My faithful dog, Casey, watching me flail and dangle and struggle with the bulge crux of Mr. Slate (.10b) at the Pit, Flagstaff, Arizona. Thanks to Baja_Java for the pic, and to Camhead for the patient belay.

I like this route, big jugs over a roof, don't get much better. I haven't been here in a couple years. Forgot the crux! Wim took on digital camera 082706.

ever popular Mr Slate: an awesome pumpy 10b.

shot from the cave behind the route this sweet technical arete and pumpy roof.

yes, this is yet another pic of probably the most photographed route in N AZ.

Rmiller on the appropriately named climb, As Nasty As They Want To Be. 12c climb that uses a really hard mantle followed by non-existent crimps.

Rick's successful redpoint. Steep rock and big holds make this a great endurance route. Photo by Brian Boyd.

Excellent moves up the Don't Feed the Agave arete.

Jon near the top of Don't Feed the Agave. Photo by Brian Boyd.

The classic warm up with a great ledge for photo op.

this is me on what, the 300th time ive climbed it? i climb it everytime i go to the pit. the crux is down low, and its cruisin on pockets from there. here i am reminising about clays mom on those pockets. yee-haw!

Getting into the fun part

Taken at the AZ Gathering 2.0 in 2004 in Mr.Slate. He's told me his name three times now, but it doesn't stick :(

Rick Cecala climbing. Photo by Brian Boyd.

Route is 11b, starts right of a guano cave to right of Mordor. Photo by Brian Boyd.

a great great classic. finished just as the raindrops started falling but got lost on the last clip -- so MUST go back to get it right! taken by eric e.

and mr. slate again--just before i wander off and get lost after the last bolt. photo by eric e. thank goodness for climbing partners with digital cameras.

Climbing Mr. Slate is a must do at The Pit... fun, classic route.

While climbing up at The Pit we ran into Tony (tonygrieb), a fellow rc.com-er. He was climbing strong on True Value.

The pit on a beautiful January day. Laura on the classic 5.10 Mr. Slate.

The pit on a beautiful January day. Laura on the classic 5.10 Mr. Slate. Pulling the roof.

Laura cast a nice outline on Mr. Slate. Beautiful January day in Arizona.

Almost through the crux section. Photo by Brian Boyd.

Working the roof section on True Value. Photo by Brian Boyd.

Helen pulling through the crux. Photo by Brian Boyd.