In late February and early March, Ethan Pringle and I did three new routes and some immaculate deep water soloing. Near Mashanig tower, which I had climbed in 2009, we did a 1,000-foot 5.6 up the west ridge of Thabbit’s Tower (named after our translator/guide). We then climbed a new route on the east side of Mashanig (800’, 5.11b). Finally we moved to a new area I had reconnoitered in 2009 and climbed an amazing phallic spire: Kermit’s Tower. Ethan was the rope gun on this, onsighting the 5.12+ R/X crux to the top.

Mike Libecki, AAC