Climbing Sun Ribbon Arete, July 2009

A couple weeks back, on July 15, Annie and I finally were finally both well-rested and fully available to climb together. We don't get that opportunity very often in the middle of peak guiding season, so when we do we make the most of it. Conditions and motivations aligned for us to tackle the Sun Ribbon Arete on Temple Crag in the Palisade group of our local Sierra Nevada. It's just a 30 minute drive to the trail head where we started hiking. Most folks do this route in 2 or 3 days, but we had limited time and less-limited energy. We started hiking around 4 am and raced in with light backpacks. The climb went very smoothly. Those who know the area and the route will recognize the Tyrolean traverse. A Tyrolean Traverse is basically a rope stunt used very rarely to get across a gap in a rocky ridge-line. This route has a perfect place to rig a tyrolean. Even if it weren't for the Tyrolean, the route would be unique and enjoyable. We finished the route in good time and got back to the car before dark. For each of us, the Sun Ribbon Arete was our final "tick" (of 4) on the list of big, well-known Temple Crag routes.
Back in 2007, together, we did the "Moon Goddess Arete". In June of 2008, again together, we did the "Venusian Blind Arete" in very snowy conditions. I then guided the Venusian twice that summer. In August of '08 I did "Dark Star" with our friend Vic, and Annie did the same route with boss Howie. Back together for Sun Ribbon we've now hit 'em all.