Brian & Bridgid

Last Sunday Yosemite was hit by a big storm so we didn’t climb at the base of El Cap as planned. But the storm left the valley looking spectacular, with a mist hanging over the snow dusted walls, and we enjoyed an extra rest day and went for a walk.

On Monday we headed to the base of El Cap where there are tons single pitch crack routes of impeccable quality. We only got on two routes, but we did laps on both and worked on technique and got a good endurance workout. First, we got on La Cosita Right, a 5.9 finger to thin hands crack. Then, I shamelessly asked some climbers on Sacherer Cracker to drag our ropes up for a top-rope. They turned out to be very friendly and not only set up the top-rope but also hung out and offered advice.

Sacherer Cracker is a 5.10a crack that gradually widens from fingers to gaping off-width. It is one of the nicest and burliest crack lines I’ve ever climbed. I flashed the route twice, although I just barely made it through the strenuous off-width at the top. Bridgid styled the lower section, despite a few falls when her endurance waned. She was completely shut down by the off-width, but it’s hardcore that she even tried it since she had never tried an off-width before. I aspire to lead this route, but I’m not yet comfortable with the off-width.

On Tuesday, we headed to Pat and Jack Pinnacle, where the rock is steep and covered by huge knobs. We got on Nurdle (5.8), Boneheads (10b), and Babble On (10a), all of which were excellent.