Restless Nights

Elvis, a very hip guy, and I, an arthritic vegan, climbed a new route (60 feet of new ground), in Eldorado. We both agreed that it is good enough to deserve two stars (very good rock and fun climbing, especially for those that appreciate slabs). From the anchors at the end of the first pitch of Night (Blackwalk area) climb up and left, 10 o'clock, towards High Noon, joining this route at its second to last bolt, and continuing via these to the anchors. Our line, which we christened "Restless Nights", climbs a very tenuous and delicate slab, tiptoeing up a series of dime size edges. We climbed it in "head-point style", rehearsing it before leading it. Even though it is ot a deadly route, the protection is sparse and a fall could result in some bodily damage courtesy of an unfriendly looking spike. I think an S rating is well deserved.

To top-rope it, climb Blackwalk and continue up via Walk the Talk (5.9+s) to the end of the obvious roof, and before standing up above it, plug two or more cams (red and yellow Camalots) as a TR anchor, from where one can lower directly to the Night anchors.

To lead the route, it s best for the belayer to lower himself 20 feet below the Night anchors in order to avoid a potential factor 2 fall, ince the first pro is about 20 feet up (11+). Those first crucial pieces are a green Alien and a number 4 Wild Country Rock in a small slot (we pre-placed them because we were too chicken to fiddle with gear while clinging to dime size edges - maybe we will have to go back to it to do it in a more manly style). The crux (12 something) is a series of moves leading up and left from the pro to reach better holds directly below the second to last bolt of High Noon climbing well left of the big huecos of Walk the Talk). Before reaching the High Noon bolt, it is possible to place a number 2 Wild Country Rock. More "self-serving" [- for you head-pointing pleasure.]

A green Alien, #2 and #4 Rocks, four quickdraws.