I just added correction #38 regarding the mixed free/aid route South Yak - South Face.
Our efforts Saturday were partly a rebolting and partly an exploration to determine how far and to what end the recently discovered third pitch went.
It was a fun and successful effort.
While I replaced spinner bolts low, Jennifer belayed Bruce's lead of the aid portion of the climb. The second pitch is slightly overhanging and physical and the third, traversing pitch, is awkward as hell (equally so on lead and follow). The remaining old bolts add spice to the lead (trust me - you'll see the photos below and NOT want to hang on those that remain!).
I followed Bruce (on aid of course) to the anchor and we rappelled off. Here's me following (and grunting, slicing my hand and swearing) the third pitch:
Bruce rapping off:
Me rapping off:
And, the stars of this post, the old bolts that made up the aid ladder (all are quarter inch with screw tops). Imagine hanging on these with no new bolts for backup (yuck!):
J.C., I assume you can extrapolate enough information to complete the post about the rebolting effort on the master list? If not, lemme know and I'll fill in any gaps. And although Bruce and Clint were the heavy re-bolters on this one, you and I and Jennifer Wang and Kathy and Tricia all played a role (the latter two were ground support for us when we replaced a few of the bolts).
Anyone looking for some tricky aid climbing practice should give this one a go. It's certainly not an "average" aid training bolt ladder!
