[Layback]

On Saturday Andre, Barton, Jose and I climbed South Early Winter Spire via the South Arete. I really don't like repeating most climbs (with so much out there to do) but this is such a fine route I couldn't resist. This was my third time up SEWS (and Jose's graduation climb from the Mountaineers Basic Climbing Course) and just like all the other times the route offered a little bit of everything. Moreover, it was a good alpine rock route to come back to since breaking my hand in a ski accident last winter. We had a slight dusting of snow on the ground in the morning at WA Pass and cool temps throughout the day. It was 34 when we left the cars at 8:00 a.m. and 36 when we returned at 5:30 p.m. I spent the day in the lead and my camera spent most of the day in Barton's backpack so regrettably I don't have many pictures. Perhaps the others will post some of theirs.

Andre Crosses the Whale Back

3rd Summit of South Early Winter Spire

Descending in the Warm Afternoon Sun

Goat

[Hiker Mama]

Oh, that looks so cool!

[Dayhike Mike]

Glad you had a good day out... Didn't know about your hand, Joe. How did it feel while you were climbing? Will definitely have to get up SEWS one day. The view is impressive from the bottom, and looks like fun rock from the TR that Dacker posted back in August.

[Layback]

Thanks guys. I broke my hand skiing Baker with Tazz and Chainsaw Willie late November. I was in a cast until late April. It's at about 97%. It still needs some strengthening and range of motion work, but it's feeling pretty good. Thankfully I have a pretty good PT (my wife). I'd definitely recommend getting up there Mike. As I'm sure you've heard the crux is a "balancey" 5.5 move right off the ground. The next pitch has a fun chimney and there's some exposed moves further up. It has a little bit of everything. Thanks for posting a link to Dacker's TR by the way. I missed that on the first go around.

[Don]

Glad you had a successful climb, Joe. Is the Whale Back the official name for that feature? I can remember being intimidated by its exposure on my very fist climb of SEW, and then having a chuckle over it on an ensueing climb. Funny how your comfort level changes.

[DIYSteve]

Cool Fun route. I have no clue how many times I've done that route. I do recall a goat licking the sweaty neck of my belayer while I was at the crux!

[Malachai Constant]

My wife took the mounties course and that was one of the climbs, fun route much better than the chossy gully.

[dacker]

That was one of my climbs when I was a basic student. I took the class with Tacoma, but I did that climb with Everett. Evy was my rope lead. I later returned the favor as a rope lead for Jack on that route. D.M., thanks for putting up the link to my TR. It didn't get much traffic, but now that it's up top again, maybe it will get a little more.

[SeanSullivan86]

Nice climb, Joe. I almost signed up for it, but picked Ingalls this coming Sunday instead, oops!

[Spotly]

I like your belay spot for that section; gives better protestion than where we chose. Yours shot is so accurate.

[Layback]

Thanks guys.

[huron]

Beautiful shots. Looks like an enjoyable climb.