Half Dome. In October Dale Bard and I did a new route on the northwest face of Half Dome. The route is on the right side of the face. The first 900 feet followed a huge arch with very awkward, strenuous, loose, expanding aid climbing. The upper part required many holes (105 total). Dale, who has done all the routes on Half Dome’s northwest face, said this route was certainly the most difficult. The climb required eight days of continuous climbing, with four pitches fixed. The route is extremely steep, strenuous, and dangerous, with no retreat possible. NCCS VI, F10, A4+.

James D. Bridwell