Since our arrival in South Dakota, we spent a good deal of our time in the Needles, climbing Haystack 5.5, some run out 5.9, Dakota Illinois 5.9, a mixed 5.7, another 5.9, probably some other stuff and Gnomon a 5.8 and probably one of the best protected, coolest lines we did.

After the Needles, we headed up to Spearfish Canyon, which is awesome sports climbing on limestone. It's like the Red if the Red was about 30% developed. TONS of rock, only a bit that's been bolted. Really cool stuff, which I have no photographic evidence of. On our second day, I was feeling really shitty so we ditched climbing and drove to Wyoming to a walk in clinic so I could get tested for Lyme's Disease. Still waiting on the results.

In the meantime, we drove to Devil's tower, and were lucky enough to meet Frank Sanders, who has been climbing the tower since 1972, runs a bed and breakfast, and was kind enough to let us pitch a tent in his yard, free of charge. With some good sleep and killer accommodation, we went up the tower yesterday, up Soler, 5.9.

We probably got to the base in the 10-1030 am range. Climbed in FULL sun all day and ran out of water. Dying in the heat, we made it to the summit! (which was in full sun) and rapped down the west side, which was also in full sun by that point (not the smartest move on our part). Despite our fatigue and dehydration, the route was AWESOME - 2 perpendicular cracks ranging from fists to fingers. Plus, when we got down, we managed a celebrity status - various families were watching the tower as we rapped down, and waited for us to make it back to the visitors center so they could get our picture. After a demo of cams, explaining rappeling and "how we get the ropes up there" we were free to go on our way.

Woke up this morning feeling wrecked, so we got some food and continued to be famous. It's a hard life. Plan on heading up again tomorrow (with tons of water) and continuing our journey towards Yellowstone/Tetons.

Regrettably, I've left my camera in the tent, so I am unable to put up the most recent photos.