Elation on Completing the Regular Route on Fairview Dome (5.9)

I had been thinking about this classic route for many years. When Byron Lemay and I got to the base in Sept. 2000 I realized I had forgotten my rock shoes in camp. I asked Byron if he would mind leading the whole thing and he, still a beginner but a very good one, said "No problem". So I followed the entire route in worn-out sneakers! I took tension a couple times, but was otherwise forced into good style and felt very good that we could complete this route. Maybe one should use sneakers more often! There are seven hard pitches and then some easier ones. For us, as with most parties, the favorite pitch was the last hard one; though only 5.7, it is an intimidating overhang that goes easily thanks to well-placed holds. Photo: Byron Lemay.  Below is another pic from the trip, showing Joan Hutchinson, me, and Byron Lemay relaxing near the reading room in Curry Village (photo by D. Nebel).