Rocktober 2009

October brought a great season of rock climbing in Yosemite Valley, CA...great routes, great weather, and great folks to hang out with. We were fortunate to be able to spend almost three weeks in the Valley. The following are a few pictures of some different climbs. Highlights from the trip include Royal Arches, Serenity Crack, the East Buttress of El Cap, and the Nose of El Cap, and other great adventures. Here is a photo of our first day relaxing in El Cap Meadow checking out some climbing parties on El Capitan.

Here I am getting the rack together in the van.

Sunset on Half Dome...view from Dinner Ledge on Washington Column.

Here is Tyler on the East Buttress of El Cap.

I am mid-pitch on another section of the East Buttress of El Cap.

Tyler leading on the Great Roof of the Nose of El Cap.

Me cleaning on the Great Roof.

Me leading the Pancake Flake of the Nose.

A shot Tyler took looking down the Nose at the anchor after the Great Roof.

Tyler about to head into the Changing Corners pitch on the Nose.

View from the top of El Capitan, looking towards Royal Arches, Washington Column, and Half Dome.

Great trip...left with a lot of excitement for a return and more projects. Now back in Ashford with a few ski days under the belt and psyched for the predicted snow storm for the next couple days!

- Laura, Whittaker Mountaineering