L K Day wrote:Idon't know how easy is easy, but I remember West Pole as a very enjoyable route. A fun two-tiered overhang on big holds.
Yeah I did this climb and it was excellent. The crux is a bit heady - big roof with a crack which at least I layed back to pull through.
I think it is rated a 5.7 but it felt like a RRG 5.8 trad climb to me. In general Seneca ratings seem on par with the gunks. At least a letter grade stiffer for the lower grades....
Oh come on people the guidebook doesn't suck. If you've got a sense of direction, can orient yourself, and can look at pictures then you can use the Seneca guidebook. Seneca ain't cragin' at Muir Valley. People who climb in the Red are spoiled by the on-line guide and Ray's new guidebooks. Sometimes I miss the days in the Lower Gorge where you bushwhack 300 yards to the next route.
And try not to use the bolts at the end pitches like Le Gourmet, they are rap stations. The ole cable and webbing around the trees were getting played out so they upgraded. Nothing worse than rapping into a party of three belaying on the next station.
I see they are still lopping off mountains in Eastern Kentucky. Electricity isn't cheap.
L K Day wrote:Idon't know how easy is easy, but I remember West Pole as a very enjoyable route. A fun two-tiered overhang on big holds.
my favorite of the 7s at Seneca. A bit stiffer then the others but still 7. There are no bad routes at Seneca, just good and great. I spent several weekends in a row their and my suggestion is to watch the sun, and choose your side based on the time.
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