WARNING: BEES ON WEAVER'S NEEDLE, WEST CHIMNEY!

Post this here too.

youtube.com/watch?v=mUR14_r…

I was up there today and cleaned up the sling and rope. I noticed no hive activity in the chimney or in the gullies above. Although, we did get "buzzed" just above the 5th class bit above the chockstone. It was just bee movement though as they were on us and past us in seconds.

My guess is that they were moving on the wind and it happens to funnel them through the notch. Still, it gives you quite a jolt when you hear that buzz on the wind. I'd say it's bee free for climbing but definitely keep alert.

You definitely did the right think in bailing! Especially not knowing if there was a hive or not. I ALWAYS, always, always carry one of these.

Bee Net from REI

I was talking to a professional bee removal guy/exterminator, and he recommended for ALL outdoors people in Arizona to carry these for emergency situations.

Also, just to add some Bee-ta, I was up on Weaver's needle last month, and I didn't notice any hives. The swarm must have been just that, a moving, transient swarm. Must have been terrifying!

RJ

Thanks for the update, Colin, and for cleaning up the route too.