DAY 4 - Climbing

We chose to take out rope for this day of adventure in Moab. In the morning Evan and I tackled a short but very interesting 5.6/5.7 climb called Bullwinkle. At that grade level we expected the climb to be relatively easy but discovered such was not the case. Evan climbed the first pitch set up an anchor and then rappelled down. I was then able to top rope that pitch and then lead the easier second pitch to the summit. A very enjoyable first climb in Moab.
 
The second part of the day took place on Wall Street, a road that parallels the Colorado River and is a mecca for amazing roadside climbs. We chose an easy, low-angled slab and after Evan lead the route, we took turns top-roping it.  
 
On the drive out we decided to stop and watch some other climbers tackling a few significantly more challenging routes. They were super friendly and graciously offered to set up our rope for top-roping on the 5.10c “Frogs of a Feather” climb. I was offered the first attempt. 5.10c is way beyond my climbing level, but the route was fantastic, even if Evan did (also graciously) “pull” me up the difficult sections. Nicole then tried the route, making it about halfway up before bailing and finally Evan – who actually climbed the whole thing - well done!   
 
The day ended with a stop at the Moab Brewery for the best blue cheese burger in the state! (that was actually our 3rd time there).


  BULLWINKLE


Approaching the climb



The side of Bullwinkle that is most often climbed. The route goes up the obvious crack in the centre.



Looking up the second pitch



Looking down to Evan at the base



Evan is a few metres from the top here



Evan at the top




Not a bad summit view




Evan coils the rope at the bottom



Evan descends the final section back to our packs


EASY CLIMB (forgot the name)


Evan sets up the top-rope



Evan near the top



Nicole ascends the route



Nicole gets lowered


"FROGS OF A FEATHER"


The route starts with a great layback section (photo by Nicole)



Then becomes a crack climb (photo by Nicole)



Someone is being overly dramatic! (photo by Nicole)



The rock here is fantastic, but my technique is not! (photo by Nicole)



Slowly making progress (photo by Nicole)



On a section where Evan graciously pulled me up the route (photo by Nicole)
 


Almost looks like I know what I'm doing! (photo by Nicole)




At the top of the route (photo by Nicole)



Nicole's turn





Good form!



Evan at top of the climb. He climbed it so fast we didn't get any photos!



The view of the Colorado River from the base of the climb

continue to DAY 5
LOG