1400′ NC Ice route Jan 5th
Today Rodney and I climbed a 1400+ foot ice route in NC. The conditions where excellent with fat Ice all the way up. The beginning starts out with WI1 conditions with a step of WI 2.
AMI Climbing Guide Rodney Lanier
This follow a long gully that get steeper as you get higher. The view were spectacular with the new fallen snow. We simul climbed through the easier ground to get to the first vertical wall. I lead this with two screw placements.
Gully Ice
Further up there was some 3rd class terrain that leads the big flows. The waterfall wall is about 3/4 the way up and give the opportunity for WI 3 or WI4 typically. Both the WI 3 and 4 were in and Rodney wanted to do the WI3 so I led that. There was a column almost touching the ground. It looks like it would go if it fattens ups some. Rodney led a WI1 pitch and linked some of the next pitch together. I was delighted to see that the last pitch was fatter than I had ever seen it. The normally has verglass ice on it, but I was sinking 16cm screws.
Patrick,
Both Stefan and I are really looking forward to climbing Sam’s Knob route with you this weekend. I hope to put in practice the skills you taught me earlier this month on Hwy. 215. See you soon!
Patrick,
Both Stefan & I thoroughly enjoyed Sunday’s climb of Sam’s Knob. What an exciting route…and quite an impressive view from the top. As a follow-up to my day of private ice climbing instruction with you several weeks ago, this climb was challenging yet superbly enjoyable. Your recommendation was spot on! Your ability to weave safety as well as fun into the climb was evident from the start. I especially appreciated the “tricks of the trade” you shared with us like the Double Munter Hitch, for example. You are a great guide and a genuinely nice guy. I’m looking forward to visiting Ecuador with you in the future.