Adam and I decided to head up to Lover's Leap (a crag just west of South Lake Tahoe) for the day to get a chance to climb together once more before the end of the summer and my time in the Bay Area. We got in late Thursday night and woke up early on Friday morning to climb The Line (5.9), a beautiful crack which runs up the east side of Lover's (in the middle of the frame, the prominent top to bottom, plumb-line crack).
From the base of the route, it looks intimidating. Also, I cheated--the first photo was taken on the descent, so it looks sunny and inviting. Actually when we woke up it looked more like this, cool and slippery. But still a gorgeous line, stretching out over the horizon.
Adam had a bit of trouble with the stiff first pitch, especially the crux move about 20 feet off the deck.
But he soon made headway up the first pitch, a 150' odyssey of cracks, beautiful face climbing, and amazing protection.
Adam was a bit more relaxed once we got to the first belay.
A portrait of the two of us before I set out on the next pitch.
The second pitch was 120' of delicate stemming and interesting, lower-angle moves.
Adam followed forthwith.
The gorgeous view towards the Main Wall.
Adam and the sky.
From the top belay, Adam takes advantage of his auto-locking ATC-Guide and takes a sequence of photos of me looking somewhat silly but clearing the final roof before topping out.
At the roof.
Swimming uphill
Getting in position.
The final reach before pulling over (Adam, enough photos, it's time to belay!).
Adam belays from a scenic stance.
And I'm on top, in the sweet sunshine, about to descend.