Gabel/Dignes

Coming to Yosemite on the 140 brings people in front of Elephant Rock, The Rostrum, and a cache of other fine cliffs that are pleasing to most viewers eyes regardless of whether they climb or not.

One of these cliffs in particular, is The Mosstrum, or Supernova Wall. Its the huge silver shield left of the Rostrum Buttress.

My mind always wondered what was up there. Look at it!!!!! There has to be something.

I've been on a kick lately of at least dreaming of doing a bunch of obscure routes . Eric Gabel is one of the folks who have really been generous with their time to fill me in on some things.

The "Gabel/Dignes" had caught my eye a while back through conversations here on ST and just plain snooping around websites to come up with a topo and such. Thanks Clint.
Sure enough this thing goes up some of the meat of the formation. Basically starting from the toe of the buttress.

This is not a free route in its entirety. If a climber is one who likes the challenge of how to move through terrain while mixing free and shenanigans climbing, then this route is definitely for them. Don't get me wrong, the bulk of this route is free climbing. As in 98% free climbing. I freed a little more than had been, victoriously upping the climb's free percentage by an enormous 1%. YEAH!!!!!!!! :-/ Oh, and there is the pushing out from what's left of a tree about a 3rd of the way up the 3rd pitch. So extended is the climber simply trying to get a piece in under the roof that is about to be given a thorough undercling. Whew, groin stretcher! My partner couldn't even reach. I'm 6'2.
Also, there are a few Dr. Seuss tree pulls here and there just because they are there.

This route puts all the challenges forth to the climber. Challenging many a Yosemite skill and, at least for me, then some was called upon! It would have been nice to have some dome time up high, or some slabbing in the ditch first because this thing gets tradski face style and thus had me slightly pissing myself on the 3rd pitch.

This route is also characterized by clean climbing (after first pitch), but mossy ass cracks which gave my hands some of the softest jams ever. Loose Jammies if you will. I couldn't imagine doing this one wet.
There were some of the funkiest features too that tested OW skills right along with slab, and micro jamming. All in one. I have a wound on my right shoulder from a feature called "The Half Pipe." Or, was it from the "easiest" pitch on the route at 5.8 wide. Oh good golly I was puffin on that one!!!!!

The topo is quite adequate. It was taken from Clints site and this particular routes topo has been publicly available.
If you like adventure and some really good climbing on surprisingly good rock then I suggest this route.

Hope you enjoy.

Bob Jensen