In late June 2001 I headed to the Valley with my trusty friend,
Bryan Palmintier.
We had trained for all things "wide"
and even bought and borrowed some wide equipment.
Awaiting us was the Salathé Wall, in 5.9 C2 style.
Big wall climbing is all about being tidy,
hauling,
unforgettable camp spots,
exposure on lead,
and while jugging
and while belaying,
and, if you're a haul bag, while being hauled.
It's also about finding ways to sleep while belaying (El Cap Spire),
trying to stay awake long enough to eat,
and enjoying beautiful positions, tight teamwork, and
improbable perfection in granite (Bryan leading the Salathé headwall, pitch 31).