Saturday, March 30, 2019

Crack Climbing & Sport Leading Lesson #11



Icy pond next to Salt Pump Gym

Felt great to finish off the week of climbing with a climbing lesson with Tino! I try to get in at least one lead climb a week whether it's outdoor or indoor climbing. It definitely helps to keep a lead head! We worked on "Sloper" holds and I realized that certain body techniques used are very similar to the body techniques used in crack climbing. On my lead lesson, I really love that instead of just clipping my rope into the quickdraws, I get to place the quickdraws! Indoor climbing gyms already have quickdraws set on the lead routes so that the lead climber just clips into them. But since I'm having a lead climbing lesson, Tino put me on routes where there are no quickdraws...the routes with the top rope setups. That way I get to place the quickdraws as well as clip my rope into them - so much more interesting and enjoyable!

During my crack climbing lesson, I found the slightly overhanging, upper section of the crack to be easier than in the past lessons. And so is reading the crack to see the right places for good hands and feet jams. But I felt insecure about some of my jams. "Not all jams will feel totally secure", says Tino. I feel defeated. "Don't worry, you can do this....just climb past the jam", he says. He's right and I am hopeful! Embrace crack climbing! 

Monday, March 18, 2019

Lost In The Forest, Frankenstein Cliff - Ice Climbing




Lost in the woods, frankenstein ice, crawford notch
Leading the right side of Drip In The Woods

We took a look at Willey's Slide from the road and although there was blue ice, there was a lot of snow on the left and bottom of the slide. Plus it was super windy. So Nuno and I opted to check out Frankenstein Ice. Good choice - we stuck to the sheltered Lost In the Woods area. We hiked up to the base of the ice cliffs and there were a pair just finishing up. I led the right side of Lost In The Woods (WI2) and set up a top rope anchor, and Nuno and I climbed a couple of laps. Since the left side was full of snow, we just climbed laps on the center and right sides. Then I led the right side of Drip In The Woods (WI4) and set up a top rope anchor so we could finish up on the steep curtain. Warm, lots of sun and a good day for ice climbing! Thanks, Nuno for your help and support for my "Turning 60 and Climbing About It" project - at this point, a little more than halfway to my 60-pitch climbing goal! 


Nuno on Drip In The Woods


From the top of Lost In The Forest

Lost In The Forest



Tuesday, March 12, 2019

North End Slab, Cathedral Ledge - Ice Climbing





Met up with Brandie to climb at the North End of Cathedral today. We parked at the intersection of Cathedral Ledge and Chapel roads and walked in. We got up to the base of Thresher with the intent for me to lead a quick climb. But with too much fresh snow, I bailed after placing the first piece of pro - so much work clearing the snow in order to look for a good placement. There was a guide and his group of clients at the North End Slab so we headed over. They had just finished up and was climbing at the Pillars. There was a lot of snow on the slab, but I knew there was a trail where the guide and his clients went up so I could follow. I got up about 4 feet past my first piece of pro when I realized that my right crampon had popped off. I'm all about downclimbing but when I placed my crampon-less foot in a pocket it slipped out. I looked over at Brandie and said: "I'm going to fall if I continue to downclimb." So I put in a piece of pro and had Brandie lower me so I could put my crampon back on and continue climbing. So much snow, but it was such a gorgeous day! Afterward, Brandie and I had (Poke) lunch at Delaney's Hole In the Wall. 

Thanks, Brandie for the photos and your help and support for my "Turning 60 and Climbing About It" project! ❤️ 



The top of the slab. Lots of snow and in 
some places, the snow was quite deep.




Looking up the North End Slab


Shaka!!
North End Slab, Cathedral Ledge, NH

Poke Salad Lunch
Poke, sushi, spring rolls, japanese, north conway


Sunday, March 3, 2019

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
rumney, ice climbing, parking lot wall


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!





Tuesday, February 26, 2019

North End Pillars Cathedral Ledge - Ice Climbing





It was Brandie's first time on ice this season and her first time ice climbing at Cathedral Ledge. We parked at the intersection of Cathedral Ledge and Sanctuary Roads and walked in. I was going to lead Brandie up the North End Slab but there were two guides with their clients. So instead, I set up a top rope anchor and we did laps on the North End Pillars. It was super windy on the drive up to North Conway, but being well-sheltered, the North End was free of wind. It was also quite warm, perfect! A mellow, relaxing day for getting in some ice climbing laps.  Thanks, Brandie for your help and support for my "Turning 60 and Climbing About It" project! ❤️ 

