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The Golden Age of Ballooning

5.12a, Trad, TR, 100 ft (30 m),  Avg: 3.8 from 5 votes
FA: Michal Rynkiewicz
Washington > Central-W Casca… > Skykomish Valley > Index > Lookout Point Area > Lookout Point > (a) W Side > (E) The Velvet

Description

An arete climb by the master of aretes. 

Start as for pitch 2 of Velvet Pedestal, but near the 2nd bolt, head up and left of the Velvet crack to a pod that becomes a short crack. At the end of the crack, do tricky underclinging to the arete, then start clipping bolts as you ascend the arete.

Location

Approach as for Velvet Pedestal. 

Protection

Gear to 1", 10 bolts. Chains at anchor on Velvet Ledges above.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

At the arete crux. (Photo: J. Ranish)
[Hide Photo] At the arete crux. (Photo: J. Ranish)
Most of the route. (Photo: J. Ranish)
[Hide Photo] Most of the route. (Photo: J. Ranish)

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Stig gles
Index
[Hide Comment] Brilliant! Lookout point is the arete fanatic’s mecca. Jun 6, 2023