Date: 18 June 2000
Drew and I went climbing at a local park's outdoor climbing structure
- 105 0513 IMG
First here! Location: Little Si We got to Little Si (a small summit to the West of Mt. Si in the foothills of the Cascades) at around 6:30am, to beat the as yet non-existent crowds. - 105 0516 IMG
the hike out Location: Little Si This was worth the trip just for the approach to the crags. It reminded me alot of "Harry and the Hendersons," which probably indicates some deep psychological disorder. - 105 0519 IMG
World Wall I Location: Little Si This is the wall of our first climb, "Reptiles and Amphetamines." This particular crag is said to contain, according to our trusty guidebook, "the best sport climbing in the Northwest." - 105 0520 IMG
The launch ledge Location: Little Si This ledge, about a meter wide generously, serves as the belay point for most of the routes on WWI. The blackness you see in the picture is a 10-15 meter drop down to the trail. The guide says "no one has fallen yet, but someone's dog has. Be careful." - 105 0522 IMG
Reptiles and Amphetamines Location: Little Si This climb lives up to its fame. Both Drew and I led it, the thing was gorgeous. Note: it is now about 8:00am, and still bone dry despite gathering clouds. - 105 0523 IMG
oh my goddess Location: Little Si This was Goddess, another three-star (highest) rated climb (that's enjoyment being rated, not difficulty. this was a 5.10b as far as that goes). It started to rain right when we got to the belay station, which we had to scramble up to. You see the small patch of ground where Drew is standing? That is all of the belay area. behind it is a 6m drop to the (narrow) trail, then another 8m drop or so down to the forest floor. More on this little ledge to come. This climb was a blast, except for the top was all soggy. - 105 0524 IMG
Nice view Location: Little Si A shot of Mt. Si from the top of Goddess - 105 0525 IMG
More Scenery Location: Little Si - 105 0526 IMG
The edge Location: Little Si This is the edge I was talking about before. When I was packing the rope, I slipped from the edge and fell down through some foilage to the trail (about 6m or so), but I was able to grab a tree branch on the way down to stop the fall before I went down the next 8m to the forest floor. You can even see where I tried to grab the dirt with my hands as I went over. Its neat in a sort of "Worlds Most Deadly Car Crashes XI" way. - bryans fall
The fall Location: Little Si This is the bit that I fell, the mossy section at the top being the belay station. At last, conclusive proof that hiking, not climbing, is truly dangerous. I came out of the whole ordeal with only a few scratches and bruises. Whee...