Weekend Ice Climbing

Did a small lead as my last climb of the day

Moss Wall, Stonehouse Pond, NH

What a great weekend of climbing. I got in a couple of small leads and lots of top rope laps at Rumney and Stonehouse Pond. I had climbed rock at Rumney many times but it was my first time EVER ice climbing at Rumney and it was a blast! Originally we were supposed to climb at Frankenstein Cliff on Saturday but Nancy forgot her snow pants. I suggested Rumney or the North End of Cathedral because both are sheltered. We decided on Rumney and it turned out to be a good alternative. Rumney was 8 degrees warmer and when we got there, there were some folks leaving. We got in some laps and I got to lead that dirty little route on the right!  😁 

Parking Lot Wall Pano

On Sunday I met up with Adam and Kyle at Stonehouse Pond. They each brought two others who were new to ice climbing. The new climbers were having a great time learning. Eric and I paired up to climb and it was fun to give him some beta about climbing and ice screws as well. Happy to get in some laps and a small lead as well! ❤️

Thanks to all your help and support this weekend in my "Turning 60 & Climbing About It" project! 27 pitches down, 33 left to go!

Beginner's Route - Rock Climbing

At the anchor of Beginner's Route

Well, I sure didn't expect to lead a trad route here at Rumney, but there's always a first time! We headed up to the Parking Lot wall first and Jackie and I both warmed up leading A Week With Pete (5.3). Then Jackie lead the route to the left of it, Shealyn's Way (5.7). 

Photo right: Jackie at the anchor of Shealyn's Way.

Looking down from the Beginner's Route anchor

We headed to the Meadows and was looking at Bolt Line (5.8) when I spotted Beginner's Route (5.5). So I ran down to my truck and grabbed my trad rack. Part way up the route I thought I may not have enough pro and quickdraws....from here I had to manage placing pro to make certain I had two quickdraws left for the anchor. And at the ledge just before the anchors, there was sooooo much rope drag. I realized then I should've brought my alpine draws along to use. I asked Jackie what I should do and she said to take up some rope and carry it up to the anchor. I was sketched out at first, but the footholds were all solid, so I did what she said and finished the climb. Whew! Definitely an onsight!

Afterwards we headed up the the Crow's Nest where I didn't feel like leading Pee Wee's Big Adventure (another trad route), but Jackie crushed Scuttlebutt (5.6).

Photo right: Jackie at the anchor of Scuttlebutt.