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Kris Haskins Staff Webpage |
Exit 38 Cragging |
| April 19th, 2009 |
On the way home from Snowschool, I was still thinking about doing some more climbing. Since Brian wasn't headed out to Leavenworth with Jim and Obadiah, I thought I could con him into checking out one of the exits with me. Turns out, I was right. Sadly, Michelle had to work and Mel was a otherwise engaged(to some wedding planning :). Brian came by at about 11:30, and we headed out towards exit 38. Brian had figured that the Overhaul area would be the best place to hit for some good climbing fun, so we parked in the lot and headed up.
Brian brought his folding saw with him, and we did a little trail maintenance on the way up which was actually kind of fun and certainly made a difference for others coming up. There were a few trees that are gonna require something with a little bit more power. We cleaned them up as best we could though.
After the short hike, we ended up at the overhaul area with wasn't too wet. We decided to stay on the middle area first as there was another party climbing to the right of us on the other side. I took the first lead and sketched it big time having to hang twice on a 5.8. I don't know what the deal was, but the holds just weren't very confidence inspiring and the constant mist from the waterflow only added to the mystique. Anyway, I was able to complete the climb and set up a toprope for Brian. He gave it a go, and agreed that it was a bit weird for a 5.8 and so I felt a bit better about sketching it. Still early in the season I guess, but the important thing is that it didn't make me come down off the climb or want to stop, it just made me hang dog it a bit.
Me leading the 5.8
Brian Following
As Brian was cleaning the route and rapping down, the other group left so we headed up to the other part of the wall and into the sunshine. Brian started off by leading the super fun .10b with style. I top roped it and thought it was a fantastic and fun route. Pretty sustained and all good holds that didn't look like they were going to come off unlike some from the other climb. Once I got to the top, I moved the anchors so we could top the .10a right next to it. Since I was still on the rope, I just had Brian lower me so I could give it a go. I cruised through the first part until I got to a roof that looked tough so I jogged right. After getting around it I couldn't figure out how to get past the second roof and asked Brian if he remembered anything about it. Above it, it was just blank. So, I grabbed the rope for a little bit of aid and pulled over it. Great I though, now I can't even top a .10a. Brian suspected something was up, and I had in fact gotten on to the .11a portion of the route, so I felt much better about that. I think if I tried it again I would be able to do it, but not with the mindset that it should be .10a. Kinda weird how that can make a difference.
Brian Styling the .10b
Me following the .10b
After that, we called it a day since we had both figured it would be a quick hit day. It was great to get out to the local crags and see that they are starting to dry out. Climbing season is definently up us!