Gunkie Junkies

Wow, after all the September rains we were treated to about 6 days in a row of spectacular summer-like weather.  Let's go to the Gunks!  Annie and I drove Blanche down Wednesday night, slept in the stairmaster parking lot and got a good start Thursday morning.  Thursday we got on Horseman, and Strictly From Nowhere, but the highlight climb for me was Snooky's Return whose first pitch is a thin crack.  I found the crux to be right at the bottom but really enjoyed the entire line from there.

Friday we were joined by Rosie and Brian  and we all enjoyed another stellar day on the cliffs. Rosie savored her first climb of the classic High Exposure line, probably one of the best known climbs at the Gunks.  Brian recommended I try The Last Will be First and, as promised, the climbing was great fun -some spicy face climbing with a slight lack of pro and a couple of fun roofs! CCK was next on the agenda and unfortunately I once again got freaked out about the unprotected crux on Pitch 2.  Rich Gottlieb, owner of Rock and Snow, to the rescue (again!)  This time however I pumped out while trying to work out the moves and the resulting fall was nothing to laugh about. SCARY!  But again, due to my competent belayer Annie and the foresight to reduce the amount of rope out before the fall, I came away with just a minor ankle tweak.  I re-climbed the pitch (thanks to Rich leaving me some extended pro above the crux) and we devoured the last, classic exposed pitch finish that everyone lives for.

On Saturday the crowds for the Columbus Day holiday weekend descended upon the cliffs.  It was so crowded Annie and I chose to take the long hike down to Sleepy Hollow and endure the hunt for a highly recommended beginner route Casa Emilio.  Annie lead the top pitch with aplomb. Her crown jewel, however, was taking the sharp end on her first 5.6 trad climb - she sent Rhododendron! This is a great first 5.6 lead as it sews up nicely (being the crack that it is, with ample face holds to ease the grade).  Way to go Annie! Sorry I couldn't take any photos while belaying!  Sunday Annie ticked off another great lead, this time the multi-pitch line on Beginner's Delight.  The route's name is somewhat misleading as beginning leaders have no place on this climb.  There is a long traverse, a roof and route finding to boot!  Annie had lead pitches 1 and 3 before and added the pitch 2 traverse to her belt notch this time. Thanks to Marie (our funny Canadian friend) for the photos!

Annie starting up Pitch 2 of Beginner's Delight

Leading the traverse

Note the copperhead on the red and grey pack!

The weather was so warm the Copperhead snakes decided to make plentiful appearances.  A Sunday snake visit came from the skies - a copperhead simply fell from some place above on the cliffs and landed on Annie's pack at the bottom of the climb.  After some time it crawled from her pack to Rosie's pack before slithering away.  The cooler weather ought to drive them back into hiding - I hope!

Rosie took this pic with her phone from the High E ledge.
This is Annie following a great route "The Last Will Be First"

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