The Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome has Been Restored

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7/29/15 – Less than a month after a key section of the wall fell off, the Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome has been re-established. Joshua Reinig and Howard Ballou spent five days on the route, three of which were dedicated to figuring out the proudest and safest way to link the missing pitches. Their hand-drawn topo is above. They found two variations. In order to complete the aid variation, the pair left from the remains of the pitch 11 ledge and followed a trail of seven button heads installed by an unknown party, then placed five 3/8″ bolts. From there they were able to pendulum to the base of the pitch 12 corner. The free variation can be seen to the right on the topo. The team did not complete this version, but suggested that this is how the new free route would go. More details to come.

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