Big Walling in Yosemite with Strangers: The Prow on Washington Column

48 hr prior to heading up the wall I received a Facebook message from a random stranger on the internet who was looking for a climbing partner after his original partner had to bail early. 'Why not' I thought? Worst case...well there were a lot of worst cases, but sometimes the internet provides.
I jugged up the first 3 pitches to meet Ben Bickel (for the first time) and continue the climb with him. Beautiful climbing, some tricky aid, summit cheescake and luxurious portaledge hangs made this a great way to get to know a new climbing partner and enjoy some Yosemite wall time.
Ben's a fantastic, dialed walling partner, would definitely climb again!

[@PenamV]

Ben seems so chill

[@petokngongpa2424]

Craziest thing I've seen so far!

[@tommybahommy]

So awesome! Congrats on the prow!!

[@paulmitchell5349]

Greetings from Sheffield U K .

[@rebeccadyck3465]

When someone else is living your dream

[@jireland8824]

I always keep the lower out video downloaded. 😂

[@puffthemagiclepton7534]

Awesome climb! Do people usually rap the Prow to get back down?

[@natalieafoninachannel]

They don't. We did because it's the easiest/fastest way down without having to walk down North Dome Gully and more importantly there weren't any parties coming up behind us, so we weren't going to have to pass through anyone.

[@brianrodman1033]

Is that other party off to the right on Ten Days After or something else?

[@natalieafoninachannel]

No. They were also on the Prow but a day ahead of us

[@karenklena7545]

I have to get up three times during the night to go to the bathroom

[@biomorphic]

No, I won't do that, not in this life. I have already lost all my life points.

[@yabba234]

No, erm, I think I'll gladly stick to the trails. This looks so dangerous how people can enjoy it is beyond me.

[@bullit4x]

You are the coolest , hottest, gnarliest woman I’ve never met. Damn. Kinda wish I knew something about climbing. I just race DH mtn bikes.