KC and I had our first experience hand-drilling bolts yesterday with Brad and Bob at Crowley Towers. Brad and I had scouted the line last year. We rigged a rope to make access to the base of the route easier (3rd and 4th class) - and got to work.
Bob got started on a belay bolt.
Meanwhile, I surveyed the start of the route and placed some pro to get to the first drilling stance.
Brad also placed a piton in the start of the crack but decided to remove it later.
Time to commit
My choice for the location of the first bolt resulted in an awkward stance that was not allowing me to get any leverage.
I struggled with it for a long time and managed to get the hole started. My progress was excruciatingly slow. After making little further progress and feeling the need for a rest and refuel, I decided to down climb so Brad could take a turn. Brad managed to find a different and very strenuous stance where he was able to wail on the drill in short bursts and placed the first bolt.
I pulled the rope and led back up to place the second and third bolts and eventually finished the route.
I will NEVER look at a bolt the same way!
J.C. drilling on lead:
And topping out on a Pinnacles first ascent:
KC was the first to follow the route. We dropped the rope so Brad could lead it and Bob followed. I got started on an anchor bolt and was quickly joined by Brad. We installed a two bolt anchor with equalized chains on the summit.
KC joined in the fun – helping to drill one of the anchor bolts.
The new route. S Curve 5.7 – more details to follow in the New Routes sticky.
The yellow line shows the approximate approach path.
Heading out to beat the sinking sun after a very satisfying day! Thanks everybody!!!
