So we got lucky to hitch a caravan to Hoffman last minute with these guys.
Here are Yeti and Munge ready for the hike
It was a beautiful day, perfect temps, and clear trail
I'd never met an Elderberry before
They were a little bitter yet or I'd have gathered more. This is one of the many attractions for me to Hoffman, having heard of the bounty here, and the stories Munge tells us of great times with wonderful
people he has been here with before.
We made it to camp and lightened our loads, pumped some water, and set out for the steep approach to the climbs, taking short breathers along the way. The altitude changes were mostly enjoyable - a champagne-like buzz of light-headedness and the world seems to glow more brightly.
Finally Hoffman comes into view in all its glory. We check our topos to i.d. the striking and recommended routes, possible raps, and can't help reading between the lines. Lots of What's This and What's That's
We opt for Burninator as our first climb, and John ties in to lead the very impressive first pitch with its polished crux. We could hear the guys to the right having a great time but couldn't see them.
Back on the ground we set our sights on this pinnacle which looks playful and seemed to yield good gear and did: right-facing crack at right face steered left towards center, up over a small roof then up over the very center of the pinnacle to climb up a bolted route behind it which goes through a short headwall to a rap anchor. Rating 5.7 or 5.8 on the pinnacle.
The views were stunning of rock and forests
And the rock was beautiful, calico colored, solid and clean
So many clean features and knobs you couldn't decide where to protect as fast as climb
Finished off the day on a 5 star route called Gold something. It was a line so good, I couldn't help imagining the group of people who put it up, and felt very thankful for what they left behind.
Afterwards, and in no time, we were back at camp getting fresh water, cold beers, enjoying the creek and the company
Nightfall we all had dinners of Mountain House Beef Stroganoff, and other treats, more beer, and gatoritas, while conversation and silliness grew louder. At one point we heard an odd noise like the sound of someone yahooing for attention. Sounded human until another couple rounds, it was clearly a coyote's cries.
Cold night but next day was again perfect if windy. We opted for another playful-looking line up the center of the left side of the formation including another pinnacle.
Starting in a chimney.
Partly due to a good belay situation in the shade of the tip of the pinnacle, we set up a 2nd belay atop the chimney on stacked blocks which we just had to be a little careful of... then John continued up the face, hammer on hip but the gear turned out great.
And the rock beautiful
The first pitch was about 5.6 or so, and this pitch was 5.8 or so.
I wanted to lead and initially set out on the 3rd pitch, checking a few different directions, but soon turned back wanting a bolt or two to proceed through the polished rock which was steep and offered no available gear in sight for a ways. Not wanting to drill if we didn't have to, and in the interest of time, John led us through the third pitch with only one bolt needed. This leaves the climb right now with a runout rating between our hanging belay and this bolt. We will have to revisit to reclimb the route, belaying this section from much lower down, and see if he wants to do something about that a second time up and if we are off on these ratings.
I was at this hanging belay knowing John was in a no-fall zone, and glad he looked at ease. I think he rates this pitch 5.9. Though maybe because I'm shorter, I feel 10a is fair warning.
Snapped a few more shots all around while he hammered away, amazed at the gorgeous rock and classic new route. See the pinnacle directly below?
Wondering what surrounds
One more mellow pitch and we rapped
Never topped out on Hoffman yet, but think we must have been almost there anyway.... saving it for a future visit when it will be nice to see the views on the other side
Heading back, we did all keep taking appreciative long looks back at Hoffman, trying to recap what we had done, wondering its other secrets
Beautiful Hoffman with a fun-loving easy crew - What a great time!
Thank you so much for sharing the place with us guys!
