Had the weather forecast not deteriorated on us, this might have been titled “Return to Garden of the Gods”. However the winds and increased chance of rain or snow had us convinced the reasonable option was ice climbing. (Hint: If ice climbing ever seems reasonable – you’re beyond help.)
Having been given the keys to the secret ice lair I figured it would be the perfect place to take Pete. I was a little shocked I remembered where the hidden passage way descended into the rabbit hole, but we got there just fine.
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We rappelled in with full packs to enjoy thermoses of tea and down jackets between laps.
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After a few warm up laps along the complete ice flow, I climbed up and set an anchor at the base of the steeper ice so we’d more efficiently work technique.
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Pete’s technique was improving with every lap as he’d only been ice climbing a scant few times prior. If he hadn’t been getting tired I’d have forced him into a lap with a single ice tool to work on his balance. Instead, I took a lap with only one tool to show him what could be done.
I didn’t do any leading today, but felt my confidence and technique returning to last year’s levels. One final lap up with my pack and then I hauled Pete’s pack up and let him climb unweighted to work his technique further.
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We had a small mixed-scramble left to get back to hiking terrain and then we hunted around for the secret decoder ring I’d left in one of my pockets that would unlock the route back to the car.
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