Puny Prow

The arete and face to the left of Vanishing Flakes. A suitable alternative when San Ysidro is crowded.

Start by the Oak tree on the left-side of the arete. Climb up the left side and angle right, joining the right-side of the arete about 10 feet up. It is possible to place a Tri-Cam in a pocket before setting off on the runout face above. There is a hangerless Rawl about 15 feet higher. Continue on the runout face to the top, avoiding the crack that forms the top of Rockoco & Vanishing Flakes (although it is possible and quite appealing to step right and place gear).

First Ascentionists Note

:

I did the FA of Puny Prow in 1980 when I was in graduate school at UCSB. I drilled the bolt from a free stance. I think it was a 3/8" Star Drive and the sleeve deformed; the original metal was a lame installation! I don't remember it being very runout.

• Mack Johnson

Starts in the gully, below a substantial oak tree, left of Vanishing Flakes.

Tri-cam, one hangerless bolt (clip with a rivet hanger or a wired-stopper). Belay from the small oak atop the route, or use the bolts atop Rockoco/Flakes.