Guided Adventure in the Verdon Gorge

USA – Black Canyon of Gunnison, Colorado.

Posted on 2015-10-02 - filed under news


Chris following a stellar 5.12 pitch on 'Tague yer Time'

‘Tague yer Time’ 5.12+(7c) 15 pitches.

 

Incredible 2 day big wall free route, a climb that’s been on my hit list since I was last there in 2002. More recently my friend Chris Kalous of Enormocast fame has been selling it to me as the equal of anything in Yosemite with flawless granite and elegant, sustained trad climbing. The hype is not overplayed, this is one of the best big wall free climbs in North America!

There’s 6 5.12 pitches and very little easier than 5.11 so we opted to stash bivvy gear half way at the ‘2 boulder bivvy’ on the ‘Astro Slog’ approach rappels so as to give me the best chance to try and onsight it. We knew there was also going to be a rare total eclipse of the moon at sunset, known as a ‘Blood Moon’. Viewing this event from a small ledge in the middle of a 500m wall was unforgettable and a little spooky, something I won’t forget! Shortly after arriving at the bivvy spot the eclipse started and must have lasted over an hour with the moon turning a deep red colour. Chris had already done the route several times before and gave me all the 5.12 pitches to lead so allowing me a coveted onsight ascent. Psyched!

 

 


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