One question as I know nothing about rock climbing other than the fact that I can't do it: how is it possible for someone to bolt a route without climbing it?
The easiest, most common method is to rappel from the top of the route and drill holes and install bolts as you descend. Less common, more difficult is to drill and place the bolts from the ground up...then the climber can clip into the bolts and "aid" through the harder moves without actually climbing them. Aid climbing means to ascend using gear or pulling on the rope, as opposed to "free climbing," which is climbing using only the natural features of the rock without weighting the rope or pulling on artificial protection.
Nice piece! Looking forward to tomorrow's.
One question as I know nothing about rock climbing other than the fact that I can't do it: how is it possible for someone to bolt a route without climbing it?
The easiest, most common method is to rappel from the top of the route and drill holes and install bolts as you descend. Less common, more difficult is to drill and place the bolts from the ground up...then the climber can clip into the bolts and "aid" through the harder moves without actually climbing them. Aid climbing means to ascend using gear or pulling on the rope, as opposed to "free climbing," which is climbing using only the natural features of the rock without weighting the rope or pulling on artificial protection.
Thanks, Eric! I was going to post something similar, but it wouldn't have been nearly as concise.
excellent, thanks!