Face, The Bubble Mt. St. Helena 

Guide books covering the area have it rated at 5.7, but Tony and had a discussion and decided that that's a pretty misleading, as we have friends who can usually climb 5.9 have trouble on it.

After climbing it, I think it's 5.7 if you are about 8, and have really really littlehands. Tall people will find this route harder than short poeple.There are tons ofhands and feet on this route, it's just that none of them are big.

One more reason this climb seems harder than the guidebooks claim is that it is absolutely impossible to see the wonderful holds above you. The face is too featured with little pockets. I watched people struggle for a while on a move until they finally stubled upon an enormous hold, then they could pull themselves up with ease.

My first sport lead (I currently lead 5.6/5.7 trad). Not strenuous, but some insecure moves. Moves aren't obvious, I had some trouble comitting (I don't know if the audience of hikers on the fire road was helping matters). Fun, though!

I'd agree with 5.9 as a rating. The bulge around 2nd bolt is definitely more strenuous than other 5.8s and the top is pretty balancey/technical. Fun climb.

I think it's solid 5.9. The first few times I led it straight over the second bolt, but later found it easier to grab a solid left hand hold above and well left of the bolt, stepping high up and reaching high to a solid right hand hold.

This is a pretty good match for a 5.9. It has tiny, sharp pockets and the occasional jug. The 2nd and 3rd bolts are a bit awkward, and the first is a pretty high start. Mildly fun.

After leading this climb 9 times, I think it's a bit harder than several 5.9s that I've led at Mt. St. Helena, including Kola (2 times), Shute-Mills (5 times), pitch 1 of Mark's Moderate (2 times) and Theodore Roosevelt (1 time). I can't understand how it ever got a 5.7 rating. It always feels like 5.10a to me between the second and third bolts.

This route is suprisingly enjoyable! It look bland and boring from the ground, but the movement is actually quite aesthetic. Regarding grade, this is unquestionably a 5.9. I think it requires pocket pulling experience and the ability to visualize good holds over shallow useless ones, otherwise I could see how someone might feel i deserves a 10a. Well-bolted, good warmup.

I lead 5.8 and I thought I was hopping on a 5.7. I got a bit freaked but pulled it off. There is a lot to be said for expectations. After another look at the guide book I realized that there is a 5.7 on this wall it is TR only and its quite a bi
t to the right of the bolts. 5.9 seems appropriate to me.