Hunter Creek - I would call it spring like!

I think of the best part about spring is the suffering is really over....long days, warmer temps and sticky sticky ice! It really doesn't get much better.

A noon start, 3 climbs, 4 pitches, a minor rope epic, and great friends! I have to admit it makes me a little sad to think winter is close to over.......

The Day the Ash Blew In.....

So far Anchorage has been doing pretty well with not getting ashed on....

but we did have a dusting.....

Its Official - Nursing School Here I Come!

Well, be careful what you ask for! Its been a somewhat long rode trying to make this "next step" in my life happen...But its happening! Looking forward to the next chapter of my life, the challenge of school, and the unknown doors that are about to open!

Redoubt Activity - Color Code RED : Alert Level WARNING

Top vent in the Redoubt summit crater.
Picture Date: March 21, 2009 Image Creator: Read, Cyrus;
Image courtesy of AVO/USGS.Please cite the photographer and the Alaska Volcano Observatory / U.S. Geological Survey when using this image.

2009-03-23 20:56:22
A sixth explosive eruption occurred at 7:41PM AKDT. Clear web camera views show that the ash emission has ended. Steaming is visible from the summit. The National Weather Service has posted a new ashfall advisory: http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov/volcano.php

2009-03-23 20:29:11
A sixth explosive eruption occurred at 7:41PM AKDT. The National Weather Service has posted a new ashfall advisory: http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov/volcano.php Mudflows are occurring in the Drift River valley and pyroclastic flows were observed in the AVO hut webcam descending the north flank of the volcano.

2009-03-23 19:59:03
A new explosive eruption has just occured at Redoubt starting at 0741 PM AKDT. Radar indicate a cloud height of at least 60,000 feet above sea level. We will put out more information as it becomes available.

2009-03-23 19:41:51
Significant unrest at Redoubt volcano continues and the volcano color code and alert levels remain at RED/WARNING. Over the last hour, we've seen the seismic tremor change to a signal dominated by small, discrete events. Clouds obscure the webcam views of the summit, but new mudflows can be seen on the upper drift river. Although the ashfall advisory has expired, a large explosion may occur again at anytime.

Ice Pixies Day Two More Climbing - just doing it a little hungover

The party Saturday night is always a good time, with a lot of folks, a band and Moose's Tooth beer (thanks Rod for donating the beer over the years!)

The Ice Pixies truly has become something that has inspired so many women climbers over the years, an event that the climbing community marks their calendars for, and one when you can't make it you are truly disappointed.....

Skine said soemthing to me a couple of years ago and it has always stuck with me....we were looking across the dance floor at all the people and he said, "you know, this is family." And that about sums up my feeling for the Ice Pixies......The knowing that no matter what may happen along the way or how life may roll...these people would be there for me in a heartbeat!

Looking forward to Ice Pixies Alaska (IPA) Year Fivc!

Special thanks to RC, Raul, Skine, and BT for all of your support and encouragement over the years....!

Ice Pixies Take on Greensteps!

Year four of the Ice Pixies...an ice festival in Valdez for women climbers organized by Kirsten Kramer and Laura. This year we had about 20 - 30 women mostly new to climbing who traveled from all over - a large group of Fairbanks girls (who were hilarious), others took the ferry from Whiter, Valdez locals, and others making the drive from Anchorage. It didn't matter where or who they were, as each girl brought their own special energy and enthusiasm for climbing!

The first step to the day was getting the top-ropes set up.....See the next blog post for why we were on Greensteps (please read this if you have a chance). I belayed Sherrie on a super steep line, that from the bottom looked groovy......but really wasn't....It was just pure steep, cold ice.....!! It was amazing to watch Sherrie lead this line with such grace and style.....a reminder that you can do things that you put your mind to, not to give up, and that it is good to push yourself just a little harder from time to time.....!!

Midday the sun came around and I got this awesome shot of Sophie making her way up.....I like this shot as it gives you a feel for how big these climbs actually are.....

And of course Kirsten, Sherrie and me all smiles! And as always a special thank you to Kirsten for her energy, spirit, and efforts in organizing this event.

Climbing Ethics - A Story About Two Very Selfish People

I will say my reasons for climbing are more centered around the community, the simplistic lifestyle and the motivation, encouragement and support that you feel from others. So with that said, I feel I must somewhere document to the public on a recent situation that occurred during the Fourth Annual Ice Pixies event in Valdez.

