Waimea
Waimea is THE destination crag at Rumney and a draw for climbers from around the world. It features numerous classic 5.12s and 5.14s, while also showcasing Jaws II (not the movie), the only 5.15 in America east of the Rockies. I like to pass through here to admire the grit and grace of stronger climbers, while imagining myself climbing these menacing walls someday.
The grey schist melds with vertical black and white streaks, like a row of teeth, and is cinched together with a rusted ochre belt. The walls rise from the base as if they were waves about to crash down, polka dotted with chalk-marks. Looking at the wall is enough to make your palms sweaty.
