Intriguing featured photo to increase post traffic haha (screenshot from the 3rd video below).
If you haven't already, check out Part I - Rappel to Starcheck.
As detailed in the post linked above Nick, Valerie, and I decided to rappel down to the start of the climb instead of attempting to hike the "sketchy" approach trail that runs upriver for a couple miles. Upon seeing the terrain that the trail covered when we gained a higher vantage point, I'm really happy that we decided to rappel. You'll notice Valerie wave to someone on the trail in the second video below. You can't tell from the video but he looked really worried about trying to cross the steep, shaley sides of the riverbank/cliff in order to get to the climbs start. I don't blame him haha I wouldn't have tried to cross.
Anyways, climbing in Squamish, BC fulfilled a lot of firsts for our group. Valerie led her first multi-pitch climb (which happened to be Starcheck) and led the whole thing. I simul-climbed for the first time (in the videos below Nick and I are simul-climbing together on top-rope) and even simul-climbed with two good friends at the same time with no one belaying! (If this sounds crazy ask for more details in the comments.) Nick and I climbed the tallest route we had ever climbed, which was our first time climbing something taller than 2000 feet, or ~600 meters. I even experienced my first, and hopefully only, cam failure and took a big fall before the second piece below caught and held me.
Since I've got the footage for a lot of those other firsts I'll work on making posts for them in the future. But for now,...
Climbing Starcheck
The climb started right alongside the river.
Valerie took the lead.
And then Nick and I followed her to the first belay station.
Valerie then decided to take the GoPro for the second pitch. It's cool watching the river get further and further below.
After a short third pitch that should really just be linked together with the second one we made it to the last belay station. Below is the view of the valley from the ledge, and our anchor setup.
Valerie getting after the last and crux pitch of Starcheck.
I wore the GoPro again as Nick and I simul-climbed the final pitch to meet up with Val at the top!
If you make it Squamish one day, climb Starcheck! It's a really unique and scenic climb, and is even a perfect rest day climb at just 5.9 sport. Thanks for checking it out! Please resteem and