When we arrived in the parking lot of Keystone Canyon, there were already eight cars filled with ladies ready to get out and climb for the day. We looked across the canyon to see two climbers suiting up to take on Bridalveil. (For those of you unfamiliar with this area, in short there are two large climbs – Bridalveil and Greensteps , Bridalveil being the easier of the two, and more ideal for a large group of beginer climbers. ) After a long conversation with the climber guy, who claimed to be a climber and guide, he and his girlfriend (I’m assuming) refused to move. I won’t go into the details of the conversation; nonetheless, we were forced on to Greensteps.

I will say that the Ice Pixies is a very informal event and I will agree that the Ice Pixies did not own the ice that day. But I will say I could not believe the disrespect and consideration that this couple had for fellow climbers and an organized event. It was a very selfish act on their part. It was clearly a situation that had alternatives and options; clearly a situation that had resolution. Really, Valdez houses 100’s and 100’s of amazing climbs, I find it extremely difficult to understand how this couple could be so greedy and unwilling to share the day with others.

I guess in the end it all worked out. Sherrie led the hardest pitch I have climbed this season, in fine style, the newbie climbers did a fantastic job working hard for the goods, and these Bridalveil climbers will have to live with their decision they made that day…..I can only hope that in the future that the climber guy can learn that life and climbing isn’t all about being selfish and ego, and that the girl realizes what an ass her boyfriend is, dumps him, and comes to the Ice Pixies next year.

Please feel free to pass this message on if you know who these people are!

Bear Creek Canyon - Raincheck

Day number two: And feeling pretty worked from the day before...it really doesn't take much when your climbing Valdez style....

We headed out to Bear Creek Canyon to check out Raincheck. Another classic I had never had an opportunity to do. It all went pretty well until the upper pitch that looked pretty rotten....and steep...and rotten!

Hole in the Wall Cayon - Crystal Visions

Day number one, feeling fresh and ready to get after it....We had never been back there before and curious to check out the climbs....The canyon is pretty narrow, and I can see how the access can be tricky at times...but when you turn the last corner and see Crystal Visions, there really is no turning back!

The sun was out, and the climb looked blue and fat! Sherrie stepping up to the plate for the first pitch...these Valdez climbs are so deceptive as the pitches tend to be longer and harder than you ever could have imagined!

Climbing in the sun is always a treat until you realize how fast screws can melt out....and sitting on a hanging belay (which is never comfortable anyway and tends to lead to junk show rope madness) and literally watching the ice melt away from your screws...well not the ideal situation....

But we made it....safe and sound!

We were looking for long days, and we got one...after finishing Crystal Visions we moved over to Ski Race and climbed a couple more pitches and watched an amazing sunset.....!

Valdez Road Trip - Kids Corner

"Spring Break" for me meant Ryan and Sherrie had time to play!
At this point in time we kinda got it down.....
I bring my 6 draws, 6 glitter screws, ropes.....

My rack will match their rack....
and did someone remember the long screw for the v-threads?
and don't forget the keg.....Yeah, we got it down, nonetheless,
general chaos getting it all together!



We pitched out the route, Sherrie winning the rosh for the 1st pitch,

Ryan the 2nd and me the 3rd.

It went super fast, just a couple of hours car to car.......

And then we were off to wreck ourselves in Valdez!

Alaska Ice Climbing Festival

This was the first year of the the Alaska Ice Climbing Festival that was held in Hunter Creek. I helped out with the women's clinic. It was a great day out with a lot of smiles, laughs and encouragement....a lot of learning, trying new things, and pushing limits.....It was a true pleasure to spend the day with such great ladies!

Three Ring Circus - Eagle River

A beautiful day out in the Eagle River Valley.

Super sunny, and warming up in the afternoon....but still a little cool in the shade!

The valley is so pretty, i thought for a moment i didn't take any photos of what we went to climb!

Ryan checking out Three Ring Circus!

Surfing in Sitka....not Literally!

We did not find any surf in Sitka, but did have warm and sunny weather!

Abbie, Louise, and I headed to Sitka for a working weekend.

Abbie, Lousie and I enjoying the beautiful views of Mt. Edgecumbe and the town of Sitka.

I went for a run through Totem Pole Park and had to go back and take some photos....Super cool park....very mysterious....reminded me of my days in Washington...rain forest style...mossy...and around every corner, secretly hidden, a totem pole would appear!

A slide show for your viewing pleasure!