Joe Vitti on YMC (5.9) photo by Chad Hussey
to as the Hanging Hills. Systematic and Columnar joints have framed our climb- ing routes. These joints are the sustained vertical and horizontal cracks we climb. If your are a budding geologist, you should know that Ragged’s Traprock is a com- bination of basalt, grabbo and dolerite. Another thing, I wish I hadn’t waited until my senior year in college to take Geology 101.
By the early 1930’s, climbers who had immigrated from Europe began to poke around these little cliff lines. In European tradition, climbing and alpinism is part of the local culture. Small towns and villages are tucked into steep craggy valleys that are capped by alpine peaks. Climbing was simply sport; something to do on a Sunday afternoon. These European climbers brought their passion for climbing to Ragged Mountain, and in the process, inspired many others to take up the sport. While some of these local explor- ers trained at Ragged for major ascents in the greater ranges, many aspiring climbers have learned to climb here for over 80 years.
Similar to many places throughout the world, climbers learn their craft on small local outcrops before applying their skills in the mountains. This activity attracted folks from the Yale Mountaineering Club, whose members have left their mark as well. One notable tidbit is that the use of nuts, or nut slings, was practiced here before modern hard steel pitons were invented. This protection style has con- tinued to shape the traditional ethic that still holds true to this day. John Reppy spent time climbing on Great Britain’s Grit, noting that on that side of the pond, bolt and piton protection is used sparingly. Clean climbing techniques had been used for years in the UK to protect the finite cragging resources. Reppy brought these clean climbing tools and techniques back here, and the style has remained true
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climber MAGAZINEism |
MAY JUNE 2011 |
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