Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Route Development in the Organ Mountains

In a couple days, we slogged up way too much gear, were rained on, and put up new routes on the Sugarloaf formation in the Organ Mountains.

Two routes were accomplished:
Crackle Top - 5.11-
Crescendo - 5.11+

After this trip we realized how much potential the Organs have and can't wait to get back!


The Crew - Matt, Sarah, Adam, & Nate




Sooo much gear...




We found 6 of these guys wandering..




Sarah carrying a pack the same size as herself.




Crescendo (going up the center of the photo)






Crackle Top (large double crack system at center of photo)




Sleeping arrangements were quite nice 
(Sarah hid from the creepy crawlies in her tent)




Adam aiding through the first pitch's crux.




Adam beginning the 2nd pitch of Crescendo.




Matt enjoying his new line.




Adam mid-route.




Sarah leading the first pitch of Crackle Top.




Nate starting the lead of the second pitch of Crackle Top.




Adam on his first run for Crescendo.




Crescendo now has anchors!




Nate on the rappel.




 Packed up to head home, quite the committing trek.
(What took 2 loads to get up we stuffed down for 1 load to descend... heavy)
Sugarloaf can be seen in the background.




Tired faces after a difficult but rewarding week in the mountains.