Well since I last blogged, I jave jumar 200m to retrieve our fixed rope, left Yosemite Valley and headed to the beautiful Toulomne Meadows. The Meadows is situated at about 2700m, with the climbing being at around 3000m. As such we have been breathing heavily in the rarified air.
The climbing here is superb though, and the campgrounds quieter and the rangers far more accommodating. So far we have climbed several three star routes. Furstly the North West Books on Lembert Dome, as well as what we thought would be a run-out 5.7. I went wrong and missed the only bolt by some 10m, and instead did a very runout 5.9 of unknown name and origin to its right. Fortunately there was some gear!
The next day we went to the Stately Pleasure Dome, and climb West Coutnry a *** 5.6, but before that to avoid waiting behind the slowest climbers known to man. There ascent could be measured in geological time.
On the third day we nipped back up to Fairview dome and climb a fantastic 5.8 called Magical Mystery Tour. It was run out to the moon. If you think that slate is run out, think again. Both Llion and I did some great climbing on chickenheads, that saw us running out 30m of rope between runners.
We have also discovered the joys of cooking Sweetcorn on the open fires, which are essential as the temperature up here is considerably colder than Yosemite Valley, making it much nicer to climb, but very chilly of an evening.
Anyway we are now driving up to Lake Tahoe!