Swan Slab - Yosemite

I watched Kristen, aka Sherpa, climb the 1st pitch and thought, "It doesn't look bad. I can totally do that." My first move went well and then, 7" off the ground I thought "where the heck am I supposed to go now?". I managed the 1st pitch although I don't think I've ever taken so long to catch my breath! The next pitch was the longest, approx. 100 feet, and supposedly was easier. I wouldn't necessarily agree. Sherpa led and disappeared, first behind a tree, then behind a very large rock. I started climbing and came to my first obstacle. I managed. A few feet later I was totally stuck. I was standing on a small ledge, the wind was blowing and all I could see was the great distance and ragged granite between me and the valley floor. I couldn't see the way up but I couldn't go down. I knew Sherpa had me so I did some of the ugliest climbing anyone has ever seen. I wouldn't really call it climbing, more like holding on for dear life and shimmying. Sooner than I anticipated I could hear Sherpa and see the top. The last pitch was the most intimidating, all crack. Turns out, I like crack. My first real climbing of the day. Sherpa coached me through it and I felt like a real climber for the first time. All completed, I climbed just shy of 200'. What did I earn for my pain and fear? An unobstructed view of Half Dome. After lunch at Lower Yosemite Falls we went and practiced some "feet only" climbing. This entailed climbing a smooth, round rock, standing on holds I could barely see. I climbed this rock twice, two different routes. I kind of wish we had done it before the big climb (as Sherpa recommended) as I may have had more confidence in my feet. It was absolutely amazing to jam my toe on something smaller than my baby toe and be able to stand on it. Why no pictures? It wasn't pretty, I imagine I looked like a very large, awkward bug smashed on a very large window, struggling for life. Ugly? Yes. Completed twice? Yes. Once with a recently rolled ankle? Yup, I'm tough.

In summary: One of the greatest days of my life. Sherpa is my hero. She is a graceful climber, encouraging and inspiring coach, and a kick in the pants to spend the day with. Enjoy the pictures.


Pitch 1 - We climbed the big crack, middle left.

Me finishing the 2nd pitch.

This was the easiest part of the 2nd pitch. It was mostly just scrambling at this point.

Mountain Columbine on the 2nd pitch.

To be continued....