Clamber up a large hunk of rock at the base of the wall to reach your first clip, and the start of the 5th-class climbing. Weave your way up the intimidating, overhanging face. Gloriously exposed, with a great view of the creek.
Location
The tall section of wall immediately before the wire hand-line leading into the Solstice Cave. Spawn goes straight up the middle of the face.
Did something break on this route? I always get spawn and shadowhawk confused but I recall one being 5.9 and one being 10a. South Clear's grades are cushy enough without more grade inflation.
To end on a positive note, both spawn and shadowhawk are cool, long, fairly engaging moderate routes with nice views. Thanks for adding.
Interesting: I checked, and the old Dixie Cragger's has this route listed as a 10a, whereas the new book has it at 10c/d.
I've only climbed it once, but when I did the 10c rating felt like it was in line with the rest of the grades in the South Clear. Now, whether the ratings in South Clear are soft is an entirely different matter...
By Keegan Dimmick Administrator From: Winchester, VA Jan 6, 2009 rating: 5.10a
I just climbed it two days ago and I definitely think 10a is appropriate.
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