The race to climb

We were the first ones to the gate in the morning at 5:30am and we sat there for a half an hour as other vehicles stacked up behind us. It was all elbows as we left the parking lot. The guys behind us were headed to the same climb.

Pitch 3

The climbing on pitch 3 always feels in your face, even with so many holds and a crack to leverage. Matt made quick work of the steep climbing while getting used to the new rock.

Autumn canyon color

The sound of trickling water and the vibrant color of the canyon below made for a relaxing setting as we left the canyon below.

Sequence

There is a right way and a harder way. But always a way.

Focus

Try to be efficient, despite the omnipotent fear of falling

Amidst layers of sand

The varnish of eons covers the wall behind, as Matt contemplates his next move across changing terrain

Smooth sailing

Matt hardly paused during the 4th pitch.

Movement

There was momentum at the end of the 4th pitch.

The canyon below

Matt begins to gain elevation

Chimney

Dark Shadows dishes up a nice variety of climbing

Red Rock

At its best

Reach

The best holds imagination can conjure.

Above the madness

On Mescalito, the view of the strip seems improbable.

Rappel

We descended back into the shadows of the canyon