Black and Blue

Yay! Ice climbing season had arrived - or so we hoped. We were desperate to climb some ice, and although it was very early season nothing could deter us. We headed up to K-Country with Willis and Madeline to try and find something that would be formed enough to climb.

After waking up at 4:30 (!), we stumbled into the Library parking lot in Canmore to meet up with Willis & Maddy. It was important for us to get started early to beat the crowds and the forecasted mid day heat. Excited chatter filled the van as we headed out of town on the Spray Lakes Road towards the climb. Before we knew it, we arrived at the intersection with Hwy 40 in K-country. We had accidentally drove 20 minutes past our climb due to our excitement - whoops.

By the time we arrived at the pullout (6:30), two cars were already parked in the darkness. We were a little bummed out by this, but loaded up and started the long walk in to the Trick of Treat area. We had a few difficulties routefinding, and ended up way left of our destination. After traversing across the slope and racing another party we finally arrived at the base of Black & Blue - 4 fours after we had left the van.

Willis took the lead as the route, and dispatching he first pitch of the route easily (4 or 4+). I was sure glad he did, as the steep first section kicked my ass. I wasn't sure I would make it up! Brad led the second pitch, and I headed up after him to set a rappel anchor at the top. Minor frustrations held everyone up, from dropped belay devices to rappells that were 10m too short to reach their destination. We all arrived back on solid ground by 5:00 and packed up to head out.

The walk out was 2 hrs shorter, but it was much more unpleasant with bushwacking and rockhopping in a snow covered creek. It seemed that we would never arrive back at the road, and when we did it was 7:00 - 12 hours after we had set out. That's the price you pay when hunting for early ice!

Everyone was too beat up to head out the next day, so we went to Banff to check out the Mountain Film Festival. A great way to end a great weekend.