North End Pillars

From the top of North End Pillars
Brandie left - climbing guide in red jacket

The trail leading up to Thresher

Trail up to North End Slab




Sunday, February 17, 2019

Leprechaun's Lement (WI2-3) - Ice Climbing



Leprechaun's Lement (WI2-3)
Kinsman Notch, NH

Ice climbed at Kinsman Notch today. Only our group of 5 and another group of 5 climbing here today and after leading Leprechaun's Lement, I know why - super.hard.ice. It took me several extra swings and kicks to get a good purchase, and I had difficulty removing my tools from the ice. Gotta admit it was work and a lot harder to lead than I expected. But it was still a stellar day to be outdoors and climbing. It was good to finally meet up and climb with Catherine, Kristen, and SteveAnd thanks Jeni for your help and support for my "Turning 60 and Climbing About It" project! ❤️ 

1 lead and 3 top ropes down today....47 more pitches to go! 





Monday, February 11, 2019

Mt. Sunapee - Skiing Lesson #3



sunapee, paradise, south peak learning area, ski, learn to ski

Had my third lesson today - private because I was the only one in the lesson. Went over some stuff I already learned, then started skiing down the green trails. After my lesson, I continued skiing down the green trails. 4 hours of skiing on a gorgeous bluebird day. Yup, pretty stoked!


sunapee, south peak learning area, ski, learn to ski

sunapee, south peak learning area, ski, learn to ski

sunapee, south peak learning area, ski, learn to ski

Sunday, February 3, 2019

Vermont Weekend - Climbing & Skiing



smugglers notch, vermont, ENT Gully, multi pitch ice climbing
ENT Gully Pitch 1

Great weekend in Vermont! Jackie and I made the 1.8 mile uphill hike in from the south (Stowe) end of Smuggler's Notch. Then solo climbed up the steep approach...breaking trail to the base of the climb. But due to recent sub-zero temps, the ice at ENT Gully was bullet hard and super brittle - so we bailed on the much anticipated multi pitch climb. We plan on coming back for this climb. And next time I won't be wearing as many layers! Dang, I wore waaay too many layers on this trip - base layers, mid layers and thick insulated pants and jacket - all made for a very uncomfortable, too warm, uphill hike!

ENT Gully can be reached by hiking to the top of the notch on route 108 from either the south end in Stowe, or the north end in Jeffersonville. There is an outhouse (brown building with several toilets/urinals) and coming from the south end we hiked past this building on our left. Just beyond it and on our left, we headed up to the base of ENT Gully. You can see the ENT Gully area from the road. Not surprised that there weren't a lot of climbers out today, since the ice was so hard. But there were many hikers, snowboarders, skiers and dogs too...lots of folks out hiking and skiing with their dogs. On our way out, there were several groups of AVI training courses.

The next day I tried out my new-to-me skis and ski boots at Jay Peak Resort. My skis just got a stone grind tune up and they're super slick, but I love them. It snowed the day before so there was plenty of soft snow! Usually the trails at Jay Peak are dead on Super Bowl Sundays, but since it snowed the day before, everyone wanted to get out and the trails were busy. Jackie and Noah are volunteers on the Ski Patrol and at lunch we met up for a delicious bowl of hot Ramen noodles from Miso Hungry Tramside! 

At the base of ENT Gully

Jackie breaking trail

View of the notch from the base of ENT Gully

Me downclimbing

AVI courses 

Gorgeous Smuggs Ice Routes!

Uphill hike along Route 108

Town line of Cambridge and Stowe


Jay Peak (Stateside) Pano

Miso Hungry Ramen lunch
Jay Peak (Tramside)
ramen, noodles, miso hungry, tramside, jay peak


Sunday, January 27, 2019

Moss Slab Wall, Stonehouse Pond - Ice Climbing



pink pants, ice climbing, moss slab, cragging, stonehouse pond
Swing those ice tools!

Met up with Adam for some laps at the Moss Slab in Stonehouse Pond. Also met some new climbing friends, Kyle and Autumn - thanks for letting us use your excess anchor rope! Today's temps were cold and with the recent rain, the ice was soft and there was running water in a couple of spots. But still some good climbing laps to be had! With good chilly weather coming, the ice here should set up real nicely for the coming weekend! And thanks Adam for your help and support for my "Turning 60 and Climbing About It" project!


Kick those feet in!

Autumn's 2nd time on ice, swinging and kicking it!

Adam

Overlooking Stonehouse Pond from the top of the Main Cliff

YouTube Channel - Hawaii Girl Adventures

Check out my YouTube channel at:  Hawaii Girl Adventures I will eventually be phasing out blog posts and be posting videos of my climbing, h...