"Went down to check out route before taking club members. We brought gear to set a permanent steel anchor, but didn't finish. Maybe next year. Marina drove! Richard carried lots of heavy stuff." — hwstock • Nov 9, 2022

"Shakedown Cruise with Richard N, John, Marina, and (the other) Tracy. Discovered the heavy-UV-coated rope is too thick for some progress capture-type ascension systems, had to put down an additional 8mm rope. Richard, at 82, should be king of the hill. This was my 8th time up." — hwstock • Nov 9, 2022

"4.23.2022~I know! The Same peak again! It’s a good one tho and jogging thru the open desert is primal and jaunty. I saw a dead tortoise this time. Sad face. The “Real” Devil’s Thumb #3, 2nd Time in 2 days. 6 miles, 800’ gain (that is sus, feeling more like at least 1,100’ gain) in 2:40hrs round trip. Up in 1:15hrs. I brought Jimmy to take photos. & video. (He’s a Saint) We ran into Harlan :@) Sunshine & Cool Breezes. I accosted him with a giant thankful & awkward hug. I can climb up because he taught me how. Sunshine & Cool Breezes. Next is to go back and learn the ledges route. https://youtu.be/JF_obCfnYUs https://youtu.be/JEYWn2K5H8E" — paula.raimondi • Apr 23, 2022

"4.22.2022~Happy Earth Day! The “Real” Devil’s Thumb. 6 miles, 800’ gain in 2:50hrs Round Trip. Newberry Mtns, NV. Returning to the scene of the crime. I buzzed it somewhat fast to prevent thinking about it too much. There was a weather window with Wind and clouds so it was a good opportunity to get back out in cool temps. My intention was the do it again without protection on the 2nd crux to see if I could. Because I had done it protected on my 1st visit (Thanks to Harlan Stockman setting webbing prior to my arrival) I was more confident and the unknowns were no longer an issue. I was on the summit and looked down at my harness in horror that my carabiner wasn’t there. My heart sunk. I made the mistake of leaving it down below on the hanging rope, (the first crux) attached to my mechanical ascender! I made lemonade out of the lemons and just set up my webbing to go down the 2nd crux using it as a hand line down climbing instead of rappelling. Not ideal. Yikes! I saw a tortoise on the way up and knew I was going to have a great day. I ate nothing & consumed 30 oz’s of water…Please visit hwstock.org for good photos, instructions & 1st ascents by Harlan Stockman & Tracy F for info & d..." — paula.raimondi • Apr 22, 2022

"4.3.2022~The “Real” Devil’s Thumb, 6.5 miles, 800’ gain, 6:12hrs. Although I did this Alone, I am humbly honored to be guided on this peak remotely, with meticulous instruction and safety tips from Harlan Stockman who, along with Tracy F, established the route and 1st ascents. He also made a special trip out a few days ago to set a strap of webbing on a crux after he learned I was struggling with 2 failed attempts. This Kind and generous support I greatly appreciate since it got me to the top. See his page hwstock.org if looking for the best info on how to climb this peak. For the car I had, I thought it best to park at the actual abandoned LORAN Station. Not sure it’s allowed but I didn’t see “no trespassing” signs. The weather is getting warm so I had to pull the trigger on my 3rd attempt. The forecast showed cloud cover but it was thin so I didn’t get a lot of relief from the heat since my start time was 10:12am. I walked towards the monster massif with dread. I didn’t feel confident but had to give it another try. I got up the 1st part easily but even with the webbing set on the 2nd section, I was apprehensive and afraid. I meandered up and down the crux making sure I memori..." — paula.raimondi • Apr 3, 2022

