Rebel Yell is on Chianti Spire, near WA pass. Just like every climb that isn't total shit in the area, Rebel Yell is "destined for classic status." Guidebook writers often abuse superlative statements. I'm not going to say it wasn't a good climb--it certainly was. However, I wouldn't consider anything about it classic, except maybe the offwidth .10 crux, which was fun and strenuous. I must give it an A for aesthetics, however. Unfortunately like most rock in the area, this climb too is plagued by loose blocks and death kitty litter. That aside, the climb is amazingly scenic and the approach on the Silver Star glacier gives a cool alpine ambience. After some rope snaggery on the descent, we were back at the car around 6 pm. Just in time to make a vomit-stained appearance at karaoke at the Train Wreck in Burlington.
Liz about to get onto the Upper Silver Star Glacier. Get it while it lasts.
Excellent ambience.
Liz enjoying the very wide crux pitch. Bring two #4s.
The summit with Silver Star behind.
The next day was spent in beach mode in Bellingham, stuffing face with burritos in preparation for Liz's send-off and our Rainier ski.
I personally had never truly summited Rainier, so a late summer ski seemed like a recipe for fun in the sun. I met up with Will, Jesse, and Luke, none of whom had summited.
Will, in classic style, achieved the impressive feat of executing the lower 48's most spectacular ski fail: he ripped his binding out on the very first turn off the summit plateau. Needless to say, Will's 10,000+ (3100m) descent on foot left him less than stoked at camp.
Despite mediocre snow conditions, perfect weather and a great team mojo left us feeling satisfied with our 9,000 vert August ski descent.
Camp at sunrise.
Starz.
Will, pre-planning his fail. All systems go.
The snow would "make the cover of Sastrugi magazine"
"Sir, we have an epic fail in progress."
First turns.
Kewl light.
We managed to avoid a nighttime epic thanks to Will's hasty descent on foot, and made it to Seattle by midnight (7:30 am start). Just in time for me to drive solo 900 miles back to Utah, where I'm writing this TR.
Someone wanna climb rock?
