Day at Danland

I am almost hesitant to post on the internet about Danland. Its such a great climbing area, and its still on the down-low, so not many climber visit. This makes it into one of my favorite places to climb, a huge variety of cracks and slabs, and no one around.

Michael and I headed up there on the holiday Friday for a super enjoyable day of craging. As per usual, we were the only climbers there.

Danland. Photo credit - M. Putnam

 First up on the list, Hot Wing - a bolted 2-pitch 5.9 chimney -- cool. I led the first pitch, for sure the lesser of the 2 pitches.  The rock on P1 was of dubious quality. Easy climbing brought me to a nice belay stance on top of a pinnacle. Fortunately pitch 2 look glorious. A steep, well bolted chminey on good rock. Michael took the lead, the climbing was moderate but a but burly through the crux

Michael - Look at that chimney technique! Photo credit - M. Putnam

 

Cam on Hot Wing. Photo credit - M. Putnam

 

Looking down the chimney - Photo Credit M. Putnam

Next up - Foggy bottom, a short 5.9 traverse. An easy lead, but fun!

Sweet - Moderate traverse. Photo credit - M. Putnam

 Then was the highlight of the day - Sky Walker, a extremely interesting 5.10+. The climb starts in a crack and then traverses across a bolted face following a slick dike. Very unusual - the follower was almost as exposed as the leader. At one point in the climb, you actually down climb and then back up again.

Starting up the crack

 

Delicate traversing - Photo credit M. Putnam

 

Approaching the belay. Nice.

Such a great climb! We then headed over to Lizard Run (5.12) a perma-drawed sport climb, took some whips at the crux and packed it in for the day. Super fun day, a great way to start the weekend!

Psyched! Photo credit - M. Putnam