Climbing Sequences

 One of the pleasantries and challenges to climbing are the approaches. Though I have been on a few trackless approaches, most approaches are along a trail whether maintained or just frequented by climbers. The approach to Whitehouse Cliffs in Rocky Fork State Park is well maintained and reasonably steep. I have help with the group I go with, dividing the weight of two ropes, sport and trad gear and all the rest. It also makes for a good warm-up on a cold day. Nonetheless, 25-30 pounds of lightweight equipment is still 25-30 pounds.

Once again we had the privilege of climbing at a cliff that we had never been to before. I always get excited when I get to the cliff, but a new cliff is all the more exhilarating.

I only have three pictures related to the first climb I led this day, all three from the top. It was an easy climb most of the 40 feet, but the first two moves seem beyond my ability initially. After several failed attempts, I figured a way to stem out to a small left foothold and two finger gaston. It felt quite sketchy, but I pulled through. Rocky Fork has the highest point of any state park in the state. This may be that peak, and it certainly sports some snow this day.

The other climbing area in the park is a vertical wall along the creek. I hope to check it out on a summer day, since it is always shaded, I am told.

View out of the park into "The Valley Beautiful" (1) of Erwin.

Young, aspiring climbers, yeah, outdoor enthusiasts

Proper knot, harness strap doubled back, helmet on, check

The small roof covering the small crack, work left, ah, the crux. (2)

The happy crew of curious climbers

With little comment, I share with you two sequences of this climb, the first recorded by me, and the second recorded of me. (3) Notice process, and particularly considering first assent for each climber, the challenge to find holds not only to hold but to persist upon and not so tire one as to prevent further progress. These are but a few of the challenges, and therefore joys, of climbing.

Crux move

View from the top down reveals a bulge that prevents sight of the belayer. This makes communication all the more important.

Chillin' after the fact while someone else gives it a go.

The afternoon brought a thin overcast that allowed the small breeze to chill the air.

There is so much climbing here just waiting.

One downside of this crag is the abundant vegetation in broken parts of the cliff. Do you go left or right, and will your rope get hung up?

A good half of the pictures are the perspective of my fellow climbers who allow me to use their photographs (Thank you.).

My attempt was actually first, since I lead the climbs. I actually got off route onto a mixed route (4), only realizing it when I was 20 feet up and left of the anchors and the route had gotten difficult. I had to down climb, unclipping two bolts.

Is he watching or checking his fingernails? Actually, it doesn't matter since I had not placed my first piece of protection.

Which size cam would fit the horizontal crack?

Ah, this will work nicely.

Tug, tug- yes, solid

Quickdraw on the sling 

"Clipping"

Now what?

Did it! I placed another piece in the corner before reaching this place. The rest of the climb was gravy.

I am so amazed and thankful that there are days throughout the winter that you can climb here. It is just a matter of watching for them and going for it when they come. And now that I have a willing crew, I hope for many more good and safe days of climbing. God be praised.

1. "The Valley Beautiful" is a tourist moniker because evidently there isn't an official known name to the valley though it is a significant geologic feature lined on either side by significant mountains.

2. Does that deserve a period, is it a sentence? Well, it does have a subject, implied you, and a verb, work.

3. Yeah, too much me

4. A mixed route has some bolts but requires gear placement, too.