Shirley hiking up to Patricia on Muralla del Refugio above the border checkpoint (an old refugio) visible below. Our first route in the new area (Dec. 2016).

Patricia (6a+) starts in the splitter crack down low – this first and best pitch is the crux (Dec. 2016).

Leading the nice first pitch of Patricia (Dec. 2016).

Shirley on the very nice pitch 1 of Patricia (Dec. 2016).

Nearing the top of the pitch (Dec. 2016).

Pitch 2 traverse (Dec. 2016).

Shirley on the pitch 2 traverse on Patricia (Dec. 2016).

A flower somewhere on the route (Dec. 2016).

Shirley topping out on pitch 3 (Dec. 2016).

Patricia – think this is pitch 5 (Dec. 2016).

Looking back at Shirley from the lead of pitch 5 (ish).

Views up-canyon from somewhere on Patricia (Dec. 2016).

Shirley starting the rap down Patricia (Dec. 2016).

Back to the drinking. Muralla del Refugio is visible in the background (Dec. 2016).

Very complex. I’m getting notes of gooseberry, lavender, and caramel. The mid-palate is amused by the wine’s insouciance and there’s a slightly impertinent corrugated iron finish. Touch angular yet still chewy.

Re-packing session at the trailhead (Dec. 2016).

The Argentine salami really was the centerpiece of each dinner (Dec. 2016).