Rap Wall

Snoqualmie Pass

Once again I was convinced that climbing was a better idea than getting in some BC turns. At first Joe and I were expecting to go up and help out on repairs & clean-up at the WAC cabin after a huge tree took a shot at it. We found out that almost everyone had finished the work on Saturday. So instead we headed off for the Rap Wall above Source Lake for a little Dry-tooling practice. It was my first time really doing it, and of course Joe wanted me to lead……

The hike in to the wall is only about and hour long and for the most part a pleasant jaunt through the snow, following the nice boot track up. We didn’t pass too many skiers or snowshoers on the way up which surprised me, but soon we saw people all over the place. I swear, its like an extension of the Alpental Ski area out there on the weekends.

Once we arrived at the base of the wall, we did a little scouting for the routes and decided that we would try the middle route (M7) I think. I took the lead first and burned myself out by the time I was able to clip the second bolt (thanks for the patient belay Joe). I could go no more so I had Joe jump on. He made it past the second bolt, but the third was unseen under snow and ice so we decided to top rope it and try again. Not to mention I left one of the tools securely in the ice when I fell.

After Joe saved the tool and gave in as well, he pulled the rope and I headed up to set a boot track to the top-rope tree and then rap to the base of the route.

We then top roped the route, which made it a lot less scary, but not much easier. Lots of hangdogging by both of us (more so me, of course). I made to about 5 ft below the lip and couldn’t go anymore. My wrists were pumped after holding the tools in a death grip for the last 20 minutes or so. Joe took the climb on in fine style and made it all the way to the top. Good job!!! People just kept streaming past us on the way down the whole time. I couldn’t believe it, it seemed like no one came up….but everyone went down. What a nice day in the Source Lake basin, the sun shined, the snow looked great and I was able to pick out my lines for next weekend!!!!!!!