Early Season (N)Ice Days 12/09/2017
Since Pascal had missed out on ice season last year due to an injury, and I was eager to start swinging tools ever since coming back from Alaska, our enthusiasm was hard to contain between the weekends. Our first foray of the season rapidly concluded itself as temps soared above freezing even at 3000'. We had intended to climb the Open Book falls in Tuckerman Ravine, but the rain had other plans for us and held through the previous night into midday during this attempt. The cold wet conditions came early this year and climbable ice had come in enough for the bold to feel confident getting at it. Pascal and I had been staying up-to-date with the various condition reports from NEICE and other social media outlets as the stronger locals were boasting first season ascents of classics.
A few weekends later, our patience paid off as the cold eventually came back (hopefully to stay) with the forecast promising cold temperatures and snowy precipitation in the evening of Saturday.
The failed first attempt of the season, 11/18/2017, temps at Hermit Lake Shelter above freezing and raining
The objective, Odells Gully
Always seems to have a wallowing approach
Fueling up at the base
The snowing begins
Pascal leading the way out
Top out selfie
Marching out through the Alpine Garden
Overall, the day was a great success. As expected, There were a few moments of sluggishness as we were both dusting off our alpine skills, and the cumulative delays had us walking through the dark for the last hour. The temperatures were extraordinarily pleasant for the for most of the day, with the exception during the last 400' snow climb with little to no wind even in the alpine garden in addition to the insulating effect of the snow clouds. Winter is here and the season has begun!
