The Rock

El Capitan, a 3,200 ft tall monolith of granite in Yosemite National Park, is one of the most famous climbing venues in the US. It was in the news a few days ago when Emily Harrington, an elite climber, survived a fall from the face without serious injury. Media outlets used the term "pin-balled" to describe her fall. That action may be what saved her from serious injury or death.

The photo was taken during our visit to Yosemite in 2016. When there are climbers on El Capitan you can typically find a colleague in the meadow to the south about a quarter mile away from the base, keeping track of the climbers with a telescope. Without a telescope it is very difficult to see climbers, unless they are wearing brightly color clothes and in the process of moving.