Oct 25th 2008 - Valley

Even more perfect valley weather, leaves fully changing, camp 4 brimming with refugees.

Saturday: plan was Hotline on elephant rock. Having never seen anyone on it, we walked up to find a party of three semi-aiding the first pitch. Wandered up left and did Crashline, which was really good, and came back and they were halfway up p2 aiding, so we bailed to check out the cragging at base of Leaning Tower. Did The Thief (also good; bring extra #1 camalots), and Polly led some nice short splitter .10a up the hill to the right. Mega three pitch day. Ended with a serendipitous el cap meadow brew with wyatt, dustin, annie, and the C.O.D. Promised Sessy sighting not forthcoming, as usual.

Sunday: The Stooge Crag, the much-heralded Stephens/Smith development near yosemite creek off the 120 road. Did a little bit of climbing, but more importantly helped compile intial photos for the Stooge Media Package, destined for release this winter (stephens?). This included shooting the acrimonious yet gripping first ascent of the much-coveted "TV Eye" (given 5.12), accomplished by the C.O.D in an event characterized by sketchy gear, not-inconsiderable mewling, and some serious cranking. Impressive! Also captured notable ascents of the seven-star instant mega-classic "Professional Suicide", the flared-hands masterpiece "Motorbreath", and the sought-after "What Now, Ikea Boy?".

Brother Stephens searching for the next Stephens/C.O.D belaying epic:

Stooge crag. Dustin on Ikea Boy:

The C.O.D. on ??

Dustin, Motorbreath:

Dustin on Professional Suicide:

Polly following Wyatt on ??:

The C.O.D getting it done on TV Eye: