Darrington 8/1/11 (not a TR...really)

[chirp]

Not a trip report since we did nothing dramatic...just a nice day out

 

Finally bit the bullet and headed to Darrington for the first time EVER ( been climbing in the NW for 25 years and NEVER made the trip, why?, no idea but yesterday Brian and I headed up.

 

Not an earth shattering trip, but fun for sure scoping a new area and just getting out.

 

We decided to just hit Big Tree one and play around on shorter routes, getting a feel for the area.

 

The road was in fine condition although in our gaping at the scenery, we missed the trailhead for 3 O'clock rock and just kept driving...the road getting progressively worse until I was like mmm, this can't be right.

Finally driving back too and finding the right spot we hit the trail and to the base of the cliff.

Missing the proper base trail at the cliff we again did some funky scrambling to get over to where we wanted to be.

 

The route must not see too much activity as it seemed a bit grimy, but alas thats probably just due to the position and lack of climbers.

Beautiful rock and absolutely stunning setting. Next time I think we'll commit to something a little cleaner like Till Broad Daylight, as we watched a party on that and it looks sweet.

 

The party on TBD had a couple of awesome crag dogs that were a joy to meet and hang out with, lol the dogs were so focussed, the stared intently at us and their owner high on the cliff.

 

Good fun and now we know whats up, definitely excited to go back and get on something else.

Also alot of quality bolt/anchor replacement

 

Amazing looking wall of Exfoliation Dome

 

Second pitch traverse to the belay

 

Third pitch...avoided the last funky bit of moist/licheny crack.

 

Party (on left in the suns glare) on Till Broad Daylight

 

One of two awesome dogs chilling at the base!

[hanman]

 

25 years is a long time- good find!