Probably the most intimidating 1 pitch climb ever. What a setting though. Worth it just to look up and see 3000 feet of rock over your head...

this is a photo of me on "Pine Line" at the base of El Cap. My best friend, Nina, took the picture with her sister, Gina, belaying. This was the last day of our Oct 2005 trip where I taught Nina and my mom how to rock climb and Gina honed her skills as expert belayer and rock climber. what a great trip!

My dad snapped a pic of me climbing about mid way up pine line.

Gary on his first trad lead, Pine Line, 5.7, El Capitan Southwest base. While this is one of the traditional "first Valley lead" climbs, the setting of the climb is spectacular with views across to the Cathedral Rocks and Spires, and the awesome view of the Capitan which appears to arch out over the base. This photo was taken by me Dr.Ed aka Ed Hartouni.

Pine line is the shortest route on the biggest piece of rock in the U.S. The difference in scale is wildly dramatic...to stare thousands of feet up overhanging granite one minute, and then 50 feet up to the top of this climb the next, it makes you feel pretty insignificant but is a must do for newcomers.

After five days straight of climbing at Yosemite, I found myself leading this crack at the base of El Cap. A very enjoyable and aesthetic route.

Cragging at the base of el cap in in the coldest week of january, while it snows... in LA!

Climbing while being photographed and heckled!