This is what great days are made of...
Luck was on our side today, as we climbed one of the best routes of the trip. The good feelings began at camp this morning though. Most of the 'generator club' had moved out of camp last night, so we slept peacefully until the birds woke us at 9am. (Well peacefully apart from being woken up at 2am by a bear in camp - which turned out to be a late arrival trying to put their tent up!).
Anyway, the sun had reached camp by this point so we ate breakfast at our table while watching a woodpecker at work making home next to us! This was his progress so far:
Then it was off to the cliffs to find another classic rock climb. As we arrived at the base of our chosen cliff, there were teams gearing up at the base of all the routes. So imagine our relief and surprise when the couple at the base of the route we wanted to do, said that they'd probably be slow, so we could go first!
We were already racked up, so before thy could change their minds, got the ropes uncoiled and set off, hand jamming my way upwards as fast as I could.
And we were just in time, because a few minutes later, two other teams turned up and had to sit and wait!
The first pitch was brilliant, with great protection as well. Clare soon shot past me and up the second pitch, the top of which converged with another busy route.
Sensing a massive bottleneck of traffic up ahead, we slipped into alpine mode, employed a few Italian tactics and moved swiftly past a slow looking team of three! At the next belay, the top most team, sensing our Jedi speed, let us past and from there on we cruised upwards, leaving the chaos of hot crowded stances behind! Phew! What a lucky escape! We literally saved ourselves hours of waiting around!
The higher pitches continued to be of great quality and the views just kept getting better and better.
By now, we were a whole pitch ahead of the next team, so basically had the whole crag to ourselves. We both buzzed our way upwards on the efficiency, smoothness and speed of our ascent.
Then, at last the top came. A perfect plateau of granite with breathtaking views In every direction. Knowing that now one would be joining us soon, we enjoyed a long lunch/sunbath on top, before descending by foot back to the van for an even bigger feed.
Two hours later, we left our sunny lunch spot, and as we did, saw the team we over took walking down! Talk about a lucky escape! Our next stop was Yosemite Falls, where we climbed the 'Regular Route' (5.4) on a cliff called Sunnyside Bench'. The climbing was much easier, but as with most climbs in the valley, the views are fantastic.
We climbed the four pitches of the route in just over an hour, then scrambled up to the top of Lower Yosemite Falls for a cool view down over the edge. It's possible to scramble even higher to some swimming pools under the main (upper) falls, but fading light and energy levels warded us off continuing too high.
Above us the shadows were working their way up the cliffs towards the iconic Lost Arrow Spire.
So instead we traversed the cliff tops then walked down through a forest then tricky scree slopes. Somewhat exhausted, we eventually found ourselves back on the joyous flat ground of the path.
It was only a short walk back to Yosemite Lodge, where we went direct to the bar and thirstly devoured beers and chips in celebration of our achievements! What a day - it felt great top both be on top form!
No comments:
Post a Comment