Rock, Wood, Ice  WI5- R

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Type:  Trad, Ice, 1 pitch, 90 feet Consensus:  WI5- [details] FA:  unknown somebody with a sense of humor Season:  a good wet winter Submitted By:  Leo Paik on Jan 14, 2005 You & This Route  |  Other Opinions (3) Your todo list: Your stars: Your rating: -none- [change] Your ticklist: [add new tick]

Around the crux, eh? Raquel Hink.

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Description 

This is not the actual name for the route, however, it is not clear what the name of this route is. It is an obvious line which has been done for years during wet winters. It is listed in B. Gillett's guide, RMNP High Peaks (topo p. 249), as 'interesting possible route starting on log.' Well, in good conditions like Jan, 2005, it is. Toproping is probably preferable, as leading this would probably be a bit of a serious proposition as little protection is available until you are past the crux.

Find this route on the right side of the Loch Vale Gorge's ice area. Hike up the trail as for Lochluster, Gorge Yourself, and Mixed Feelings. When you get to the climbs, go right, find a log lying against the cliff. There you go.

To set this up for a TR, lead one of the easier climbs to the left and set up a TR off trees or hike around to the right to the ledge above the climb, rappel to the ledge. Sling some trees.

Balance up the sticky, low-angle log. Find a balancy crux at the transition from log to rock to ice that is very dependent upon exact ice conditions. Continue up near vertical ice to the top. It is probably 70 feet or less. Note, the traverse to the 2 bolt anchor to rap off to the left can be a bit exposed.

Remember Alex's words, the best climber is the one who is having the most fun. Hee Haw!

Protection 

Best to TR, but if you must, a few screws, maybe a sling for the top of the log.

Toprope Protection 

Slings off trees.

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Simon cruising above the crux.	Stone on ice, left of the mentioned route (3/6/05)...	Being tall & skinny helps, and more ice, too. Bri...