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  • Dominic stands below the east face of W.C. Fields Pinnacle which is located near the base of the Third Flatiron. The two pitch route known as "A Very Ament's Slab" (5.8) is our main objective today. It climbs this face, tackling numerous cruxy bulges. The witty name comes from a creative combination of the last names of the first ascent party: Avery and Ament. Very clever. width:343;;height:480
  • The lower part of the pinnacle is actually an arch! It is reportedly possible to climb the first pitch from underneath and then rejoin the route at the second pitch. We're going for the standard above ground option today. width:640;;height:480
  • Dominic follows P1 which is mostly easy slab punctuated by a 5.5 bulge out of sight to the right. This was my toughest trad lead to date. It took me a while to either figure out how to get to the pin before the bulge or to get the balls to do it; I'm not sure which. Eventually I was victorious. Small but comfortable pothole belay at a bolt. width:640;;height:480
  • Dominic starts to lead the more difficult 2nd pitch. width:640;;height:480
  • Dominic clips a bolt before the route's crux. Overcoming the rounded bulge and crease on the far left (even with Dominic's feet) is rated 5.8. width:640;;height:480
  • Dominic continues up steep rock above the crux bulge. There is another bolt here. width:640;;height:480
  • Dominic belays me from atop W.C. Fields Pinnacle. The descent consists of an easy rap from chains down the west side. width:360;;height:480
  • Queen Anne's Head is also located near the base of the Third Flatiron. This is the start of the four pitch East Face Route. The first two pitches go up the dihedral just left of center (not the huge, gaping overhang; the corner left of that). width:640;;height:472
  • A closer look up the dihedral. We combined the first two pitches with about 20 feet of easy simulclimbing. My lead :). I belayed at some convenient boulders at the top of the dihedral. width:350;;height:480
  • Dominic moves out of the dihedral and onto the face. width:360;;height:480
  • Dominic leads P3. width:640;;height:480
  • Looking up P3. Dominic took the 5.6 line mentioned in route descriptions. The difficulty can be kept at 5.4 if desired. I led one more short pitch to the summit. Rapped into and descended the 1911 Gully next to the Third Flatiron. width:640;;height:480
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