Sunday, August 15, 2010

Beartooths





In mid may Rusty Willis and myself ventured into upper Rock creek in search of an elusive icicle Mr. Stan Price told us about and I think we either didnt see it or Stan sent us youngsters out to earn our keep. We ended up seeing some great potential lines but nothing worked out and we didnt bring our skis so we limited our traveling abilities. We saw one wall in particular that looked like it would have something with the right conditions and so I decided to venture back the next day armed with Skis.



Rachel questioning my decision to continue...

Rusty was not able to make it the next day and with very little time I had to talk someone into going with me. All my usual partners were either to far away or not into a Mulkey Mission but Rachel Gaidys had never climbed with me before so she didnt know any better. lol


Rachel following up the 2nd pitch

After about an hour of skiing we came around a buttress and a very thin runnel of ice dropped from high above the wall down through a series of chimney systems. It appeared to be very thin but doable. I think when we both left the car we figured our chances of actually climbing something were very thin but turned out it was a our lucky day.


Rachel enjoying the thin top out!


This is the start of the 2nd pitch which provided some exciting rock climbing in the book fold.


Me on the 3rd pitch. It was very thin climbing that led to incredibly good alpine ice at the top.


Some good climbing puts a smile on anyones face.


One last fun chunk of ice at the end of the 4th pitch


Rachel toping out on possibly her first ascent ever !


1st pitch follows the snow gulley and across the snow ledge to the left. then follow the obvious runnels to the top.

The route was super good and provided almost 900feet of climbing. We found the potential new route to be WI4 M6 but some good ice could make this route much easier. The gear was pretty good but had some runout sections that kept me on my game. We named the route Splitsville WI4 M6



Beartooths Adventure from Aaron Mulkey on Vimeo.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Exciting Partnership


Mulkey on the FA of "Insane In The Brain"


Im excited to announce my partnership with Rab !

I have been using there gear for the last 6 months in some of the harshest environments while ice climbing and kayaking and I have walked away from each adventure happy that I had chosen there gear for the trip. I was a little concerned when the feather weight jackets and pants arrived but they have proven themselves in many different climates and terrain. The clothing and sleeping bags are some of the lightest and most weight efficient gear I have ever used.


Beartooths Love....


Deep in the heart of the wind rivers

Im happy to say that I gave Rab's gear a very hard test drive before deciding to partner with them. Multiple days of ice climbing in one of the most remote destination in the U.S. to sleeping in nothing but my jacket and pants deep in one of Arizona's most remarkable whitewater chasms, the Rab name proved itself warm and efficient.



Rab is obviously a big name in the UK but there presence is surely going to consume the American market with the incredible product they are representing.


Just happy to see ice and be warm

warm but wishing we could see something....

I look forward to the future and appreciate Rab for there support for what I love to do !