So this was my first attempt at ice climbing and well I have a lot to learn. It was a pretty cold day to start and the 4km approach was not exactly enjoyable. I've walked and biked this road too much in the last year...still missing a ski! Anyways we got up and the weather improved. I watched a bunch of other climbers and get some pointers. I also got to actually wear my crampons for the first time! I even cut a hole in my gaiters. Anyways I started out on "French Kiss" and only made it about 15 feet up before my arms gave out. Three things I learned, my hands were to big for the hand holds on the ice axe, next my gloves were to bulky and made the hand holds even harder to hold, and last and most important I have no forearm strength. I'll have to try this again some other time but it was fun to try and get an idea of what it is like. Here is to next time.
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| Cloudy cold day on the hike up |
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| View from the road of the ice |
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| Close up view of the ice (French kiss on far left, other climbs were going right are le Pilier des putains, pearl necklace and Quick and Dirty) |
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| On my way down, picture out of order |
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| Picture from my go pro |
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| Another picture from my go pro |
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| Done and done, that was hard |
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Hiking out!
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