Climbing at Chilkoot Lake

Chilkoot Lake has some nice climbing, its a short drive from Fresno, and its  nice and quiet. It's an under-rated area that is vaguely part of the greater Shuteye ridge and was a perfect place to spend a Sunday with my wife and puppy for some cragging.

The actual Chilkoot Lake, more of a muddle puddle really. 

First up was Half-Day dome, a compact crag with several nice 5.11a routes and a tough looking 5.12 and some moderates to warm-up on.

Half-Day Dome - poking out if the woods. 

We did a nice warm-up and then I redpointed a really nice 5.11a called "Into the Fold" that climbed up a steep face and onto an exciting arete. A very enjoyable climb!

Teresa working out the moves for "Into the Fold" on TR

I scored a sweet pair of forgotten/lost sunglasses at the base of the crag, and we headed over to the "Magic Wall"

The Magic wall

Penny is excited to be at the Magic wall

We climbed an excellent steep 5.10b before I made a few lead attempts on a 5.11d, which I only hung on a couple times. Not bad!

Steep golden granite

After climbing a few routes we packed it in for the day. I'm going to have to go back and try to get the redpoint on that 5.11d!

Packing it in for the day. Tired puppy!

Backpacking - Florence Lake to Evolution valley

For our (10 year!) wedding anniversary Teresa and I headed out to Florence Lake for a backpacking trip into the Evolution valley. It was a lovely 3 day trip! Enjoy some photos:

Florence Lake

Bridge over South fork of San Joaquin river

South fork of San Joaquin river

So that's where the trail is

Almost at King's Canyon....

There it is!

Creek crossing - guardian of the evolution valley

Somewhere in King's canyon

Ferry dock at the end of Florence Lake

Waiting for the ferry

Great trip!