George, WA - Ancient Lakes Ice Climbing

Cold temperatures in the Columbia River gorge allow some of the seeps around the Ancient Lakes to freeze up. With the sunny forecast and a sick day at work ;) what better way to work off a cold...did I just say that?!?

This stuff is good for a work out and the views aren't too bad either. Sarah's first time out to swing picks and she now knows the meaning of pumped once again.

North Bend, WA - Exit 38 Ice

Peaking thru the trees 'Early Morning Meeting' awaits

No one could really say this is the best ice climbing in our humble state but heck it is close to the city and once a year things seem to become more 'solid' as a cold snap appears in early December. This route just left of CYA is unnamed but for good reason I call it "Early Morning Meeting", WI3. At 7am I my CC partner and I are trudging up the path to the trestle around Exit 38. Looking at the formations we decide this one it "in". I lead (aka solo) the thing putting in stubbies that bottom out on the rock underneath. Falling is not an option unless a trip to the ER is in the schedule. A top out to slings above and we have a fun and challenging local route. Conditions vary wildly so take it all in par.

A thin curtain call

A big happy anchor

What a meeting! Is there anymore coffee??

That rope needs to be fixed

One more time, please?