Saturday, March 3, 2012

The Power of Crystal




















No, I am not talking about crystal meth, although the last season of Breaking Bad did leave me wondering whether the show is as addictive as the product...
I am talking about Crystal CRAG, the coolest little alpine rock climb on this side of the Sierra, located just above Lake George in Mammoth Lakes.  In the summertime, it is nice afternoon route with just enough elevation to get you up above the heat, but short enough to be back at Roberto's for the best happy hour margaritas in town

Yesterday, with Ian McEleny, Jess Haist and Taylor Lamoureaux, we found out it is kind of the same program- a pleasant ski up from Lakes Basin, 3 or 4 pitches up the North Arete in boots and gloves, a very fun scramble up the ridge to the true summit, and then a bit of survival skiiing through the trees back to the car.  And we even made it back down to Roberto's in time for a couple margs!  Great success!




.






















































The Crystal Corner
Ian is stoked!