|
Base Camp
Up
| |
- Statistics:
- Date Hiked: December 9, 2006
- Miles Hiked: 1.0 (Estimate)
- Elevation Gain: 300' (Estimate)
- Hiking Partner(s): George
Barnes, Nate Stutzke
- Routes: WI3-4 (4 Pitches)
- Description:
- The Spiral Staircase is a fairly easy Vail Ice flow (generally rate
WI-3/4) to the east of the Rigid Designator and The Fang. In early
season, the steps haven't grown on the staircase and the ice hasn't had an
opportunity to fully come in. As a result, the consensus was that
the left side of the flow was likely WI-4. We got to Vail early
because of the weekend and were the first climbers to the area.
George led the pitch and Nate cleaned. From the top, they set up two
top ropes on each side of the flow.
- My first run was miserable as it was my first real climb of the season
and my hands nearly froze solid. A combination of the wrong gloves
and gripping the tools too tight made me almost want to puke (Sreaming
Barffies) by the time I
was lowered back down. Next, I "led" the easier side of the ice on
top rope. George let me use his ice screws to practice setting
screws as if I was on lead. We all got wet on the right side and
pulled the rope after everyone had a climbed it a couple of times.
- George climbed Secret Probation (M7) next to the spiral staircase on
top rope. Nate and I gave it a shot, but each of us only made it
about 20-25' up the route. I floundered quite a bit and knew I was
in way over my head. After everyone had their fill, we packed up
shop and made a quick glissade down the "Alpine Slide" to the groomed
cross country trails.
- Maps:
- Photographs:
| |
www.
just
hiking
.com
|
