Some 'alpine' rock at Washington Pass.<BR>
While we were technically climbing in an alpine setting with awesome mountain views and an increase
in objective hazards such as rapid changes in weather, loose rock, snow on the route, etc. the conditions
in mid-September were ideal, reducing the routes to fairly laid-back cragging.<BR>
Of course we did find some poor rock quality and less-than-ideal protection at places, but hey--that's all part of the game, right?
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We climbed the Beckey Route (II 5.6) on Liberty Bell and the Tunnel Route (II 5.7) on Concord Tower. Beckey was fun & easy, while the Tunnel Route was something
of a dirty, chossy pile featuring a couple of awkward moves with occasional bad fall potential. 

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The awesome "front" side of Washington Pass. Liberty Crack, which goes at V 5.10b C3, ascends the center of the rightmost tower. It's on my to-do list!!<BR>
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This friendly mountain goat walked right up to me--presumably he's been fed in the past.<BR>
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The goat is visible again, this time towards the top of the photo.<BR>
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View from the summit of Liberty Bell.<BR>
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Check it out--Glacier Peak! I'll have to climb that too.<BR>
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More summit shots, showing the glory that we were able to experience with a mere 90 minutes of climbing.<BR>
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Pitch 2 of the Tunnel Route. Pitch 1 was the most unpleasent, while this pitch was also very dirty but with better rock quality.<BR>
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Climbing through the "tunnel" of the Tunnel Route (a necessary step to reach the final pitch!). This was super-cool, and made the entire route worthwhile.<BR>
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View from the beautifully exposed belay ledge on the other side of the tunnel.<BR>
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There were some cool crystals on this ledge.<BR>
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Looking down at the highway.<BR>
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The start of pitch 3--good rock and good pro. Finally!<BR>
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An interesting protection opportunity, higher on the same pitch.<BR>
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Good views near the summit.<BR>
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Looking back at the Beckey Route, which we did earlier in the day. The climber is at the top of pitch 3.<BR>
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A friction ramp we soloed to reach the summit of Concord Tower. The moves are moderate, but extremely exposed (~1,000ft drop on both sides)
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On the summit--Jeff contemplates the views while munching a bagel.<BR>
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Check out the splitter crack on North Early Winter Spire! It goes at 10d, and I WILL do it soon! The arching dihedral to its left goes at 9+ and also looks cool.
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