My first day climbing ice!! It was awesome. My group is totally supportive of me and everyone else in the clinic is supercool. Caroline helped each of us with our crampons and showed us how to build and equalize top-rope anchors as soon as we got to the top of the first climb in South Park. We paired up with the intermediate group led by Sarah Hueniken, they had all climbed before so it was interesting to see their technique! We traversed three feet up the ice and learned footwork then the swing. It's a strange sensation hugging a frozen waterfall with spikes sticking out the front of your shoes. They only go about 1/8" in to the ice and you're supposed to trust them? Okay.
The ice tools were easier to trust, they're bigger, longer, seemingly stronger and you can see them! The feet thing will be tough to get over! The first route after that was about a 75 degree angle at the bottom and steeper at the top. It was solid, hard ice but there were many natural features to hook; my swing and kick were solid enough, but putting it all together, mentally and physically was slow. I probably kicked way more than I needed to, trying to make larger holds for lack of trust. I was hard on myself and insecure and fell backward mentally. I was soooooo overwhelmed, more than ever in my life.. One of the most difficult physical activities in the world, far from home, new place, difficult weather and terrain and altitude sickness, but I did my best!! I'm learning so much but for some reason I expect myself to be stellar, even pro level right away. I did well, as did Courtney, Tracey and Carrie, especially for beginners. The second route was a little more difficult, it was about 80 degrees for 30-35 feet, then there was a 4-5 inch ledge and bulgy, overhanging solid cauliflower ice at the top, which I managed to gracefully hit my head on. I got up despite doubts and bad form. Courtney did so well, she got over the bulge like she'd done it a thousand times! It was awesome to watch! My ascent wasn't quite as smooth but I made it up!! Instead of reaching the tools high and making small steps, I traversed to the right, found a sort of cave to secure my placements and crawled back out and up. I can still picture the overhang, I actually did it!! It was way cool, tomorrow will be amazing too. NEED SLEEP!
