This being my third attempt at leading sport, I was excited that I truly enjoyed this climb instead of simply concentrating on the consequences if I fell. I always like to end a good day of climbing with a truly fun climb...this was a great way to end the day. Kudos go to Art (for the pic) and to Tan (for the belay). Thanks guys!

Art was kind enough to document my first lead climb. I missed the first bolt...I guess I only needed three. :)

Angelina scopes out the next move on an 11a at Holcomb Valley. My first climbing shoot with the little Panasonic LX1. I do like the 16:9 aspect ratio. The linked route/wall is incorrect - I don't know the correct one. It's the short, steep 11a on the back of the NE end of Claimjumper wall with a 10c squeezed in on the arete just right of it. Tell me the route and I'll correct the link.

Angelina making a move above the first bolt on an 11a at Holcomb Valley. The linked route/wall is incorrect - I don't know the correct one. It's the short, steep 11a on the back of the NE end of Claimjumper wall with a 10c squeezed in on the arete just right of it. Tell me the route and I'll correct the link.

Angelina thinks through her next moves on this Holcomb Valley 11a. Shot with the Panasonic LX1 and resized only. If you know the route/wall name, please post and I'll put it in the correct place. This route is the 3 bolt 11a in the alcove behind the NW end of Claimjumper Wall. There's a 10c squeezed in just right of it.

Setting up for the next move on Bird of Prey and Holcomb Valley.

Angie crimping on an edge half way up Bird of Prey in Holcomb Valley.

Vicky looking for her next hold on Bird of Prey in Holcomb Valley

Vicky reaching for the next hold on Bird of Prey.

Ahh the Incinerator 5.12a, I have finally figured out the beta after the third bolt. And it felt really good to check off one of my many projects. Mr Miyagi would be proud if he was still alive.

James (taller_climber) belaying. short but sweet trad route. requires medium size pro.

flourescent snapper, sounds like a good sign. the zissou and scriptgirl ann-marie watch ned take in the world from 112 feet.

Another shot of me leading Bird of Prey. Holcomb valley has loads of great sport routes, of moderate difficulties, and they're pretty closely bolted. My brother Adam got some good shots by hanging out from the anchors at the top and using his supremely high quality Nikon F5. This image is a scan, of a print, from a slide, so a lot of quality was lost.

an easy lead 5.8 exposed a little bit but a very good route

The benefit of having a party of three...one person to belay, and one to photograph. My bro shot this with his Nikon F5 while tied into the anchors. Location is Thunderbird wall in Holcomb Valley, Big Bear, CA.

I love the yellow liken on Powder Keg.

Mike Ayon (belayon) took this photo of me on an unknown route/unknown wall at the Pinnacles.

This is my friend Al getting ready to heal hook on Powder Keg. Photo by me.

This is me working the crux on Powder Keg. Picture by Al Lew.

Nice and short sport lead, crux is pulling the roof and then is smooth sailing.

This is me hanging out getting ready to swing for a heel hook and pull over the roof. Such a great climb. The rock is covered with beautiful green and yellow liken. I don't know how many stars they gave it on the guide, but if if was up to me, I would give it 4 stars.

you want me to look natural? uh, okay... but hurry up.

It's always at the end of the day you get on a pumpy ass climb, but what the heck.

Route: The Incinerator 5.12- Location: Holcomb Valley Pinnacles Climber: Donovan Other info: Approaching the crux Photographer: Andre Kiryanov

Bo on the right-most climb on the main face offers super fun climbing on wonderfully sculpted rock. An excellent lead for the budding climber and highly recommended when in the area.