Yes, Skull Hollow is Free! Lots of climbers, so the scene is casual and friendly. But sometimes, in the dead of night, cows straight from a Gary Larson 'Far Side' cartoon attack without mercy!
The situation is this: Verrrrryy close to Skull Hollow is a feedlot used to pen up formerly free ranging beef cattle before they are 'shipped to market'. The doomed beasts seem to foresee their fate as future T-bones and groan about it ALL NIGHT LONG.
The trick is timing. Most of the time the lot is empty. But if it isn't, don't wait hoping they'll calm down, or try self medicating with whatever your favorite medication may be. Just remember to go down a couple grades on tomorrow's redpoint attempts.
One more caveat about Skull Hollow, I personally know of two climbers who have bashed in cars from hitting deer, and I have a had close calls also.
Aaaaah, the untold perils of sport climbing at Smith!
Hmmm, never noticed the cows before but usually I can't hear over the coyotes and drunk climbers. And yeah, tons of deer. It's the whole Smith experience!
Yes, Skull Hollow is Free! Lots of climbers, so the scene is casual and friendly. But sometimes, in the dead of night, cows straight from a Gary Larson 'Far Side' cartoon attack without mercy!
The situation is this: Verrrrryy close to Skull Hollow is a feedlot used to pen up formerly free ranging beef cattle before they are 'shipped to market'. The doomed beasts seem to foresee their fate as future T-bones and groan about it ALL NIGHT LONG.
The trick is timing. Most of the time the lot is empty. But if it isn't, don't wait hoping they'll calm down, or try self medicating with whatever your favorite medication may be. Just remember to go down a couple grades on tomorrow's redpoint attempts.
One more caveat about Skull Hollow, I personally know of two climbers who have bashed in cars from hitting deer, and I have a had close calls also.
Aaaaah, the untold perils of sport climbing at Smith!
Hmmm, never noticed the cows before but usually I can't hear over the coyotes and drunk climbers. And yeah, tons of deer. It's the whole Smith experience!