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Vikki Weldon Sends Blue Jeans, 5.13, on Yamnuska for its Second Ascent

After 16 days of effort Blue Jeans is free climbed for the second time

Vikki Weldon makes the second ascent of what has become the Rockies newest testpiece.

Weldon on Blue Jeans Photo Latitude Photography
Weldon on Blue Jeans Photo Latitude Photography

One of Canada’s leading climbers sent her two-year project this summer. In total, she spent 16 days on the steep line working the crux pitches.

The route was bolted by Nick Rochacewich with help from Pete Thurlow and Gripped editor Brandon Pullan. Derek Galloway sent the route with Pete Thurlow jugging behind.

The route is named after a Canmore climber who wears blue jeans to the crag and in the alpine, Andrew Gallant, but also for the two blue streaks that drape down the steep face.

Weldon on Blue Jeans, 5.13b Photo Wiktor Skupinski
Weldon on Blue Jeans, 5.13b Photo Wiktor Skupinski

The route is located in the Bowl Area on Yam, left of East End Boys, 5.12. The line is consistent, with a mix of great rock and poor rock. The upper easier pitches are quite run out. Other routes with similar names are Brown Trousers, 5.10d, Yellow Edge, 5.11b, and Red Shirt, 5.9. Blue Jeans is 200m and the pitches are: 12b, 12d, 12d, 13a, 13b, 11d, 10d.

The Bowl Area Topo by Andy Genereux  Blue Jeans take the steepest line
The Bowl Area Topo by Andy Genereux Blue Jeans take the steepest line

 

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