Ice Trip for the New Year!

Ice is thataway!

New Years Day after partying it up with my friend Michelle Rose, Daniel and I started our drive to Bozeman for better late than never start of our ice climbing season. We slept in the 4runner and headed up to Hyalite Canyon in the morning of the 2nd...30 minutes up a plowed road in the Canyon when typically this drive is a continuous snowdrift was awesome!! We started off the season on Dribbles, a 4 pitch WI4 climb.

Dribbles

Windy and Cold!...Guess that's climbing. I got pelted by ice and split my left upper lip, at least it drew blood, it hurt enough to!

In rusty form I led pitch 1-3. This is me crapping my pants on pitch 3. Look at how many screws I placed. Funny!

Then off to Cody, WY. Brian, I know you missed Daniel on your shifts, so here's some eye candy. Just remember the South Fork mantra; don't stress the sheep!

We did Broken Hearts on the first day in Cody on the 3rd. Broken Hearts is a 4-7 pitch climb depending on conditions, motivation, and ability. We did pitch 1-4 (WI3+) and had a blast! On the climb we met a fun couple, Sara and Doug from Billings, MT

Pitch 1 of Broken Hearts

Daniel leading up P1

The South Fork slog between pitches when there is snow

Daniel on pitch 3, WI3+

Elisif leading P4

Sadly, we learned of an avalanche fatality on The Main Vein, a route that was actually on our list for the week. We drove up to the South Fork on the 4th, but after thinking about it in the parking area, the high winds and avi danger deterred us. No doubt, there were safe climbs in the area, but without resources besides the guide book, we decided to play it safe. We took an unplanned rest day and hung out in the hottub in our hotel and drove back to the Bozone.

Snow filled gullies above the Main Vein (right) and climbs in Cabin Creek (left)

Yay for more driving....

On the 5th we headed up to Hyalite to play around on the Unnamed Wall area.

Bingo World. I am in awe of those who can climb this!

Daniel checking out The Thrill is Gone M4 WI4. He decided to save it for another day.

The Elevator Shaft WI3+

Daniel on the Elevator Shaft

As I made it up to Daniel's belay he asked what happened. I had no idea that ice had cut up my face....again...didn't even feel it.

Scarface

We headed over to the Fat One and climbed the right side and toproped the left to play around on the steeper stuff.

Elisif on The Fat One, WI3

Back to Bozeman for some Montana Ale Works burgers after playing around on our last day, Then a drive all night to rainy Portland!

Best Wishes for the New Year!!!!!!