I've wanted for a while to do something concrete for the climbing community, and I suspected that once I moved to Bishop, I'd have the opportunity. It came knocking soon enough. With some very heavy releases from Crowley Lake--and more forecast--it was time to add/upgrade some crossings to improve crag access in the Owen's River Gorge. The unstoppable Marty Lewis was the MC. He sent out a call and a bunch of us showed up to schlep, lug, haul, and screw our way to glory.

The assembled luminaries packing loads. Lewis and Clark ain't got nuthin' on us:


On our way down the Lower Gorge Rd.:


Haul, schlep, haul....


End of the line for most of the dollies--overland tote of the big boards from here:


Assembled materials and milling climber folk:


Peter embarks on his most ambitious lead:


Running it out:


He crushes!


Marty and Peter take the measure of things:


The bridge under construction:


The carry down to the river:



It fits!


Darrel drills an anchor:


Crank down the turnbuckles:


MisterE makes a possible FA of the crossing:


Marty and David race to the finish: Who will drive the Golden Screw?


Done! 2.5 hours from parking area to finished span--boooyah!


Ain't she purty?


All that remained was, as Marty put it, "a half hour of high fives," and the trudge back out with the now empty dollies. We had a great time and got in a solid bridge, good for kids, dogs and aardvarks. Huge thanks to Marty for design, motivation, collecting materials and stooges to help. These things ain't free, so if you want to contribute, there's a tip jar at East Side Sports.

Climb safe and enjoy the fantastic weather.

BAd