Photos by tslater

Mike made smooth work of this sporty classic at the Y.

A cool steep climb on the brow of the cave. It's humbling when you see a guy in his mid-forties climb like this. Photo Tom Slater

This is Hummingbird Wall (left) and the Z Cracks (right) high up in the Sonora Pass. Very beautiful place.

This thing is a freak of nature. Half the holds wobble, the other half are gone. Oh yeah, and you belay from a small bush. Photo Tom Slater

The guidebook lists this beauty as possibly being the steepest .12a in the state. Any opinions? Doug Englekirk not really caring, just enjoying the downhill climb to the next clip. Photo Tom Slater

A thin move left to shallow foot bump (crux) gets the blood pumping a bit.

Thin face to a plethora of seams and short cracks.

I shot with a 10mm superwide angle to capture the atomosphere of the place. This crag has always been a favorite. photo Tom Slater slatervision.com

This is Tom Slater finishing the arete of Iron Eagle 5.7** , Roche Edges. The Green Dihedral is to the left and is pretty fun too. Photo Tod Tomlinson

These are out on the point. I did a line in the middle of the picture. The cliff is almost 20 feet. You could almost TR the routes, enough cracks on top if you have gear. Otherwise... don't fall. You'll break your back and drown.

What trad climbers dream about.

This is Brandon Thau (sitting) and Tom Slater after doing a fun new TR up the outside arete on Slate's Spire (directly below highest point of spire- Poseidon Adventure 5.7).

Tom Slater takes a new line up the arete. Photo By Jody Langford.

Outdoor PVC, cable swage w/taped ends, textured rock paint, engraved summit name, pencil sharpener, summit log, pencil, sealed seams. Now if I can just not drop it into the Pacific... Only 10 parties have touched the summit in 11 years (spire is surrounded by the ocean).

Only another 20 feet to go... photo Tom Slater (more Matrix pics on slatervision.com - sierra climbing page.)

It is pretty rad to watch. photo Tom Slater

This is a really great lieback climb, one of the best trad lines at Squarenail. photo Tom Slater

Probably one of the best beginner-moderate areas on the west side. Great rock and fun climbs 4 minutes from the car. photo Brandon Thau

This place was a suprise. Cool Tuolumne-style slab climbs just above Shaver Lake. Sweet! This is the most obvious route that heads up a water streak on perfect rock. photo Brandon Thau

Go Grahm Go! Photo Tom Slater visit Slatervision.com for more Matrix action (give me a week to load 'em)

Grahm Doe heading up into the roof. Photo Tom Slater see Slatervision.com for more Matrix action (give me a week)

Louie heading up the 5.10 column towards the roof. Photo Tom Slater see Slatervision.com for more Matrix action (give me a week to load 'em up)

Steep, sweet incuts, killer rock, what else could you ask for but a shorter hike.

Don't worry Brandon, if you fall I'll give you a cupcake. Photo Tom Slater visit Slatervision.com for more Matrix action (give me a week to load 'em)

Here is the main area. Photo Tom Slater visit Slatervision.com for more Matrix action (give me a week to load 'em)