Our OnwardUP Connector Leif, and OU founder Rob Owens, planned to do a link-up of the classic Ghost River ice climbs Hydrophobia and the Sorcerer. As the day progressed they were a little slower, and much, much, wetter than planned…
After sussing out the situation, they pivoted. They decided to climb Hydro (180M WI 5+) and then walk up to the ridge above, for great views of the Devil’s Head and the Rockies front range.
“An otherwise straightforward climb, with little current hazard from snow or ice features, Hydro lived up to its name…. and soaked us on the second pitch.”
“I’m 75/25, meaning leaning 75% toward going down…”
- Cap LW t-shirt
- Cap Thermal Hoody
- Prototype thin Stretch woven softshell (normally, if dry, that would have been all that was needed)
- DAS Light Parka
- Houdini Jkt overtop
Rob often ice climbs in a Houdini that is one size larger than his normal size. He does this so it can be put over layers, and also so the hood fits better over a helmet. The Houdini is not waterproof, but quite resistant, and also very wind resistant! Rob stated;
“The system more or less worked. Within two more pitches of climbing, I went from being pretty much water-logged (see photo) to almost completely dry.”
“I should almost always bring a hardshell along just in case, but I had momentary lapse in judgment and thought the Houdini would be enough. I am always (re)learning…”