Whatever

"Whatever" is located on the mega-classic 'Rotten Wall' section of the upper West Ridge, right of the route "

Inverted Vee

" in Rossiter's guidebook. The climb starts near two trees at the base of a prominent, narrow arete that extends perhaps 40 feet up the wall. The easiest start climbs just right of the attractive arete over very large, loose-looking blocks for about 12 feet. A direct start up the edge of the arete is enjoyable, yet contrived and unprotectable. Once above the blocks, hike 25 feet up the bushy gully to a roof. Climb out the left side of the roof finishing with a slot (5.9). Go right under a second roof on loose blocks and continue up a short squeeze section. Climb right around an arete to a final 20-foot hand crack leading to a large ledge and bomber rappel tree. This pitch can, and maybe should, be split into two pitches to prevent horrendous ropedrag. The belay tree had a sling on it when we arrived leading us to believe that this pitch had already been climbed. While that is a plausible assumption, this tree may have been used as a means of escaping from the top of the cliff reached by other means. It is also possible that a different new route was climbed adjacent to "Whatever" since this tree would be a logical belay for anything topping out nearby. Who knows? . . . whatever . . .

Bring a double set of cams from #1 TCU through #3 Camalot, and a set of nuts.