To: climbing@lists.Stanford.EDU
Subject: Needles climbing August 26-27-28

I'm organizing an informal climbing trip to the Needles (Sequoia N.F.,
near Bakersfield) on August 26-28.  Arrangements are the same as the
trip there in late July.  Anyone can join in the fun; I'll
organize carpooling and match up climbing partners if you don't have one.

The Needles are some very nice granite crags on a ridge at 8000'.
Many of the climbs are 5.9 and harder, but there are a couple of 5.8s and
even a 5.5.  There is a 2.5 mile (one hour) hike from the car to the
crags.  It is possible to camp near the crags, but it requires carrying in
water, so most people hike in/out every day (leaving gear in at the crags
overnight to lighten the pack).  It is a 5.5 hour drive from Palo Alto,
which is slightly longer than Tuolumne.  Forest Service land, so camping
is casual.

I have a webpage with many topos and route info:

http://www.stanford.edu/~clint/needles/index.htm

There are lots of nice photos on Alexander's page:

http://www.monsteroffwidth.com/climbing/index.html

If you'd like to join in the fun, send me an email and tell me:

1. Which days you want to climb (26-27, 26-28 or other)
2. Do you have a climbing partner for this trip?
3. Trad climbing leading / following level?
4. Do you have a car?  How many people (w/ gear) does it hold?

I will keep a roster for the trip, plus logistics info on the SAC Calendar
page:
    http://alpineclub.stanford.edu/info/calendar.html

Sincerely,

Clint