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The first crux: getting through the mud on the logging road. Subaru Outback made it... but it was exiting for a bit. Speed is your friend. |
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Looking back into the belly crawl pitch. |
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Mark following pitch 5. |
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Looking up at pitch 6. Classic 5.10 flared hands with some short wide bits. |
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Looking up at the awesome and intimidating pitch 5 roof. |
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Mark starting up pitch 4 on the Silent Line Var. Classic long flared hand crack. |
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Mark wishes he brought tape. So did I. The flared cracks eat your hands. |
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Mark Melvin at the third belay. The Silent Line free variation (best way) is left and the original route is right. |
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One of the best parts of gold wall is the unique view across the valley. From left to right: El Cap, Middle Cathedral, Lower Cathedral, Bridalveil Falls |
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Mark leads Pitch 2 as the sun hits the wall (around 9am). The temps went from freezing to perfect. |
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Looking over at the West Face of El Capitan. Note the big wet streaks. Its been the wettest spring in (my short) memory. |
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Mark Melvin on the first moves. Kinda tricky... or was it the freezing temps? |
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The rack for Gold Wall |
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The Tomahawk works as a great beer opener. |
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