On October 3 Susan and I completed the Cathedral Range Enchainment (a.k.a. Cathedral Range Traverse). With wild fires burning across the Sierra it was a smoky day out. We almost bailed, but thankfully Susan convinced me we should continue.
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Topo map of the Cathedral Range Enchainment
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Similar to the more popular TMC traverse, the Cathedral Range Enchainment involves climbing a large amount of low 5th and 4th class terrain. The route is about 13 miles long, with around 6,000 feet of elevation gain. We did a mixture of simul-climbing and soloing. Along the way we summited Cathedral Peak, 3 of the Echo Peaks (Echo Peaks 3, 2,1), Cockscomb and Unicorn Peak.
I will confess that the combination of the endless fires, hot weather, and pandemic really sucked all the climbing stoke out of me by mid-summer this year. I am really grateful that Sue put up with grumpy attitude and provided the momentum to keep this one going. Susan has really matured as a climber and has become my go-to partner for alpine climbing ventures. Thanks Sue!
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Smoky views
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Sue with an ethereal halo
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Like climbing on another planet. Cathedral Peak in the right background
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Heading down. Cockscomb in the background
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Awesome day with an awesome partner
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