A fabulous day of climbing at the Phantom Spires! We began with a 3-pitch climb of the North Ridge route (5.6). It was fairly easy, and the view was gorgeous. We had lunch at the top of the second pitch: whole wheat bagel sandwiches with hummus, tomato, cucumber, avocado, and basil; paired with a giant bag of cherries and some medjool dates.
We rappelled off of the back side to a large ledge where we set up a top rope for a 5.10a route. Each of us made it to the top, and Hubert invented some interesting new climbing moves to get there!
Next up was a short climb on Shark’s Tooth rock. The 5.8 arete required some spooky moves, but Luca was able to lead it without too much difficulty. He set up a top rope for another 10a, which I ascended first. The climb was short but quite challenging — one of my favorites of the day!
Notes for next time: the middle spire looks ridiculously awesome, with a 5.9 overhanging route.
