Cragging Time

Looking down the final moves on the classic route on Cerro Mackay

Well after a few days of mainly paperwork, I finally got out route checking (aka Cragging) with one of the other instructors MB from Canada. We climbed on the Nols crag, then Cerro Mckay. The climbing on Cerro Mackay is awesome, without a topo or guide we rocked up look for bolts and started climbing, first a lovely 5.7 single pitch affair, then we found some more bolts.

MB on Cerro Mackay

Both MB and I were constantly getting to belays and shouting down, woo, more pitches. The route was a 5 pitch 5.9+ sport route, with most climbing being around 5.7. Totally amazing, as it is rigged for 60m ropes, with chains every 30m. We then saw another route that ended up being a 4 pitch route as well!

It was an eventful day, I was trying a route given 5.10d and was mid crux, pulling on a side pull that I had given a check by taping the bottom of the hold. My other hand was virtually on the next jug when the sidepull exploded, ejecting me from the rock in a spectacular fashion. SO I took my first lead fall in a while, which is always good.

MB follows the 5.9 corner.

The next day we went to El Aguila, and did some trad climbing. A easy 5.7, then a trick and sustain 5.9. Followed by a two pitch 5.10b/c. A great day made even better when we got to the car and the heavens opened as we drove back to base. Anyway all the check has been done now, and only a few days left before the course starts.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *