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Peak Mountain 3

D'arcy-Crowther Route

FA Ray D'arcy/Bill Crowther, 1956
CREATED 
UPDATED 

Description

An old and somewhat obscure route that has some good climbing on it. Originally done as a variation to the  Stadmüller-Griffin Route, the D'arcy-Crowther has lost some of it's originality due to the more modern routes, Pathfinder 5.9 and Sea Of Holes 5.7 sharing terrain with it. Not to mention the Sea Of Holes pitch 4 belay tree falling now eliminates the ability to climb the original finish, forcing climbers to use the 5.8+ variation to Sea Of Holes to access a safe belay. This route is an important landmark since it shares ground with these other routes, but it could also be a fun adventure in its own right, if you’re looking for another fun, moderate adventure.Pitches 1-3:A couple of ways to get to the start of the D'arcy-Crowther. Easiest is to the first 3 pitches of the Stadmüller-Griffin. See that description for more info.[NOTE: From personal experience, I would venture that the easiest way to get to the area of Pathfinder's P3 is via the Dike route. The "5.5 move" on the Stadmuller-Griffin is "old school" (from when the Brown-Spot / Boilerplate of Std was "5.4"_ and not well protected. R Hall NH Admin. ] Pitch 4:This pitch is shared with Pathfinder's pitch 3. Climb up a featured slab past old pins aiming for the split block. Pull over the block and belay just above a crack in the white blocks. 5.5 120' Pitch 5:This pitch has been altered by tree fall and the original finish can no longer be done safely. That being said, this pitch has better rock quality so it's more fun anyway. Climb out right from the belay, where Pathfinder continues straight up, continue traversing right until you join Sea Of Holes. Pull the first crux of Sea Of Holes (5.7, bolt). The original finish went out right here under an overlap and pulled through some moss to the tree ledge, staying independent from Sea Of Holes. The belay for this pitch was a tree that is now laying sideways on the slab. There was some tat on a very uninspiring sapling, but I wouldn’t trust it. Instead move left to a crack, place a piece and pull the overlap using a hidden pocket. Pad up to a 2 bolt belay. Descent:4 double rope rappels down Sea Of Holes.

Location

Starts from the P3 belay of Stadmüller-Griffin

Protection

Single rack to #2 and tricams.