New Englanders Andy Tuthill and Will Mayo have climbed a difficult new mixed route on Cannon Cliff in New Hampshire, 200 feet to the left of Omega (IV 5+) and just right of the Henderson Buttress. The two fired the thin ice smears and fractured rock of Mean Streak (450’, WI6 M7) in three long, sustained pitches, onsight, leaving no fixed protection. All three pitches had M6+ or harder climbing.

“The rock is of reasonably good quality with mostly good hooking and torquing the whole way,” Mayo said in an email. “There is some loose rock (especially toward the top), and belaying where indicated on the topo would ensure safety for the belayer.”

Mayo added that Mean Streak was “just another addition to the long list of first ascents Andy has done on Cannon, but, it was my very first first ascent on Cannon.” Indeed, Tuthill has been pioneering on New Hampshire’s biggest cliff since the mid-1970s, including the first winter ascents of Duet and Moby Grape.

Date of Ascent: December 11, 2007

Sources: Will Mayo, Ice Climber’s Guide to Northern New England

Enlarge
The line of Mean Streak. At the top, the two thrashed through the bushes up and right, and then rappelled Omega. Photo by Andy Tuthill. CLICK HERE TO VIEW A 1200 PIXEL VERSION OF THIS IMAGE

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