An old Bridge shot from Sept 24, 2011. Lots of regulars there… Skiy and Big Andy, Sweet Libby, Spray brothers(Mikey and Aaron), Adam, Jordan and Bill, Dave Turner working the Ask a Climber program, pointing out an ElCap feature to a prospective girl friend. One or two more I can’t quite name. Who is behind Libby? No pants Ben?

Yo… Solid weather continues to mark the mid-season for climbing and unfortunately so does solid smoke from burn piles that the NPS is getting burned before the cold, wet winter sets in. At first, they did the piles to the east of the ElCap Bridge and the prevailing west winds, that come in late morning, blew all the smoke east into the east end of the Valley.

Yo… Smoke, smoke and more smoke here in the Valley these mornings. Fortunately, down at ElCap, the normal 11am west wind has been pushing it eastward into the more populated regions. I did take 10/11/23 off for a shower and procuring some needed items at the store. Much cooler now as the action is heating up.

Yo … It is still nice but with a little too much heat out there on the sunny Captain. However, we did have new solo record on the Nose today. Nick Ehman, knocked 1 hour 11 minutes off the 13 year old record set by Alex Honnold in 2010. Alex set his record of 5:50 as part of a link up with Half Dome, which he did after the Nose. Both climbers used a rope in places but mostly free soloed the route with occasional use of fixed and placed gear for aid and protection. Alex carried a full-length rope and did the route via the King Swing, while Nick opted for the Jardine Traverse variation and only took an 85ft line. Hans Florine and the Huber brothers have said that there is little difference in the time either variation would require.

Yo… Sunny and hot on the Hill these days .. soon to change they say, as it is more early September, than October. There is still time for you Cubicle Pukes to vindicate your existence and get back to the valley of your dreams, for one last time, before the ECR closes down.

Yo… Splendid but warm weather is the order of the day here in the Valley. There is lots of action up on the Big Stone and you have a front row seat, provided free by ElCapreport.com. Well, ahh,ugh.. let’s have a word from your sponsor here folks. Gas prices are high, food is high here, technical expenses are off the chart… so it just might be the time for a friendly reminder that all of this comes at great expense to “Old Tom” who would value highly your support via donations to the site thru PayPal.

Yo… Well sports fans ..The Fall season has suddenly erupted! Too much to write about in one report so I am going to parse it out over the next few reports. Great weather has returned to the spectacular Yosemite Valley and climbers are out in force on many routes. Pick a climb Cubicle Pukes and show old Tom what you’ve got for one last time to be seen on the, ElCap Report.. you will never get another chance!

Yo … Today, 9/30/23 has been better, weather wise, than expected, as the rain has held off nicely until now at 4pm. I did go down to the Captain and shoot a few shots, as most teams were ledged up but a few had leaders out working on the pitch above their belay.

ElCap Report Farewell Tour 9/27/2023 By Tom Evans Yo.. Excellent weather continues here in the ElCap Meadow. This is the time to show and get… Read More »ElCap Report Farewell Tour 9/27/2023 By Tom Evans