A Dartmouth '76 Odyssey
2001: A Dartmouth ’76 Odyssey The 25th Reunion Book of The Class of 1976 Baker Tower Via Northwest Buttress (Hanover, N. H.) Class 5.9, A2. Time: 3 hours. First ascent: Ted Scheu and John Olsen, June 13, 1976. The original 1 party took an additional ⁄2 hour placing a 76 marker on the face, since removed. Note it is not necessary to secure the permission of the land- holder before making this climb. A report of con- ditions on the route would be appreciated; contact Dean’s Office, Parkhurst Hall, (603) 646-2243. This is an athletic and picturesque climb that (for nostalgic reasons) should be included in the 50 Classic Climbs of North America. Views from the summit stretch southward toward the bucolic Connecticut River valley and north to Mt. Cube, Moosilauke, and the beckoning Presidential Range. The overall flavor is of moderate exposure on solid rock, with the main limitation being the absence of protection on much of the route. Approach via the Appalachian Trail to the well-worn path south of the Tower, and circle the tower to its NW corner near Kiewit. The first pitch is quite 1 vertical on offset mortised brick, offering ⁄2-inch hand and toeholds to below the second-story over- hang. Protection is available at this point using the painter’s bolt in the eaves. A difficult 5.9 mantle move surmounts the overhang (there is a good hand- hold in the unseen gutter above). From this point, ascend the ridgeline (Class 3, friction) to the next vertical section, climbed in identical fashion to the first.
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