This weekend, I spent some time at a nearby bluff trying out a new length of Sterling HTP 9mm rope. Wrap 3, pull 2. I also tried a new carabiner to set anchor: Rock Exotica Pirate Screw-Lock. A slight redirect helped give me the right angle off the edge and prevented the rope from deflecting around that little tree in the foreground. Also used a Rock Exotica Pirate here. The second smaller line in the pics above is a new safety tether system I put together with 6mm cordage and two 4mm prusiks for adjustment. It worked great while I was setting edge protection and while I was loading and locking off my descender. Here's a picture of how it works. Edge protection! Since I was rappelling alone, I used an autoblock. I spent my time practicing changeovers between descending and ascending, all with the the Sterling ATS. Here's the little practice bluff--probably 25' or so. I might take a tape with me next time to measure. I climbed it (completely ascended rope) a couple of times. Packed up and ready to head back home.
