HIDDEN CHIMNEY

July 13-15,1963 Les,Max,Andrzej

Upper Cliffs from Salami Ledge

Hidden Chimney in Green

Our first climb on Ribbon Wall was Chockstone Chimney. That climb ended at the vegetated band breaking the face about two thirds of the way to the rim, which we named Sherwood Forest. We traversed across this band and rappelled into El Cap Gulley. Our next climb ascended the rappel route and gained Sherwood Forest from El Cap Gulley. Now we wanted to "complete" both routes by climbing the upper band of cliffs to the rim.

The upper cliffs looked steep, although not nearly as high as the lower cliffs. Climbing Rappel Chimney took some time. Working our way up through ledges to the base of the upper cliffs took more time. The first leads were up blocky open books. Then we came to something totally unexpected, a great chimney allowing us to climb upward and behind the overhangs, eventually emerging on the west side, opposite where we had entered. Easy leads reached the rim.

Sherwood Forest

 

Across The Valley

Lower Cathedral and Leaning Tower

Animals

Lizard

Sherwood Forest was a place of great beauty. There were flowers and animals and an incredible view. There was, however, no water.

The Upper Cliffs

 

The cliffs above looked quite difficult.

Several leads further we topped some blocky ledges and looked into a great chimney that we had never expected.

The Great Chimney

This chimney looked pretty scary at first. Then we noticed we could see light coming in from the far side. We could go deep into the chimney. Surely there would be a way up.

Les led the great chimney. At first it was quite tight. Then a knee jam. Finally a long section of back and heel. Finally Les was able to exit the chimney on the far side. He had passed behind the entire slab and come out on ledges on the west side. Andrzej took the next lead, and brought us to the rim.

On The Rim

 

We found ourselves in a wonderland of water, forest, and comfort. The only incident was a bear that came upon Andrzej at a private moment.