Apr 6 - Crampy Calves, Concrete Conditions: A Toilsome Climb of Mt Colden's Trap Dike

Went climbing up the Trap Dike last Sunday in order to experience the new order after the new 2011 slide. Was expecting a pleasant snow climb with a bit of ice, but the snowpack was much firmer than I had expected. Rock-hard, in fact, until at the very end of the day, when the snow softened for perhaps the last hundred feet or so.



Now, I'm no expert mountaineer, but I thought I had the wherewithall to manage most moderate situations. The way this climb turned out - a long, extended bout of cramponing on some fairly steep slopes - showed that I've got a ways to go!



Full trip report here:



http://ift.tt/1p0r5SJ