by Erik Sandelin
Less than a week after spending a week on El Capitan Ola and I decided to do a high-altitude backcountry climb in Sierra Nevada together with Catrin. We attempted the 4000m+ high Bear Creek Spire via the classic North Arete. The route is a 4-5 hour hike from the trailhead and consists of 12 pitches. Two of them are 5.8, one or two 5.7 and the rest easy 5th class or 4th class. Driving directly from sea-level it was no surprise that we gasped for air when we tried to move fast. This in combination with a late start led us to bail one pitch from the summit to avoid a descent in the dark. Would have been nice to reach the summit but we were tired enough as it was when we reached camp.
Last Update 2002-07-28