Alex pulling the crux of the second pitch Miss Sai...
Description
The Saigons, a concatenation of "Still in Saigon" and "Miss Saigon", is two interesting pitches of 5.8 face climbing. Mostly less-than-vertical, the Saigons challenge leaders to mantel and trust their feet (albeit over excellent gear).
Location
On the left side of the Thin Air face, uphill from the face's namesake route. Rap with two ropes from the bolt anchors atop pitch one, or finish up pitch two before traversing the Airation ledge to the right. A trail through the woods leads to the road, 300 yards from the summit, or you may choose to climb one of the Airation Buttress routes.
Protection
Pitch one is well protected with bolts and fixed pins. It is not unreasonable to only place 2-3 pieces in its entire 130 feet. Pitch two protects well before its bulge crux. Patient leaders will find clipping its post-crux bolt casual.
One 70m rope is enough to descend in two rappels. We were able to reach the ground (barely!) from the first belay. With a 60m, some downclimbing would be needed.
This was a great route.. this can be done on a single 60m... lowering off the first pitch requires you to swing to climber's left and reach a ledge at the end of your rope.. then a dirty, but easy/safe downclimb for about 10 feet lands you on the ground, uphill of the belay. Don't forget to knot your rope!
Thin Air Face
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