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Close Encounters (of the bird kind)

5.10d, Sport, 80 ft (24 m),  Avg: 3.2 from 24 votes
FA: Jerry Dodrill, Eric Berghorn
California > San Francisco B… > Wine Country/No… > Mt St Helena > Satellite Rocks > Hailstone Rock

Description

Starts off by climbing an exposed bouldery section onto a ledge and a small stemming corner. After clipping a couple of bolts move left out of the corner into a steep section. Here the crux is a sustained series of somewhat ponderous moves up and into a second corner system and a rest. The climbing is sustained and steep above the crux on rock that's very granite-like. The angle eases off before the anchor is reached, near the site of occasional bird encounters.

Location

Belay on a flat ledge behind an obvious shady tree. Shares start with the climb "Hail Fire".

Protection

7 bolts to Chain Anchor

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Kurt pondering the finish moves
[Hide Photo] Kurt pondering the finish moves
Kurt Jenson climbing Close Encounters
[Hide Photo] Kurt Jenson climbing Close Encounters

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Jared Snyder
Saint Helena, CA
 
[Hide Comment] Pumpy over the overhang! Jun 13, 2017
Jordy Morgan
  5.10d
[Hide Comment] Crag Classic!
Feels like high country granite climbing, with a pocket or two thrown in. Dec 30, 2018