Pinnacles

The last August weekend, I made my first awkward steps in outdoor climbing in the Pinnacles National Monument. This post is so let, because the incredible temperature differences at that place caused me to have a cold. We spent two nights on the main campground. First we tried to climb "Rat Race". On the picture below you can see Cindy and me while roping down. It was pretty scary to be the first one hanging his life onto the rope...


On the next day the others did a more difficult climb called "Tourist Trap" (because there were always many low shoe tourists gazing at the climbers). First, Doug did the lead climb. On the picture below is Harald who went second. Third, Ben did successfully complete the climb.


The third climb we tried was going up the "Monolith". I already was a bit sick, so I did not try this one. It was also a bit scary at the beginning as you were immediately very high above the ground. Doug was quite excited during the lead climb. Below you can see him at one of the critical places where he must not fall, because the rope does not really protect him...


Watch out for Doug jumping off the wall!

Cindy was always busy studying new routes. Below, she analyzes carefully the white chock signs on the wall.