Eric warming up on CCK. Photo by John Maier while belaying.

Two shots stitched together to give a better idea of the exposure on the CCK traverse. I led p2 and p3 of CCK on my third weekend of trad climbing. Credit for the photograph and "teaching me everything I know" goes to Eric Vaughn.

I'm transitioning up onto the flake, despite looking like I'm about to peel I'm really just getting my leg out from behind the rope. Photo by Eric Vaughn

I'm moving up the flake, getting ready for the hand traverse out. The flake was my favorite part of this pitch of CCK. Photo by Eric Vaughn.

Denmark scopes out the flake moves above the traverse on the third pitch of CCK. Beautiful climbing like this makes me want to get back to the Gunks as soon as I can!

Me, more or less on Cascading Crystal Kaleidoscope.

A ceiling with no hands, wet feet and poor protection. And this is a 5.7?

What a great fall day it was! I'm just glad I finally got a photo up and figured out how to post it. This time it was my german friend who snapped the pic. Yes, I do use my hexes.

C.C.K. is probably one of the best routes to take photos of the leader without having a third person. It's also a pretty fun route. We ended up doing it twice this day because I screwed up the photo taking the first time. I think the sun was in a much better position this time anyway. Since this was her second time leading this route, the same morning, she was more comfortable with me messing with the camera. I think with a third person we could have took more and better photo's.

Here I am looking quite pensive despite my intoxicating surroundings. The exposure was incredible. It was getting dark, and we were a party of four with 2 more climbers to send before having to find the rap station in the dark. Despite the possible difficult scenario ahead, focus was the name of the game and eventually won out over fear. The climb was spectacular, and was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. Photo by Ichthyic.

After our summit of CCK, it was dark by the time we got to the ground. When we tried to pull our ropes, they got stuck. Tradrenn had the brilliant idea that if he tied into one end of the rope and jumped from 10ft up or so, perhaps they would come unstuck. Having said that, he recognized that there was some potential for injury here, and he still thought it was a good idea. So he climbs up, jumps, and the ropes remain jammed as he dangles in the air. He now thinks that if we pull on his legs as he hangs suspended, the extra weight will possibly unclog the stuck ropes. he certainly regretted that decision, as you can tell both by the photo and the title above. It was a worthy attempt Wojtek, I hope your "bolls" feel better soon. ;)

15 feet out. No gear yet...

Can you say exposed? And those handholds are teeny! So all that's between me and totally freaking out is my two small nuts.

What a great climb!

Got some good gear in now. Look for footholds, and then crank!

What a superb climb!

Lovely climbing that offers a stellar photo op.

Last pitch of CCK at the Gunks, NY. A very fun lead!

It took a hot labor day weekend for this climb to finally be free! I'm so glad that I finally got on... It's so beautiful!

Getting ready for one of the most beautiful pitches that I've ever been on. An amazing, clean, white face with a breathtaking view!

Greg finally conquers CCK

Mitch agreed to be the photographer for a couple of out of town climbers. CCK is one of the best photo opportunities at the gunks. Doug, John and I loved our photos. This is me on the "money" pitch, just starting to get into the crux.

John Wesley finishes up this ultra classic in the 'Gunks.