Dinosaur Rock via East Face (5.4)
Fi via Fi Fun (5.2)
February 23, 2011
Two more Flatiron classics with my good friends Mark and Shaun. Dinosaur Rock was 2 pitches from top to bottom. P1 was easily soloed at about 5.0 and P2 was easy with one 5.4 crux. The descent down-climb was a bit spicier than we anticipated but went smoothly enough. We quickly hiked up to the base of Fi, and were unpleasantly surprised with a wide patch of snow guarding the face. Shaun unfortunately had to leave, but first helped us make some stepping stones in the snow to reach the route. Fi Fun was 3 pitches and typical slab fun. P1 was a solo up to belay at a TINY tree. I did not feel good about belaying on it but it was pretty much the only choice. P2 went straight up unprotected rock on the edge of the face to a nice belay at a crack. P3 followed a beautiful sweeping hand traverse to reach the summit. The protection was descent and we were soon enjoying the afternoon sun on top. Roach's guide suggested a rappel by slinging the entire summit block, but we used some webbing through a small tunnel (backed up for the first). The rappel dropped us directly west into Fumbledeedum and a short hike took us back to the base. These routes were both very enjoyable moderates and a great way to spend the afternoon.
Two more Flatiron classics with my good friends Mark and Shaun. Dinosaur Rock was 2 pitches from top to bottom. P1 was easily soloed at about 5.0 and P2 was easy with one 5.4 crux. The descent down-climb was a bit spicier than we anticipated but went smoothly enough. We quickly hiked up to the base of Fi, and were unpleasantly surprised with a wide patch of snow guarding the face. Shaun unfortunately had to leave, but first helped us make some stepping stones in the snow to reach the route. Fi Fun was 3 pitches and typical slab fun. P1 was a solo up to belay at a TINY tree. I did not feel good about belaying on it but it was pretty much the only choice. P2 went straight up unprotected rock on the edge of the face to a nice belay at a crack. P3 followed a beautiful sweeping hand traverse to reach the summit. The protection was descent and we were soon enjoying the afternoon sun on top. Roach's guide suggested a rappel by slinging the entire summit block, but we used some webbing through a small tunnel (backed up for the first). The rappel dropped us directly west into Fumbledeedum and a short hike took us back to the base. These routes were both very enjoyable moderates and a great way to spend the afternoon.
