Last week Chris and I took an excursion near Nederland in search of ice. We had ropes, climbing equipment, crampons, skis, trekking poles, winter gear, ice tools and the can-do attitude that would make mom proud.
Let's climb this bad boy
Anyone who knows me well understands my disdain for cold, snow, skiing, and water chestnuts. But ice climbing has always intrigued me and Chris is just the man to make it happen. He equipped me with approach skis, gave me a quick lesson and off we went on our approach.
Approaching the crag with 100% focus and 0% skill
We skied along a road for a couple miles before peeling off into the woods. Chris carved a series of switchbacks and I followed. The snow was 2-3 feet deep in most areas and became deeper as we meandered uphill. I kept up for the most part, but in one section with a steep turn and incline, I got stuck for a good while. Chris came back to make sure a mountain lion hadn’t eaten me. Of course, mountain lions won’t come near me because they know I’m friends with Eli.
Unfortunately our route was pretty "bony."
As we got close to our climb, we could see the ice hadn’t formed like we had hoped. The chimney looked amazing, but with no ice it wasn’t worth the serious struggle to tackle the snow covered talus guarding the rock.
Chris considering our next move
We decided to descend and grab a beer and some awesome Nepalese food in Nederland. Below is a short video that pretty well sums up the day. I’ll make it out ice climbing sooner or later. Thanks to Chris for a unique adventure, a great time and some good photos! It’s always fun getting involved in something new and challenging.
Wow, Adam on skis, I never thought I’d see the day! You looked like a natural out there!
Adam- I’ve seen you 35 feet above the deck, facing a possible ground fall, SANS helmet… yet you wear one when cross country skiing in three feet of powder. I don’t get it.
PS- looked like a lot of fun, even if there wasn’t any ice! Thanks for the post.
When you’re as uncoordinated as I am on skies, any little rock or tree branch or unassuming porcupine along the trail is life threatening. It also helped keep the top of my head warm! But really – I’m wearing my helmet more often now. I just need to remember to bring it with me, especially for some of the underprotected climbs in the area and/or multipitch lines with possible loose rock. From what I’ve seen it’s just as likely for a belayer to need a helmet as the climber.
WOW!!! You’re getting into some exciting adventure! BUT BE CAREFUL!!!
Nebraska kids can ski
Skiing is way more dangerous than climbing that is why Adam knows to wear his helmet! And you gotta try skiing at least once to know it is expensive, you have to get up real early, and you get stuck in traffic so it is just not worth it. It is a much better idea to sleep in, drink some hot cocoa that doesn’t cost $20 and go climb indoors at the gym.
This is hilarious, coming from the guy who complains if it’s too cold to take off his shirt while climbing!