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Summary
Poser douchebag (but not on purpose...really) on the crux move of Solar Flare...this is pitch 2 and the grade setting move. Not too bad and that comes from a guy who sucks on all that overhanging stuff (Apr. 2011).
In mid April of 2011, Shirley & I flew out to Red Rocks for a quick weekend outing. We met with our friends Eric and Lucie and climbed the nice Solar Flare (5.10) route in Oak Creek Canyon together. Nice route overall if not very sustained (& the 5.10c rating based on the second pitch roof seemed generous…). We had something bigger planned on day 2 but got lazy and ended up trying to salvage the day sport climbing in the Black Corridor. The highlights of the outing were the Saturday’s climbing and the nice two dinners with good friends.
Photos
Shirley leading pitch 1 of Solar Flare (5.10). Most the route's five pitches are visible above. Nice if not sustained route (Apr. 2011).
Shirley leading pitch 1 of Solar Flare (5.10) in Oak Creek Canyon (Apr. 2011).
Yours truly right below the crux roof on pitch 2 of Solar Flare. Shirley is belaying on the left (Apr. 2011).
Poser douchebag (but not on purpose...really) on the crux move of Solar Flare...this is pitch 2 and the grade setting move. Not too bad and that comes from a guy who sucks on all that overhanging stuff (Apr. 2011).
Shirley nearing the top of pitch 2 of Solar Flare...well, I actually screwed up & belayed from anchors on the route to the right...I'm a moron & a blind one at that (May 2011).
Shirley starting pitch 3 of Solar Flare (from the wrong belay station courtesy of yours truly; Apr. 2011).
Shirley high on pitch 3 of Solar Flare (Apr. 2011).
Leading the second roof of Solar Flare. This one is on pitch 4 and though rated 5.9 felt very similar to the one on pitch 2 (rated 5.10c...go figure; Apr. 2011).
Shirley topping out on pitch 4 of Solar Flare (Apr. 2011).
Shirley leading the 5th and final pitch of Solar Flare (Apr. 2011).
Shirley soaking up the sunshine (yes, we were both quite starved for that bright stuff after a loooong wet Oregon winter) atop Solar Flare route in Oak Creek Canyon (Apr. 2011).
Our friends Lucie (leading) and Eric on pitch 5 of Solar Flare in Red Rocks (Apr. 2011).
Lucie belaying Eric on the final pitch of Solar Flare. A nice time with friends in the sunshine of Red Rocks (Apr. 2011).
Shirley hiking out of the Black Corridor (Second Pullout; Apr. 2011).
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