Steve Larson wrote: . . . the NE gully on Laurel is surprisingly clean given the rock formations it's cut from.
Agreed. Part of the charm of that route comes from its placement in those ancient strata-- after a season on the white granite, Laurel can feel like a canyon on Mars. The colors are just amazing. And the rock is far better than anyone familiar with those formations would expect.
I did that thing back in the early '80s and didn't know anyone else who had even bothered. Those sandstone slabs were such a nice surprise. Done it a number of times since: easy access, nice line and ambiance, good conditioner, low commitment. Not something I'd press on an out-of-towner, but sort of a cool, out-in-the-open secret.
I was pretty bummed to see it in Peter's guide, 'cuz it wasn't something I'd ever want to do underneath another party. I can't imagine using a rope on it. Now that it's been ST'ed, I guess the party is over.