First Solo Aid

Well I got some new toys for Christmas so I thought I better go try them out. I didn't want to be gone all day and remembered seeing a bolt ladder of some sort at Rubidioux during past trips. I loaded all the gear into my new pig and left the house about 5:45 AM. I got to Rubidioux just after 6 AM. I hiked up near the cross and found the route I had remembered. It wasn't in great shape but is totally doable. I was already at the top of the route so I fixed a staticline. It looks like someone keeps placing bolts and someone else keeps chopping them. There are about 30 bolt holes on the top of the climb. There were 3 old hangers plus 2 new ones for a climb on the other face. I used them all plus some cinch hangers on old bolts and a stopper. Probably overkill, but I was aiding alone for the first time and didn't want to take any chances. I lowerd my pig down and then rapped down the static line. Once at the bottom I racked up and ran into my first problem. The first bolt is over 10-15 feet of the deck and there is no pro placement for the first 8 feet. I freed a small ledge and after stuggling a bit, was able to put in a #2 stopper. I was off. I placed a #4 next and then I was at the first bolt. From there it was all fixed gear, although most of it is probably older then me. Most of the hangers flexed under body weight. About 5 feet from the top, there is a new bolt and hanger. I clipped into this and praticed some hauling. Here is a picture of part of the route. You can see how overhanging it is. The rope is hanging straigt down.

 

Here's a picture after I hauled my pig for the first time. Thanks Michael, the Petzle Pro-Traxion works great. This was the first time I ever truely hauled anything and I had no problems with this device. I was even able to make a switch to lowering with no problem. I had to take a picture I was so happy.

In February I am planning a trip up Baldy with some guys from work. I wanted to take them up in the snow but as you can see from the picture, there isn't any snow!

The same goes for Big Bear. Too dry and warm for any alpine fun in Southern California so far this year. San Gorgonio has a dusting of snow, but nothing serious.

I think I will be heading back here to do the route a few more times. It is a great place to practice, especially if time is short. I was only gone about 4 1/2 hours and a lot of that was drive/hike time.