20070304 - Dodge's Drop
The days are getting longer and the planning is beginning for the first post-equinox (vernal) hike of the 2007 season. As always, I'm open to suggestions from the bleachers, but right now we've got freezing rain and I have a sore throat. Depending on what this does to the snowpack, it really makes me think about Hillman's again. Post your availability and/or desires here or by email (the UF is doing a good job g-$$$, don't resent her for securing your network!).
I'd like to point out that the current forecast for Saturday (as of 6am, Thursday) is for bright sunny skies.
Update 3/24, 6:40pm: Holy Crap! I didn't do Hillman's Highway after all. But I DID do something much cooler! More on this in a bit. I'm getting dinner and then putting something together to show the NEW COOL THING!
Ten Hints:
- I forgot sunscreen, and that was a problem.
- I needed my axe (and had it, so I used it).
- I should've sharpened my crampons
- I should've had two tools, not a single all-purpose alpine axe
- I used every technique I learned on that ice-climbing day at Cathedral Ledge.
- I was solo, and No, I didn't know it was going to be that steep... well, I sort of did ... but not really.... well, I figured it might be, but it was hard to tell from below.
- It had a greater elevation gain than Hillman's.
- It wasn't the Headwall or in Tuck's
- Halfway up I passed 3 climbers roping up their harnesses to ice screws for a belay. They watched me go by with my huge pack, strap-on crampons and one alpine axe. On guy said "going for the big ascent?" I thought about it for a sec and said "uh, yeh...." and kept going, trying not to drop ice on their heads.
- At the gnarliest points I said to myself "don't look down, don't look down..." and of course I did because it was so fucking steep. Luckily, it was also really fucking cool.
Update 9:34pm: See pic posted at right (and link to gallery on left, or click on title) for route. I got up to the cabin and stared at that gully on the left of Hillmans and couldn't resist.
Update 3/25/07, 5pm: Due to some weird problem w/ BlogSpot (who hosts this blog) I lost the Dodge's Drop post.
I know it is early but this weekend coming up....it is GAME ON...
ReplyDeletePM you better be ready to go!!!
Wait'll you see the youtube version! ha! coming soon....
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4nIRbkL2SU
(it'll be up tomorrow - monday - am)
Muthaz another piece of fine work...I wish I was there...I like the addition of the soundtrack maybe a CD production can come out with all the songs from the videos....the crampons are sharpened the gear is ready for this weekend....
ReplyDeletesweet! i'll get a post up soon. any ideas for adventure?
ReplyDelete