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Like nomads Doug Shepherd and myself rose with the sun this morning in search of untouched ice.......
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Doug approaching our playground and me falling further behind with a strained IT-Band. Numerous times along the 3 hour approach I question why I was continuing to hike. The pain was numbing at times and would not stop but I knew Doug had come all the way from Colorado to climb and I couldnt let him down.
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Doug listened to me whine the entire way and he broke trail for his injured partner knowing it may be his only chance to touch new ice.
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As we rounded over one of the last hillsides we were rewarded with our efforts (although Doug said I was still complainin) with grand pitches of ice and although some of them were not touching and we didnt have our Pocket Steve-o we managed to climb some great pitches.
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Water and ice fell from the cliffs like a war zone as the sun blasted the cliffs. Doug was worried about getting sunburned and I was worried that he may have to drag me off the mountain on a makeshift sled. As we started climbing and discovering some of the new routes the pain of my knee took a backseat.
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Doug finding his way through the Booby Trap WI4 60m
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Doug enjoying some sun rays and First Ascents
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Our gorgeous drive in the morning
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Damn I love Ice Climbing.... Somedays the rewards are priceless! With the hot sunny day we opted for the climb in the shade. The spectacular climb on the right was taking a major beating from the sun, so we decided to save it for the next trip. we named the climb on the left Pole Postion WI4 35m
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As the sun escaped behind the curtain of mountains we were fired up to get one last climb ( Fabulous TNT's WI3+ 60m) and hike out in the dark.
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Doug Soloing up the first section as the light began to fade from the long day
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A great view from the top of the climb to top off an incredible day.
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Not sure what to say about this sign.....
And of course Doug made some Video!
Life of Cody Playa from Doug Shepherd on Vimeo.
2 comments:
Hey... if I get in shape want to do some alpine climbing this spring/summer?
de
You got it Dave, I would love to climb with you again!
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