Sunday, February 10, 2013

Denver University


Every year Denver University's Alpine Club takes a trip down to southwest Colorado to ice climb in Ouray and ski in Telluride.  This year the weather ended up working out great for them.  The skiers got some fresh powder and the ice climbers got to climb super fat ice in warm temps.  As always it was a great time with a super fun group!  We look forward to next year!

Sporting a sweater and a hat so big it fits over his helmet!


Exiting the "Ice Tunnel".

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Dream Catcher

On February 3rd Jeff and I went out to Arch Canyon to try and climb both Dream Catcher and Dream Speaker in a day. Jeff had not climbed since Million Dollar Tower in November.  His shoulder is feeling better than it did back then but it's still pretty painful.  I made him carry his own pack this time around, despite the note he gave me from his Physical Therapist that said he is old/weak/brokem and that I should basically carry him to the tower.  We parked on the rim and did a rappel to get into the canyon.  Hiking down the steep hill all I could hear behind me was ouch....... ouch.... ouch.................... ouch, every time his arm would get jarred a little.  
But we made it to the base of Dream Catcher and racked up.  Jeff was able to lead pitches 2 and 4 with what appeared to be less pain then the hiking in.  Once we rappeled and did the traverse pitch to the base of Dream Speaker we decided that we were running low on time.  We decided to leave Dream Speaker for another day and start the 2 hour return trip to the car.  On the way out we found a path that required no fixed rope and took a few minutes to look at an indian ruin.  Arriving back at the car minutes before dark we felt a little justified for bailing on Dream Speaker. 
I'm stoked to have Jeff back in action!

Jeff back in action!

Dream Speaker(R) and Dream Catcher(L) viewed from the rim.
Jeff rappeling in from the rim.

We should have brought out ice tools!


Old indian ruins.

Dream Catcher from the south side.

Dream Speaker

Indian ruin

Now that is some old corn!









Ice Park to the Backcountry


Mike just came out for a few days of ice climbing in Ouray.  We started out in the Ouray Ice Park and then headed out to the backcountry for the next two days.  Our first backcountry route was Dexter Creek Slabs just north of Ouray.  Right now we have a winning combination; Dexter is in super fat with and has very little snow for the approach.  On the final day we drove down to Eureka and climbed the ultra classic Whorehouse Hoses.  Finishing with both of the third pitch options made for a great day in the mountains!
Great climbing with you Mike!
BK
Day 1 in the Ice Park!
Hiking up to Dexter
Rappeling Dexter.
Hiking to Whorehouse Hoses
Mike finishing the 3rd pitch of Whorehouse Hoses
Mike rappeling pitch 2 of Whorehouse Hoses
Mike headed down after climbing Whorehouse Hoses.