Once in my career did I almost grab a rattle snake. I was scrambling fast and just happened to focus on this particular hand hold before grabbing it since it looked like it might be loose and there he was! They are frequently seen on Sunlit rocks in temps between about 45-70F trying to warm up. . .Just a little guy but supposedly more poisonous. . . Luck be with me. . . I do see them regularly. . . 2-4 times a year and unknowingly walk/bike by god knows how many, LOL. The end of my Seal Rock video has a big cool loud angry one. . .
That San Rafael rock is SUPER SKETCHY, I think the most dangerous I've ever been on. Much of it is soft sand stone sediment that was lifted with a tectonic collision and now weak and crumbling.
In a simple way, I am curious about the rock formations, basic formation history AND how the composition affects climbing, sand stone is cracks and slopers, young granite is sharp and grippy, much more on many rock types. . . The hardness and the way it is lifted also affects how and what kind of holds generally form, incut, pockets. . .
I did make this video showcasing the MACRO scene of the San Rafael Swell and did some very basic research for it. Amazing formations! Some of my other videos really showcase the slots and towers, like Temple Mnt. . . .