Beeline (Incredible Hulk)
August 4, 2012
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Karen and I really wanted to climb Positive Vibrations on the Hulk, and tried again. This time we decided to go car-to-car on Saturday. We drove up on Friday night and managed to get a pretty good night of sleep (all things considered), starting on the hiking trail at 6am. We made it to the Hulk at 9am to see not one, not two, but five parties on Positive Vibration's first three pitches. Not good, especially with the chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon... we were really bummed, to say the least. The Hulk had a total of 18 people on it, not counting us - practically a zoo. :(

We contemplated our options - the Sunspot was out as well, since we'd have to wait at least an hour for the first two pitches to free up, probably even more. We also didn't know if we could rappel down Sunspot with one rope in case the storm came, etc. etc. Eventually we decided to go over and do Beeline which neither of us had done - it also had two parties, but they were already well ahead. This turned out to be an awesome choice, because Beeline is a great climb. It has some loose rock and scrappy sections but there are two 5.10+ variation pitches that were amazing and very memorable - highly recommended (some pics below). I was hoping to make it to the summit proper (as the rock on that side looks spectacular all the way to the top) - but unfortunately the storm showed up as we topped out on the ridge, so down we went, happy not to be on the exposed summit in case lightning came... the hike out was not fun, but much easier with a smaller pack. We were very happy to get to the car at 8pm - and made it to Lee Vining for dinner at Bodie Mike's. We drove through torrential downpours and witnessed the biggest lightning show we had ever seen in the Sierra... unbelievable! The 20% chance of storms turned into a big multi hour storm...

We were tired on Sunday and it was very hot, so we climbed in the shade at Drug Dome's base in the morning, and then drove back home early. Nice weekend - and Positive Vibrations still remains on the todo list (that was a second unsuccessful attempt...)

  The Hulk! Starting Beeline's first pitch  
  The Hulk! Starting Beeline's first pitch

  Beeline - second pitch More awesome cracks  
  Beeline - second pitch More awesome cracks

  Some cool stemming Starting up the awesome 5.10 corner variation  
  Some cool stemming Starting up the awesome 5.10 corner variation

  The awesome 5.10 corner variation on Beeline Perfect clean rock!  
  The awesome 5.10 corner variation on Beeline Perfect clean rock!

  The other variation. There are lots more possibilities above  
  The other variation. There are lots more possibilities above

  5.10a at the base of Drug Dome Fun moves at the roof Push It, fun arete at Drug Dome base  
  5.10a at the base of Drug Dome Fun moves at the roof Push It, fun arete at Drug Dome base

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