Well the heat wave hit, after a month of below average
temperatures and about average snowfall, the spring temperatures arrived with
strength. John and I were looking for a
casual day of ice climbing. I did not
ice climb at all last season (2017/2018) since I was recovering from bicep
tendon repair surgery, and only ice climbed three times in the previous season
(2016/2017). An easy day was in order.
John suggested Bear Spirit crag and I had only been there once before,
about 6 years with Kyle, so seemed like a great idea.
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John on TR having fun. |
Bear Spirit was first developed as a mixed crag, but
typically has a large nice steep curtain of ice, WI4+ to 5, so it is popular
was a top-roping venue for ice or mixed climbing. Relatively short approach and
easy access to the top of the curtain makes this venue busy most of the time.
John and I had a rare day of only ones there, probably due to the very warm
temperatures, but the crag is well shaded, and we only climbed in the
morning.
|
Back of the curtain, not that thick. |
|
Front of main ice curtain. |
|
John on rap after setting up top rope anchor. |
|
John having fun. |
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More TR action |
About 45 minutes of approach, set up the top rope and we
climbed until our arms were done, about 5 laps each. Enjoy the feel of the
steep ice, without fear of falling, and headed to Banff from pizza in the warm
sun. Fun casual day to get one day of
ice climbing this winter, now time to rock (climb).