Fairly long alpine day out with Marco aka “Fast & Fearless in Technical Terrain.” This was only our second climb together after Mount Tantalus, but I’m slowly learning to trust him… mostly because I have no choice. He moves like a mountain goat with a GPS. I move like a confused squirrel with commitment issues.
We tackled the Ensawkwatch Enchainment, a spicy ridge traverse of both North and South Spires, finishing on Mt. Rexford. It’s a classic. Classic Type II fun.
Naturally, we brought our climbing shoes… and naturally, never used them. Running shoes all the way, because why not turn an alpine climb into a game of vertical roulette?
The Nesakwatch FSR was its usual charming self aka pothole purgatory, so we ditched the sedan 5km early and added a scenic road march to our itinerary. Trail was easy to follow and we hit the base of the climb in under 2 hours, which sounds efficient until you remember we hadn't even started climbing yet.
From there:
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Simul-climbed the North Ridge of North Spire (translation: Marco cruised while I flailed).
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Dropped to the col and climbed the North Ridge of South Spire.
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Hit a fun little 5.7 pitch to the summit, where I pretended I wasn’t scared and Marco pretended I was competent.
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One short rappel into the notch between the spire and Rexford.
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Then a final grunt up the north face of Rexford, and down via the west ridge.
Only needed one rappel on the descent, which felt like a win. No water on the entire route, which felt like a punishment.
Beautiful day, incredible partner, and a fantastic climb, even if my calves are currently plotting revenge.
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