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Mercurial Crossing
5.10a YDS 6a French 18 Ewbanks VI+ UIAA 18 ZA E1 5a British
Avg: 3 from 24 votes
Type: | Trad, 300 ft (91 m), 4 pitches, Grade II |
FA: | unknown |
Page Views: | 2,778 total · 21/month |
Shared By: | Andy Laakmann on Aug 4, 2013 |
Admins: | Mark Roberts, Mauricio Herrera Cuadra, Kate Lynn, Braden Batsford |
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Access Issue: Camping
Details
The popularity of Squamish within the #vanlife community has increased to the point that there is great concern about the group’s collective environmental impact. “Wild” or “Freedom” camping has become unmanageable environmentally because of the high numbers of campers. This is a serious issue that causes conflict between locals, home owners, and climbers!
VAN CAMPING / WILD CAMPING
Within District Boundaries
The District of Squamish PROHIBITS camping within the municipal boundary. This includes sleeping in a vehicle anywhere within District boundaries. A bylaw gives the District the power to issue tickets for contraventions.
Camping on urban / residential streets is prohibited under pre-existing bylaws.
The “hot spots” that have been of most concern are below.
· The whole of the Mamquam Forest Service Road under the North Walls of the Chief between the junction with the 99 and junction with the Stawamus/Indian Arm Forest Service Road (as a salmon run and sensitive riparian area, camping close to the Stawamus River is especially inappropriate)
· The Powerhouse Springs Road including the parking area for the Fern Hill cliff
· The dirt road to the kitesurfing “Spit.”
Outside of District Boundaries
If you explore forest roads in crown land outside the municipal boundaries, it may be possible to find discreet roadside sites suitable for tents or van camping. However, the provincial authorities do have some restrictions ;
· Stays are limited to 14 days.
· Campers should follow Leave No Trace principles. HUMAN WASTE is a major issue.
· Strictly observe any current fire bans.
DESIGNATED CAMPGROUNDS
Please see the District of Squamish website for a comprehensive list of designated campgrounds.
Recommended affordable camping:
- At the Chief: Stawamus Chief Provincial Park Campground BC parks site, spots start at $10.00 CAD/person. No reservations.
- 7 minutes north: Mamquam River Campground A non-profit site, spots start at $15.00cad/night for a drive-in site. Reservations recommended, not required.
- 20 minutes north: Chek Canyon Recreation Site A public site; no fees, no reservations and world class sport-climbing. No running water. The road is steep and rough but 4x4 not required
VAN CAMPING / WILD CAMPING
Within District Boundaries
The District of Squamish PROHIBITS camping within the municipal boundary. This includes sleeping in a vehicle anywhere within District boundaries. A bylaw gives the District the power to issue tickets for contraventions.
Camping on urban / residential streets is prohibited under pre-existing bylaws.
The “hot spots” that have been of most concern are below.
· The whole of the Mamquam Forest Service Road under the North Walls of the Chief between the junction with the 99 and junction with the Stawamus/Indian Arm Forest Service Road (as a salmon run and sensitive riparian area, camping close to the Stawamus River is especially inappropriate)
· The Powerhouse Springs Road including the parking area for the Fern Hill cliff
· The dirt road to the kitesurfing “Spit.”
Outside of District Boundaries
If you explore forest roads in crown land outside the municipal boundaries, it may be possible to find discreet roadside sites suitable for tents or van camping. However, the provincial authorities do have some restrictions ;
· Stays are limited to 14 days.
· Campers should follow Leave No Trace principles. HUMAN WASTE is a major issue.
· Strictly observe any current fire bans.
DESIGNATED CAMPGROUNDS
Please see the District of Squamish website for a comprehensive list of designated campgrounds.
Recommended affordable camping:
- At the Chief: Stawamus Chief Provincial Park Campground BC parks site, spots start at $10.00 CAD/person. No reservations.
- 7 minutes north: Mamquam River Campground A non-profit site, spots start at $15.00cad/night for a drive-in site. Reservations recommended, not required.
- 20 minutes north: Chek Canyon Recreation Site A public site; no fees, no reservations and world class sport-climbing. No running water. The road is steep and rough but 4x4 not required
Description
Yet another fun linkup on the Papoose!
P1 is Mecury Vapour. Start of the belay platform about 80' to the right of Centrefold. There was a fixed rope in 2013, though it is certainly not needed. Two bolts and gear will get you the anchors, which are annoying placed far higher than the ledge. Not sure why....
Crazy fun and LONG traverse for P2. Very sustained climbing at 5.9. You definitely want your second to be comfortable at the grade, though it is protected fine for leader and follower. Skip TWO sets of anchors and belay at the base of the corner.
Entering the corner was the crux of the pitch for me. Seemed 5.10a. Of course, my wife just stepped left and made it easier. I guess I missed that option. Good gear and relatively easy climbing (5.7/5.8) to the anchor.
Run up the slanting crack past gear and two bolts and eventually clip the final bolt on Centrefold. Gently pad left on the glacier polish up to the sloping small ledge, and then back right to the anchor. These whole final section is definitely run-out, just a heads up and be solid at 5.8/5.9 slab.
P1 is Mecury Vapour. Start of the belay platform about 80' to the right of Centrefold. There was a fixed rope in 2013, though it is certainly not needed. Two bolts and gear will get you the anchors, which are annoying placed far higher than the ledge. Not sure why....
Crazy fun and LONG traverse for P2. Very sustained climbing at 5.9. You definitely want your second to be comfortable at the grade, though it is protected fine for leader and follower. Skip TWO sets of anchors and belay at the base of the corner.
Entering the corner was the crux of the pitch for me. Seemed 5.10a. Of course, my wife just stepped left and made it easier. I guess I missed that option. Good gear and relatively easy climbing (5.7/5.8) to the anchor.
Run up the slanting crack past gear and two bolts and eventually clip the final bolt on Centrefold. Gently pad left on the glacier polish up to the sloping small ledge, and then back right to the anchor. These whole final section is definitely run-out, just a heads up and be solid at 5.8/5.9 slab.
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