markwebster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TamaraSlade Posted May 5, 2010 Share Posted May 5, 2010 (edited) The rock at the Peshastin Pinnacles sketched me out But all those places are wonderfull!!! Thanks for the TR! Nice pics Edited May 5, 2010 by TamaraSlade Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crillz Posted May 6, 2010 Share Posted May 6, 2010 Nice . Hopefully the rain held off for that last run up Damnation. I've got some pics of you turning the lip on Winter Solstice if you want 'em. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBC Posted May 6, 2010 Share Posted May 6, 2010 Nice! Some great photos Mark! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BirdDog Posted May 6, 2010 Share Posted May 6, 2010 Nice write up & pics Mark. People having fun - that's what it's all about! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markwebster Posted May 6, 2010 Author Share Posted May 6, 2010 Chris, yeah, Damnation stayed dry. I usually don't lead it this early in the year...good omen I guess. I'd love to see those photos. Post 'em here if you want, or email? It was fun seeing the Castle parking lot getting busy. I love that place. My buddies Dave and Phil got 10 pitches in that day, all on Castle. Great seeing you guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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