Early Season Ice in Eagle River

Every time I come out here I get lost and so every time I remember the lost part, not the right way to go. This route is easily hidden and easily found, but no matter the obstacles its always worth it.  Ryan, Tonya and I started out and then Jon and Sue surprised us by coming out.

The first pitch was thin in places, open in others and in general early season conditions. I opted to use a rope and lead the pitch, super easy climbing, but interesting to see the water running through the clear ice.

Pitch One

There was literally just a dusting of snow and the gully up for the most part was frozen solid, definitely more interesting climbing than usual.

Tanya going up one of many small steps.

 The one big pitch on this route had a lot of ice on it, but also a lot of open sections and a scary looking top out.  No one was really feeling up to this being their first lead of the season...so we with little pride set a top rope on it, and it was awesome!

There was no point in continuing up and there was an awesome walk off just to the right of the climb that a local showed us.  A short and gentle alder adventure led us back to the neighborhood.