Catherine Finds an Edge

 

 

 

5.9 ***

 

 

 

Sport, Single Pitch

 

 

 

 

This climb is on the left side of the picture, just above that large block.  It is a bit of a scramble to get on top of the belay block.  You have a 30 foot drop on your left, a 45 foot drop on the right and the block is about 3 feet wide.  My fear of heights really kicked in once I found there wasn't any place to bolt into.  To get on the wall, you have to step across the 30 foot gap on the left onto a verticle wall with great chickenheads and great footholds.  The 5.9 rating is pretty generous but you get a good feeling of exposure and an unbelievable view of Mount Washington sitting behind and above asterik pass.  It might be one of the best views on the East side. 

For those that get a thrill or a fear of heights will be all abuzz on this climb.  The first step is a doozy.  The rest is easy and a lot of fun.  The rock is a bit loose at parts, but not anything that will make you worry too much.  This picture is looking at the climb from Asterick Pass.  If you know how high up on the wall Asterick is, you will know how high you start this climb.