"*my Peakbagger acct is now private to prevent “coincidences” & “serendipity” AND in case passive aggressive male 30 and 40 somethings need to stroke their pathetic egos by “one upping” a 54 year old woman up a mountain ON THE SAME EXACT DAY SHE’s THERE….Allegedly Anyhoo… 3.19.2022~Devil’s Thumb (failed) solo Attempt #2 & Peak 3,515’, Newberry Range, NV. 7 Miles, 1,700’ gain in 6:47hrs. I started my track at the Hwy turn off. The bag of tricks I brought to try and protect the 2nd crux climb was a fail. It’s not hard but super exposed. I wasn’t bold enough to go for it. I will try again as I don’t think I’m willing to give up yet. I believe I can eventually push thru the fear. My approach route to DT was stupid and sloppy. (Harlan & Tracy have the best approach route.) I should have drove my car longer on the dirt road past the V junction since it still seemed firm. Peak 3,515’ was neat. Glad I did it on my way out despite feeling sorry for myself. This area is so scenic. It was a windy afternoon but I appreciated it since it’s a warm hike. I drove into the LORAN Station on my way out. It is trashed and abandoned with cool looking graffiti. It has a haunted vibe. " — paula.raimondi • Mar 19, 2022

"3.14.2022~The “Real” Devil’s Thumb solo Attempt. I don’t consider this a failure, just a step on the road towards success. I climbed the hanging rope which is a big win for me and got me to the 1st ledge. I used friction knots. I went up and down that part several times to get comfortable with it. From there it’s a short but very exposed class 3+ climb. It isn’t anything I haven’t climbed and isn’t extremely hard but the exposure was super creepy. If I climb up, there is an anchor to add protection for the down climb or rap. I just have to muster up the courage to do it. I’m not ruling this one out. I will come back with my arbor throw bag and try to sling a rock to set some webbing for this section of climb. AND BRING A HELMET (I forgot)…I’m proud of what I did today. I spent a lot of hours getting comfortable with being around this rugged Devilish Monster Mtn. I’m sure everyone will get atop it before me but I don’t care. Being led or with a group/friend gives one the best opportunity but I don’t want that advantage. I will be back for the solo summit glory I desire. I may be one of the least brave & confident mountaineers that exist but it won’t stop me. Harlan Stockman establis..." — paula.raimondi • Mar 14, 2022

"Kevin graciously went with me to judge how other people would like this route, and because... we both like pointy desert peaks. The Loran Station Road is still mostly modest-clearance, 2wd, though one has to watch not to drive off the crumbling pavement strip in the middle. The next road can be avoided with an extra 2 miles of walking. We cleaned up a bit, removing the original hard ascend rope. My site has instructions, and this last trip convinced me that a lot of people who might be worried about this peak, should not worry, especially if they go with a partner. The 1st crux currently has a safe solution for someone who knows how to use ascenders or friction knots. The upper anchor, at the top of the 35' class 3+ stretch, has an added urethane-coated, UV resistant 4000 lb dyneema sling and a larger rapide, so a person can rap down on 80' or cordage. The last "crux" is really class 3, just remember where you broke through the wall. I actually found a safe alternative way down to the upper rap point; it's a bit confusing, but it shows that if you get lost at top, you aren't doomed! Thanks Kevin for a wonderful day. My 5th time, and I'll be back." — hwstock • Jan 8, 2022

"What a cool little peak! Went with Harlan, who pioneered a route up and set up some protection. The route we went up was technical, though there might be an extremely exposed and dangerous class 4 route along a creepy ledge. Harlan set up a line for me to ascend with my MicroTraxion & Tibloc to get over the vertical wall. We both went up the next exposed class 3+ section with no protection (it wasn't bad going up). from there, it was another minute or so to the open summit. We both did 2 raps down; first down the class 3+ section, which I wouldn't want to down climb, then down the wall. There are slings in both spots. The hike down from there was loose, but easy. I did manage to dislodge a boulder that banged up my shin a bit, but I'll live. I definitely recommend this hike for those who like tough, but short desert peaks!" — Kevin • Jan 8, 2022

"This dramatic little peak is higher than indicated by the usgs maps, and is at least class 4. I made my 4th trip to secure a fixed line so one could avoid the scary ledges; but I will probably take that line down in spring 2022. " — hwstock • Apr 27, 2021