Kasserine Pass

Crux begins at the second bolt (thin & sequential). The next three bolts are not a free ride, but noticeably easier. After the fifth bolt, run it to a large ledge and use the crack to build a belay (#0.75 Camalots are handy). The five bolts on a blank face mark the beginning of the second pitch (three bolts left are for Enemy Lines and five right are for Blood for Oil). Most of this section is sustained 11/12 climbing only breaking after the fourth bolt. Past bolt five begins the trad portion, and steepest section of the climb. First bulge take the left-facing, shallow dihedral with a finger crack to help (moderate 12). Second bulge traverse right and up into a shallow alcove and clip a lone bolt. Finish by sneaking up to slopers above the bolt and blast for the anchor (bolts). Craig Luebben was said to have described the steep section as thin and scary. May 11, 2009

Even though Pat ticked this route a couple of years ago I have to say that I watched him climb it again 6 weeks ago or so. It is true of all great athletes that they make the most difficult maneuvers look so easy. Pat floated the crux and had I not known the difficulty I would have sworn he was on a 5.8 slab. Very strong work Pat. Let's hit that roof again, I want to see you get it. Al May 11, 2009

Good work Pat, we'll have to climb sometime, I met you late night in the Big Thompson, the fastest I've ever seen a rope put in a coil in my career. Aug 12, 2009

Nice send! That is a really hard slab!! Jan 27, 2010