Mean Mistreater Wall

Last Thursday Mike and I went up the mountain to climb Rich and Dave's route on the Mean Mistreater Wall. Since we were close Mike suggested that I lead the first pitch of Crab Corner. I am always leery when Mike suggests a route for me to lead. He is the one who got me onto Heart and Sole in J-Tree. I am never sorry when I finish these routes, but I swear I will never lead a route Mike suggests again while I am climbing it. After Crab Corner which was really cool, although a little heady we headed over to Rich and Dave's Route. Mike lead the first pitch. There was a super hard slab move at the first bolt (that is like 15 feet off the ground but at least there are plenty of large rocks to break your fall if you blow the first clip). Mike made the move, and then headed up to the anchors on much easier ground. When I made it to the anchors Mike was nice enough to let me lead the the second pitch. He was going to lead both pitches since I had lead Crab Corner. The second pitch is the reason to do this climb. Several hard moves above a ledge that really mess with your lead head. There is also a fairly good run out that makes you wonder "what if?" All in all one of my favorite routes on the mountain. I would love to go do it again (Ryan), but only on a day I am feeling strong with a good lead head. Rich and Dave's is the large chimney on the left side of the formation in the middle of the picture. Crab corner is the crack to the left of it.