Who: MJ, Frank, Jeff, Ernie, and Joe
Where: Climbing around St. George: Chuckawalla wall, Welcome Springs (Cathedral, Wailing and Sumo walls), Woodbury Road Crags (Black & Tan and Kelly's Rock walls), Utah Hills (the Pyramid and Soul Asylum walls). There were lots of other walls, but these were by far the best.
When: October 26 to November 1.

Driving into the hills just before sunset. Everything is golden, even ugly little cars going 10 below the speed limit.

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Driving into St. George, you're confronted by this HUGE wall. Huge. Behemoth. Gargantuan.

The main draw: Welcome Springs. In particular, the Cathedral and Wailing walls. We'd tried out a few climbs on the Wailing wall previously; it's worth returning to next year.

 

Me checking out my climb; Frank down from his. There was a photographer hanging from the anchors of my climb; he took some pictures that I'm still waiting for. He was actually taking pictures of his friend on a roof route (floated up a 14-something like it was nuffin), but they stopped to watch me on mine. How intimidating! Having the draws already up at this wall's a nice touch.

Hiking back from Welcome Springs.

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From the hills above our campsite.

The Pyramid/Diamond wall, I'm mixing up names as usual. A fairly hairy drive, followed by a long approach to a barely discernible trail that leaves you sliding and scrambling all over the place in an effort to get up. Slab climbing. Wear comfy climbing shoes.

Walk further beyond the gate, around the corner, and you'll see the Soul Asylum. Great limestone with cool features (hole in the arch, heart-shaped hueco). There's a cave with a rope assist. Belaying the climb out there can be quite exciting!

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A rest day spent outside of town, checking out Chuckawalla fully exposed to the sun. A mile further in were other walls, but we just weren't in the mood. These sandstone walls are short but fun.

Found object. Fits right in with the rest of the countryside.