« Steins Pillar

Northeast Face (Steins Pillar)

Looking down from the lead of P5 of Northeast Face route (A1+). The pitch overhangs a bit giving one a great view down of the lower pitches. Point where my ropes criss-cross (my screw up) marks the top of the “High Black Knob” (a wart-like, round protrusion on the face of the pillar) and top of P4 of the route. I decided to combine P4 and P5 given the deteriorating weather. Deck is about 300-350 feet below. Note the innovative fixed gear just below my feet: a rusty piton sticking out of the rock by 60% and a rusty wood screw (bent over into a loop). There’s also a new bolt to take out the sting (October 30, 2004).