“You have to lead Stool Pigeon to join the club.”

This is something I’ve said in a half joking manner to several climbers who ask about our “club.” Devils Lake, like many other climbing areas, has had several generations of groups of hardcore climbers who, in one way or another, make their mark. The DLFA being the most notorious of these “clubs.” We call ourselves the Crimpers of the Purple Wave, or CPW for short. The original 6 members happened to meet each other because we all started trying Stool Pigeon as a headpoint project. 

Stool Pigeon is by no means the hardest or scariest route at the Lake, but we all agree that something about the route has a different energy. A proud line right up the arete on the left side of Brintons Buttress. A healthy runout at the crux at the top of the climb with a mandatory heel hook move with gear below your feet feels pretty out there.

In short order we all lead the route, a few of us, myself included, took some truly epic falls off the top of the route before pulling it off. 

The route still has an energy around it. It’s big and bold, but man, it is so much fun. Previously a seldom done lead, we all tell people that it’s an absolute classic. This route brought us together. It’s got something special about it. 

The CPW now meets every weekend at my trailer at Green Valley to talk shit, climb a bit, and push each other a little bit further. Dave Groth informed me recently that we happened to choose the same site that the DLFA used to hang out at. So come find us. Tie in for a lead. Have a bit of fun. Don’t take anything too seriously either. If you ask about us, I’ll probably tell you that you have to lead Stool Pigeon to join the club.