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Base Camp
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- Statistics:
- Date Hiked: April 8, 2007
- Miles Hiked: 1.0 (Estimate)
- Elevation Gain: 300' (Estimate)
- Hiking Partner(s): Brian Kooeinga
& John Brookhouse
- Routes: WI3-4 (7 Pitches)
- Description:
- Brian's long time friend, John Brookhouse, was on vacation in Colorado
skiing and decided to take a day off to go ice climbing.
Fortunately, I was allowed to tag along and after seeing that the Shroud
in Officer's Gulch was pretty much gone for the season, we decided to try
Vail. On the approach hike, we went past the Fang and Rigid
Designator which were no longer climbable. We made our way to the
Spiral Staircase which was fairly beat out on the left side, but still had
plenty of ice to climb.
- It was my turn to lead, so after Brian burned a screw in for me at the
base of the climb, I was off. I think the Spiral Staircase is rated
WI4; however, I took the easiest line and wouldn't put it at that level.
A 3+/4- rating seems more appropriate. It was definitely easier than
Brian's last lead at Hidden Falls which I thought was a solid WI4. I
ended up putting three more screws in before topping out and bringing Brian
up to clean the route. We then set up a top rope off a huge tree and
then rigged a directional sling to eliminate anyone from taking a huge
whipper.
- The three of us climbed all day on several different lines. We
had a great day with perfect weather and Styrofoam ice. It was
John's first time ice climbing and I think he enjoyed himself.
Although the left side was somewhat of a hookfest, the right side of the
falls was fairly stiff and challenging. After everyone was burned
out, we broke down the top rope and hiked back to the vehicle on the golf
course.
- Maps:
- Photographs:
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