Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Better Than Solstice - WI3, 150m (3 pitches)

November 24, 2007 I led the first ascent team on this slacker WI3, eh, hard to get FA's. I spotted this waterfall solo scrambling/traversing Mt. Bryant back in 2006. Jason, TJ and I had fun on this route in 2007, so fast forward to fall 2016, I thought I would head back here with John for some early season fun.

Back in '07, the ice quality and quantity was better than John and I had this year. http://www.gravsports-ice.com/icethreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/217/Better_Than_Solstice,_F&D

In the lower section the ice was not well attached to the rock, was super dry and aerated and where it transitioned from near vertical to lower angle, was only about 1 cm thick; difficult to protect. After the first 30 metres, the ice improved greatly.  John and I had a lot of fun of this early season route.



Mt. Bryant from the parking area.
View of BTS from creek.

zoomed in view of BTS

First pitch of BTS, F & D to left, not safe to  climb.

John having fun.

View down from first belay station.

View up from second belay station.