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Base Camp
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- Statistics:
- Date Hiked: December 10, 2010
- Miles Hiked: 0.6 (Estimate)
- Elevation Gain: 300' (Estimate)
- Hiking Partner(s): Jeff
Shafer
- Routes: WI3-4
- Description:
- Jeff and I each have some leave to burn before the end of the year, so
we decided to head to Vail (CO) on a Friday and see how the ice was
coming in. As we got to the Nordic heated bathroom parking lot, we
noticed a group of three or four ice climbers heading to the Rigid
Designator/Spiral Staircase area. We had planned on going to the
Spiral Staircase, but didn't want too much company and examined the Pumphouse Falls with binoculars
from below. It definitely had enough
climbable ice, so we changed our plans and proceeded due south to the Pumphouse Falls directly above us.
- Vail is in early season condition as the flow wasn't nearly as fat
as when we climbed back in April. We each led the pitch in
traditional style three times and top-roped the route for two more runs.
It was a good day of practicing lead on some more difficult ice
that either one of us had probably led. Jeff looked strong in his
new Grivel Rambos, while I continue to lead with only a leash on my left
hand.
- Maps:
- Photographs:
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