The Matron via North Face (5.5)
July 19, 2011
Hearing that the Matron was excluded from this year's raptor closure, I headed out with my wife and good buddy Shaun. It was a hot day and the approach seemed longer than it should have. Although some ladies warned us of a bear off the trail, we saw nothing and were pleasantly surprised to find loads of wild raspberries. On the first pitch I lead to the tree since we were in a team of three and wanted to be close to my seconds. The crux roof seemed pretty stout for the 5.5 rating, but the gear seemed solid and most Flatiron routes are rated on a similar curve. The clouds soon started forming and rain began coming down one pitch below the summit. Seizing a break in the weather, I quickly lead the last pitch and brought up my seconds. This was a very fun climb and I see why Gerry Roach puts it as one of his "Top 10".
Hearing that the Matron was excluded from this year's raptor closure, I headed out with my wife and good buddy Shaun. It was a hot day and the approach seemed longer than it should have. Although some ladies warned us of a bear off the trail, we saw nothing and were pleasantly surprised to find loads of wild raspberries. On the first pitch I lead to the tree since we were in a team of three and wanted to be close to my seconds. The crux roof seemed pretty stout for the 5.5 rating, but the gear seemed solid and most Flatiron routes are rated on a similar curve. The clouds soon started forming and rain began coming down one pitch below the summit. Seizing a break in the weather, I quickly lead the last pitch and brought up my seconds. This was a very fun climb and I see why Gerry Roach puts it as one of his "Top 10".
