Phil and I headed up to Washington Pass looking for some ice.
We'd hear reports that some of the roadside flows were in and the elevation
at the pass afforded a greater likelihood that we'd find solid ice.
There were some short flows next to road but they looked tricky to top
out on. Then we spotted a large flow in the distance. It appeared
to be about an hour's snowy bushwhack so we loaded up our packs...
Photo by Phil Fortier
The flow. It was heavily chandeliered and wet. Leading it
was out of the question. We considered setting up a top rope but
it would have taken some doing to get it right. We would have really
need a static line strung between the two trees at the top but we didn't
have one. Instead we were quite content to boulder around on it.
It was possible to climb into the cave at center and boulder around on
the inside. It was pretty cool. We met three other climbers
so it was also very social.
Inside the cave looking out.
Phil on the inside of the flow.
The next day it was snowing heavily and although we'd had plans to head
back up to the waterfall we opted for a nice looking chunk of roadside
ice.
Photo by Phil Fortier
Me (Greg) bouldering.
Phil found something that could almost be led. We got the rope
out but a little higher than this it turned rotten so he backed off.