Winter Warmer

Just what I was looking for: a chance to spray about Dave Fields. Dave put up many of the routes on North Table Mountain back when it just looked like a choss pile. The crags don't look much better several years down the line, but a slew of fine climbing routes have arisen from the heap. Winter Warmer is certainly one of the best lines on the hill and a fine contribution on Dave's part.

The climbing begins below the tallest sector of the hill, and takes a bold stab up the headwall 65 feet above. Start in a flaring, inverted slot and make a big reach to killer jugs and the second clip. The bigger your ape index, the easier the move. Winter Warmer steps left to follow a line of bolts up to the roof and head wall above. A variation to Winter Warmer stays straight on after the second clip and follows a thin seam for a short way. This is also a fine route, and it is also 80 - 85 feet long. Pull the roof on Winter Warmer on its left hand side and continue up a pumpy jug haul to the double bolt anchor that is over a ledge and out of sight.

Three stars by any estimate for the nice long route, good climbing moves, boldness, and overall fine stone.

QDs only. Bring a bunch of draws. This route is 80 - 85 feet long and is well-bolted but bold. The route needs a 60 m rope. This will get you down with a bit to spare, but a 50 m rope will not. Watch out! I have watched people get lowered off a 50 m rope to pick up a nasty fall at the end. As of 2007, the bolts have been updated.