12.11.19....Railroad Peak (#3) & peak 4,040’ traverse from the South, solo. 4.25 miles, 2,500’ gain, (took a while). These are the Impressive mountains you see (across from Railroad Pass Casino), when driving to the Henderson/Las Vegas area from the South and Boulder City. Today wasn’t about a new peak, it was about Mountaineer route Mastery. This is one of the very 1st routes I read on Harlan’s Web page years ago, and it dropped my jaw. This ridge defies gravity and is terrifying at times. Overhung and overwhelming. I had to pick my battles. Sometimes I was on top and sometimes I had to find other options below, which were just as challenging and horrifying. It was difficult and rewarding. I fought with all I had. The visuals were disturbing and exhilarating. At one point, I saw an escape gully and thought about quitting but I endured. I never had to use the 50’ of webbing I had in tow. After Railroad Peak, I picked a descent chute (chasm) on the west side, just below the summit, that I had never used. Looking down, you can’t see if you will encounter a dry fall or get cliffed out but it went more in the direction of my car so I went for it. I did encounter interesting obstacles but everything was within my skillset. I’m glad I descended this way as I encountered “bird killing” mine markers that I happily dismantled. What a day. Super proud I hung in there and got this win!