Kelly's tyrolean crossing of the Lost Arrow Spire

Kelly reaching the middle of the traverse

Scott Stowe and Kelly relaxing on top of the Spire

Time to Celebrate
September 25, 2005 - Two weeks after the climb    

So what does one do to celebrate such a big accomplishment? Go climbing of course. Two weeks after topping out on El Cap, we went back to Yosemite to meet up with Scott Stowe and climb the famous Lost Arrow Spire, located adjacent to Yosemite Falls. Since the exposure of El Cap was fresh in our minds, the timing seemed appropriate to tackle this climb, which includes an exciting tyrolean traverse across a 100-foot gap that separates the tip of the Spire from the rim wall. As you inch your way across, the view below is quite spectacular. Of course your vulnerable position makes it a great time for your belay partner to request any favors!

Later that evening we continued our "extended" celebration with a dinner at the historical Awahnee Hotel with Scott and Laurie Stowe as well as Ken and Cherie Yager. It was particularly nice to celebrate our success with the wives of the men who led us to the top of El Cap, and who most certainly were the backbone of these famous guides.

Before departing Yosemite for a final time for the 2005 season, we paid our dues on Sunday by participating in a park clean up program that Ken Yager had organized. With millions of visitors enjoying the beauty of one of the most spectacular national parks in the country, and world, it is amazing to think that anyone could leave behind anything other than a memory. The good news is that Ken and his team of over 350 volunteers recovered almost 8,000 pounds of trash. That's nearly 4 tons! Needless to say it felt good leaving the park knowing there was a bit more sparkle than before we first arrived as a direct result of those exercising their heart.