Come to the Land of the Ice and Snow.
Frisco/Vail/Keystone Colorado 2/01/14
Lee and I hunker down in a wonderful cave behind the frozen waterfall on the
first of my climbing days. The first which, I should add, was two days too
late. I was scheduled to depart Ktown on Friday, they delayed my flights
to the point that I couldn't leave until the next day. So there was one
day of climbing nixed. Then the next day at the bright early hour of 4.30
PM they jetted me to Chicago where I sat on the tarmac waiting for United to
move a plane out of the gate. Unfortunately it was too late for most of us
on this flight to make our connections so we all got to spend a night in
Chicago. Then I missed my second day of lead climbing, guided by Steve
Johnson. He was going to take me up gratis and I was not happy with
Unightmare. Eventually I made it to Frisco and these guys were on day
three of climbing.
I like the approaches through the Aspen trees to great frozen waterfalls.
That is the rigid designator.
See the big bird?
Natural ice is something I have come to enjoy. Ouray is great with
hundreds of routes but the real stuff is a real challenge. Not that Ouray
isn't real. It's sort of coaxed. Here at Vail, its all real and very
accessible. John Davis is our denmother and he always takes care of the
logistics. I have come to appreciate that all we have to do is show up and
climb thanks to him.
Thats Lee in the foreground in my blue coat and me suiting up for a trip up the
blue.
There is our belaymom. John Davis. JD lives in Boulder.
While out there were the recipients of over three feet of
fresh powder. That meant two downhill ski days for me at Keystone Resort.
So I got enough climbing and skiing. Well, that's bs. I never get
enough of either. I should say I received a fair share of both. No
need to be selfish.
Despite the travel headaches and the Unightmare airlines
experience, it was a grand time. Not pictured is Dan and Neil.
Actually, that is Dan in the pic above, I think? Who knows. It
was great to be with my Denali buddies once again.
On a related note, have you purchased a copy of my
book? Would you like a hard copy in print? Well now is your chance.
It is now available on Amazon at 166 pages and the low cost of 12 dollars.
It is being well reviewed in the climbing community and this story has helped
generate some sales overseas.
When the
mountain gods are angry – Footsteps on the Mountain
Here is a link from the Daily Times on Monday
Local
News | The Daily Times - Blount man escapes deadly climbing season in Pakistan
Want to purchase a hard copy? Here is where
to do so.
Tempting the Throne
Room
Of course the eBook is still available for a $6
download here:
Smashwords
– Tempting the Throne Room —a book by John Quillen