Ascent Notes for: Gelsa - 5.4 popular Average Rating : 4.40/5

Would like to try going up and over rather than traversing. Gear looks thin and the climbing looks slabby.

Mitch lead the money pitch.

I have never run P1/P2 together. Next time I will. P3 is the best.

decided to walk off,

We wanted to check the temp of the rock before we climbed. So, we warmed up on Gelsa. Always fun pulling jugs. Traverse is ho hum.

not in shape to lead

A great climb for its grade.

Climbed with Stephen and guide from EMS. Learning to lead multi pitch climbs.

Tried in the Summer and rapped off the chains for time sake to get home. Came back in the fall and made the climb. Took turns leading with my 11 year old and it was a blast. From the pics, I missed the 2nd belay ledge and made my own anchors on a tiny ledge mid way up the third pitch. It worked great and was one of thebest 5.4's we have done still.

This wall is unbelievably FULL SUN! Blistering hot rocks made me dip into a chalk bag for the first time ever outside the gym. Last move of traverse at end of first pitch, followed by a couple of enormous loose rocks (first move on second pitch, and last move on 3rd pitch) added to the threat of heatstroke made this a thrilling 5.4! Instead of taking a long free-hanging rappell off of "Fat Boy" (don't worry, 2 60m ropes will still hit the ground), walked off the top for 5 minutes, crossed the road back to the main parking lot, and drove at top speed to the swimming hole. A couple minutes under that ice-cold waterfall cooled everyone right down. :)

Plenty of gear on P1/2. I lead all pitches today and found plenty of nut placements on P3. It was pure climbing fun. My second had never been up it and she loved it. Didn't really like the start today, as it rained most of the night. THe start was slimy.