DSC03747 Photo courtesy Bill Bushnell

Mammoth Trip, 2026

September 14

La Escuela



When I do spot another bolt, it's further right than I would have expected, and Bill and I disagree on whether it's for my route, which I think it is. But the disagreement introduces doubt in my mind.

Aside from that doubt, I see that to reach it and place a draw, I would have to climb several feet, but by now I'm as high above the last bolt as that bolt is above the ground. Were I to fall, I would either smash onto the class 3 rocks, or slide down the steep class 5 slope, and failing to arrest the slide, possibly hit the ground. I don't find the idea appealing.

Now I'm skittish. -F.