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Summary
Looking downriver from the middle of the Crooked River. The subtle beauty of the Lower Gorge is on full display (Sept. 2006).
On a nice September 2006 day, we crossed the river and climbed a few routes on the east side of the Lower Gorge. Shirley led Azog (5.9) and Sauron (5.9) on the Shakespeare Cliff. I led As You Like It (5.10b) on the Shakespeare Cliff, Brother’s Child (2P, 5.10c) and Off Tempo (5.10a). Those last two routes being on the Arrington Columns. Brother’s Child is a Gorge oddity (one of a few) that is two (if short) pitches long with the crux 10c (pitch 2) being not terribly sustained. On the hike back, Shirley led Cruel Sister (5.10a). A pretty good, full day (at least for us when we’re at Smith).
Photos
Shirley starting up the nice Azog (5.9) route on the Shakespeare Cliff (Sept. 2006).
Shirley entering the crux section (or perhaps just above it?) of Azog (5.9) on the Shakespeare Cliff of the East Lower Gorge (Sept. 16, 2006).
Shirley starting up the decent Sauron (5.9) route on the Shakespeare Cliff (Sept. 2006).
Shirley leading the nice stem box section of Sauron (5.9) on Shakespeare Cliff. Small roof above capping the box provides the crux (Sept. 16, 2006).
The crux roof pull on Sauron (5.9; Sept. 2006).
Leading As You Like It just before the crux finger crack section (5.10b) on East Lower Gorge's Shakespeare Cliff (Sept. 16, 2006).
Starting up As You Like It (5.10b) on the Shakespeare Cliff (Sept. 2006).
Shirley hiking upstream along the base of East Side columns. Little Three Fingered Jack (left), London Tower, and The Monument (right) are the formations in the background (Sept. 16, 2006).
Starting up Off Tempo (5.10a). Last time we were here & climbed this wideness here there was 6 inches of snow on the ground (Sept. 2006).
Leading the short but wide Off Tempo (5.10a; Sept. 2006).
Shirley seconding Off Tempo (5.10a). This was our second trip up this route and this time around Shirley decided that she'd have a better time climbing in her (bulkier) approach shoes vs. rock shoes (Sept. 2006).
Blondie considering the off-width that is Off Tempo (5.10a; above her).
View of Star Wall from the east side of the Lower Gorge. Note the climber atop Last Days (5.10a; Sept. 16, 2006).
Leading pitch 1 of Brother's Child (5.10b) - a decent crack and stem combo (Sept. 2006).
Starting up the short pitch 2 of Brother's Child (5.10c; Sept. 2006).
Higher on the short pitch 2 of Brother's Child - a series of bouldery moves (not really hard) with good stances in-between (Sept. 2006).
An unknown climber leading Last Chance (5.10c) on the Catwalk Cliff. Photo taken from across the river at the base of Shakespeare Wall (Sept. 2006).
Looking downriver from the middle of the Crooked River. The subtle beauty of the Lower Gorge is on full display (Sept. 2006).
Shirley & Blondie crossing back to the west side of the Gorge. The Crooked River is running low here (Sept. 2006).
Shirley leading Cruel Sister (5.10-) on the Catwalk Cliff. Think this was Shirley's first trip up the line on lead (Sept. 2006).
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