On Thursday one of our longest and favorites guests came back for his first day outside for 2020 at Lover’s Leap. Dave has been climbing with us for at least the last 7 years and he has logged in over 100 different pitches. Since it was his first day out, we hit some of the classics on the East Wall of Lover’s Leap.
Showing up and being the first party on the wall, we decided to go do Bear’s Reach, probably the most popular climb at the Leap.
Dave on the first pitch of Bears Reach
“I used to wear those socks, in the 80’s!”
After quick work on Bear’s Reach we headed over to another five star classic on the East Wall, Haystack. This great climb has a crux on the second pitch through a three foot roof, which if not done right, can be tricky.
Following the first pitch of Haystack
For a third lap, options were a bit limited with climbers on most of the routes. As we walked the base, passing climbers starting up the classics we came upon the often overlooked East Wall Route. This climb is fantastic on the way it weaves its way up to the top of the cliff.
Finishing the first pitch of the East Wall Route
Starting on a fun blocky corner for the first pitch leads to a big spacious ledge looking towards the Line and the rest of Lover’s Leap.
The awesome dikes of the East Wall with a climber on the Line!
The second pitch has long and wild traverse through the center of the wall, ending up on Bushy(less) Ledge. This is where at least three different routes converge and when we showed up, two parties were there. Instead of waiting and also already climbing the normal last pitch, we cut off right and finished on Ham Sandwich.
Alternative 5.7 slab finish
On top we ran into our friends Ed and Kathy.
Ed finishing East Cracks!
Another great day of climbing at Lover’s Leap with Dave. If you are coming to Lake Tahoe, whether it South Lake Tahoe, or North Lake Tahoe, you can’t beat the Leap for quality multi pitch climbing. Less than 30 minutes from South Lake Tahoe, and just over an hour from Truckee/Donner Summit. Come climb with Lover’s Leap Guides!
