Pipe Dream, Provo, Utah
Took DW up for her first Ice Climb. Snowing like crazy. About a half mile from the parking lot, we got to the base of the falls, and got her into her crampons and handed her some tools for a light bouldering workout on non-vertical ice.
She loved it.
Then it was time to rope up and after explaining a bit about the belay change, took off up the waterfall - frozen for the most part, but beautiful sound of running water bubbling from behind the curtain of ice.
I set two screws on the way up, but didn't protect the top half, letting it run out about 30'. At the top (60'?) I set up a belay stance and started bringing her up.
Roping Up:
Near the 2nd screw:
Smooth Moves:
Short Cruxy Thin WI4 Moves:
Topping Out:
(note the colorful biners racked on the harness)
One freaking happy ice climber, done:
On the way out we ran into a fisherman who wondered if it was top-rope-able. Since I had walked down a gully after lowering DW (couldn't find any bolts under the snow, and I didn't want to bail on a sling) I said it was possible with fortitude, but I think he wasn't interested at that point.
My first WI3 lead, and DW's first ice. What an amazing day.
Took DW up for her first Ice Climb. Snowing like crazy. About a half mile from the parking lot, we got to the base of the falls, and got her into her crampons and handed her some tools for a light bouldering workout on non-vertical ice.
She loved it.
Then it was time to rope up and after explaining a bit about the belay change, took off up the waterfall - frozen for the most part, but beautiful sound of running water bubbling from behind the curtain of ice.
I set two screws on the way up, but didn't protect the top half, letting it run out about 30'. At the top (60'?) I set up a belay stance and started bringing her up.
Roping Up:
Near the 2nd screw:
Smooth Moves:
Short Cruxy Thin WI4 Moves:
Topping Out:
(note the colorful biners racked on the harness)
One freaking happy ice climber, done:
On the way out we ran into a fisherman who wondered if it was top-rope-able. Since I had walked down a gully after lowering DW (couldn't find any bolts under the snow, and I didn't want to bail on a sling) I said it was possible with fortitude, but I think he wasn't interested at that point.
My first WI3 lead, and DW's first ice. What an amazing day.
It was a GREAT day! thanks honey! You did so awesome leading and placing protection. I am soooo proud of you!
ReplyDeletelooks cool or should I say cold.
ReplyDeleteIt was around 27, the heavy overcast and snow kept the heat in and cold out. The snow was pretty much melting as it hit us (except on Angie's head where it was insulated, in the pics) and the water was running under the snow up top and at the bottom.
ReplyDelete