Devil’s Tower National Monument Sep. 9, 2005 circling vultures waiting for climbers.

We walk around the base. “It looks kind of tall…”

First look at our route to the top. It’s still kind of tall… approachpitch (100’ 5.4) leaningcolumn (70’ 5.5) Durrance Crack (crux) 70’ 5.7 CussinCrack 30’ 5.4 (ha!) Flake 50’ 5.5 Bailey’sDirect 150’ 5.6+ vulture Cute Ranger: “The Leaning Column has been wobbling recently. We have a team of geologists coming out to evaluate whether or not it is safe to climb. Don’t worry about it. By the way, there is no rescue service and the nearest clinic is over 60 miles away.” Seriously buff climbing neighbor in the campground: “A 5.10a here would be a 10d in Eldo” Translation: We’re screwed.

Like good mountaineers, the night before we mentally and physically prepare for the climb.

Jared working the “Approach Pitch”

The crux pitch. “Jam left and right cracks 70’ before committing to right crack” And it has started raining.

“We are supposed to go up that? You are f***ing joking me.”

Brian’s almost got it

Looking back down at Jared.

We are getting high now. And the weather is clearing.

jam it Jam it Stem it reach it wedge it monkey it

the summit is ours visitors center It’s a long way down.

Down we go. 4 double raps!

Guinness time!

But wait! Why stop now? Let’s go to Vedauwoo. Piton Perch to Baldwin’s Chimney to Parabolic Slab double rap

More awkward off-width

Now we get to rap 180’ off of the Parabolic Slab overhang

The end.