In July, Neal Harder, Sebastian Thau, and I established a nearly 1,000' route on the east side of Lower Tokapah Dome. 1,000 Piece Meal Deal (5.10d) climbs a direct line to the summit and is to the right of previously established routes. The first, primarily bolt-protected, slab pitch gains access to a plethora of compact chicken heads (a.k.a. nuggets). This scenic climb was my son Sebastian's (age 15) first backcountry first ascent.

– Brandon Thau

Editor’s Note: Maxim Belyakov Vitaliy and Musiyenko also completed a new route on the left side of neighboring Santa Cruz Dome—Knotfest (III 5.11a). Two pitches in a prominent chimney system (5.10) took them to a steep, left-leaning flare, which led to an overhang (5.11a) and onto incredible knobs and chicken heads that are slingable for protection. Two more pitches of similar featured terrain led to the top.