The Professor Falls - 280m WI4

Had a great day with my old climbing buddy Jason, it has been awhile since we climbed some ice together.  Originally I was super keen for a ski day and ideally a summit, but warm weather and spring conditions were ripe for isothermic snow, so Jason and I headed to The Professor Falls, a.k.a. Professor’s.

I think I first climbed Professor’s with Ian Hunt, Andy Meyers and Geoff (?) in December of 1995.  I am fairly sure I repeated the route in 96, 97, 98, 99 and I sure the last time I was there was in March of 2000 with Shawn Klimchuk. 

This winter I have hit a couple of routes I did with Ian back in the day BITD, Coire Dubh Integrale and Guinness Gully and last weekend, Professor’s.  Cloudy and brisk day with light snow and temps around -3 all day, solid and beautiful blue ice on Professor’s. I lead a couple of the lower pitches, JW a few of upper pitches and a bit of easy soloing in the middle.  Great day with a great friend on a great route; best ice day in a long time. 

Guinness Gully - 245m, WI 4

First climbed Guinness Gully back in March of 1997 with Ian Hunt. Back on March 11 Kyle and I had a late start, but great ice conditions for March, 2013.  Leading the third pitch felt tougher in 2013 than in 1997, I guess my age is catching up with me?  Also in the 96/97 ice season I probably had about 25 days of ice climbing, in 12/13 I have only had five or six days of mixed or ice climbing.  Fun day out.

Kyle on first pitch