NFOP Weekend

We started the weekend on a "(th)in" Moss Ghyl. (Th)in is a new word that means it's thick enough to climb, but will probably refuse to take any meaningful protection. No matter how many times we do this climb, I'm always a little surprised by how steep it is. The double fall-line appearance makes it look a lot less steep. Good time climbing ice that most closely resembled frozen grapefruits stuck to the rock. A couple stubby screws and a sling around a dead log was all the pro to be had.



Top of Moss Ghyl left behind the grapefruit ice and actually took a screw. (10cm Baby!)

She has a knack for always looking super mellow. Unfortunately, this is about 30 seconds before the barfies set in with a vengeance.

Upper part of the route from below. It never looks all that steep from the ground.

Today was spent on Weeping Winds, one of the big, beautiful lines hanging above the beaver pond. We took W.W. Left, which stays left of the dude in the red jacket and finishes with a great head wall of thick(er) ice. Everything was relative, since the first two pitches took no pro.

W.W. is the right patch of ice. There's a guy 1/4 of the way up in yellow pants and a red jacket. A true fashionista from North Carolina.

Low down on the route. One more long pitch of super thin ice led to better conditions and steeper ice above.

The money pitch! Great ice, a few thought-provoking moves, and a lot of air below your feet.