Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Royal Arches!

I was back in the Valley last weekend to enjoy the sun. Very glad to have made it considering the rain coming down right now. My c0-worker and I did a quick run up After-Six on Saturday afternoon to get our systems dialed. We figured it would be a nice warm up for Sunday's trip up Royal Arches.


napping After-Six

On Sunday morning we were the first party on Royal Arches at around 7. However, by the time I was at the top of the pitch there were three parties on our heels. They chased us most of the way up the route but we managed to keep our distance. Below the rope-swing pendulum I took the hand crack variation to give my partner a chance to hone his hand crack skills. A party of two caught us at the next belay and we let them and soloist pass us by. The left traversing pitch after the pendulum was an absolute waterfall. It was incredible watching the second climb climb barefoot through the cascading water with Half-Dome as the backdrop.

All in all the climb was stellar and the barefoot descent was a real treat. I love walking around up there between Washington Column and North Dome. Barefoot on bare granite. Can't beat it.



Sunday, March 14, 2010

Yosemite Falls Trail

I had the chance to go exploring with the coworkers on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. It was quite snowy on the upper third of the Yosemite Falls Trail. By the time we reached this sign it was warm and sunny all over. Also, high visibility.


From Camp Four on the Valley Floor you head up steep switch backs for what seems like a long time. This is usually the time I am telling myself I should have gone climbing and skipped out on this slog. Then you turn a corner and see this. Everyone's face lights up. They smile. You smile. Its nice.

Upper Yosemite Falls with Lost Arrow Spire
North Dome in background

falls, domes, and spire

hiking is nice

the top!

Mount Clark, Gray Peak, Red Peak, and Star King

We weren't able to get close to the viewing area for the top of Yosemite Falls but we were able to enjoy the above panorama. Mount Star King is an amazing looking mountain. I'd love to wander out there this summer...

After a snack under a glowing Juniper we turned around and began the descent, the fun way.

glissading

moody dome
saturday evening
from sunnyside bench

moody dome two

The Sentinel
from Lower Yosemite Falls
saturday evening

The Sentinel
saturday evening