Carl takes Andy out Climbing in Boulder CO.  route: First Flat Iron       

                     Carl Boni                 Andy Coutant

'Sitting at first belay'     I think I burst a lung on that hike up to the base ( Living at Sea Level probably didn't help me ) , but lets not kid ourselves I could be in much better shape; Carl of course is in the midst of training for a Triathalon.

Me about 5th pitch I think? 

Me Below on some nice STICKY Metamorphic Sandstone what a pleasant change from the Gunks, and no Bugs!

Me again leading 6th or 7th pitch this is NOT the summit. Due to the angle of the Slab this route is full of false summits.       Carl developed the picks I wish he sent more of him

After Gaining the Ridge, the views were incredible the weather was perfect I had a good partner and sticky stone. Does it get any better then this ??  I think Not!

Another 30 ft down and then 60 ft up to the real summit where Carl took this shot from.   I suggest this Climb to anyone looking for a great long moderate route.  I don't remember the totals well but the I thik it was about 9 pitch  and Carl thought it was around 1200 ft.  It was Slab climbing at its finest. If you trust your feet the route is not very difficult but the lack of bolts and available pro placements can make the exposure a bit much for some people ( a group of folks back off for that exact reason while we were passing them at the third pitch).  It would rot to get stuck on it in bad weather so check your forecast first. I only saw two bolt the whole climb they were on the first and second pitch, from there I did not see any until the rap off point at the top which seems to be the only way off.  You will need two ropes for the rap and quite a bit of it is a free hanging rap.  The walk out from there can be a bit confusing so ask the locals it is easy to take the wrong trail.   Good Luck and have a great time!!!

First Flat Iron       below

On the Approach From Chataqua Park, Boulder CO.