Steph_Abegg Posted June 8, 2014 Posted June 8, 2014 (edited) Trip: The Grand Wall, The Chief, Squamish - Date: 6/7/2014 Trip Report: The first recorded rock climbs on The Chief were done in the late 50’s, but it was not until 1961 that the Grand Wall was finally climbed by Jim Baldwin and Ed Cooper in an epic 40 day siege. Since then, the Grand Wall has become THE route on the Chief. It has is all: perfect rock, great setting, runout slab, stellar crack, strenuous laybacking, delicate face, and many variations. I first climbed The Grand Wall in May 2007 with my friend Ross, and finally got a chance to climb it again seven years in June 2014 with my friends Tobias Tillemans, Jessica Todd, and Geoff Georges (as two rope teams). I've posted a full trip report on my website here: http://www.stephabegg.com/home/tripreports/britishcolumbia/grandwall Some random photos: Overlay: Tobias starting up the runout slabs to get to the vertical climbing above. Jessica making the final rather committing traverse step to the anchor. It's often a bit wet here. Geoff nearing the top of the Split Pillar. Geoff nearing the top of the Sword pitch. This is the technical crux pitch of the route and great climbing. Jessica leading the bolt ladder just above the Sword. Having fun! Tobias on Perry's Layback. Although short, this is probably the most strenuous pitch of the route, especially since it occurs high on the route. The bolts are quite welcome here since otherwise you'd need a few #5 cams... The final bit to the top! The spicy Bellygood Ledge walk-off. Edited June 8, 2014 by Steph_Abegg Quote
Newfield Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 Awesome! I met Jessica and Geoff in Leavenworth a few weeks ago. Their level of stoke is very inspiring! Quote
stamati Posted June 10, 2014 Posted June 10, 2014 Nice work Steph and crew! Now I'm stoked to give it a go! Quote
tightlines Posted June 11, 2014 Posted June 11, 2014 Hi Steph, Great seeing your groups on the route. Ray and I were the roped team ahead of Tabalis. Looks like you had a great outing in Squamish. Have a great season on the rock this year! Thanks for the company on the route Quote
Steph_Abegg Posted June 11, 2014 Author Posted June 11, 2014 Hi Steph, Great seeing your groups on the route. Ray and I were the roped team ahead of Tabalis. Looks like you had a great outing in Squamish. Have a great season on the rock this year! Thanks for the company on the route Looked like you guys had a good day on the route too! It was nice meeting you guys, maybe see you again some day on the rock. Quote
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