After living, breathing, and thinking skiing for the last two months, I jumped at Connie’s call.  She was wondering if I was interested in coming down for the weekend and take Megan, Lohit, and Kartnik ice climbing in June Lake.  Of course I was!  But just in case, I packed my skis.

We spent two days at Horsetail Falls climbing the three different lines on the right side of the flow.  Everyone had prior experience belaying from climbing in the gym or outside, so we were able to focus on the specifics of climbing ice, including efficient tool use and crampon technique.  On Sunday I introduced mixed climbing as well, and we were able to climb a thin line that occassionally forms on the far right side of the falls.  Connie came out on Saturday to see what this show is all about, and swears she’s coming back with her husband.

Sunday evening we toasted the weekend with coffee and hot chocolate:  I had to get back to Lake Tahoe, and Kartnik and Lohit had to drive all the way back to the bay.  I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again later this year.

Cheers

Chris

 

sunrise / wheres the snow? / mono lake

sunrise / where's the snow? / mono lake / photo 2009 chris simmons

kartnik / horsetail falls / june lake / photo 2009 chris simmons

kartnik / horsetail falls / june lake / photo 2009 chris simmons

my favorite photo / megan getting psyched / horsetail falls / photo 2009 chris simmons

my favorite photo / megan getting psyched / horsetail falls / photo 2009 chris simmons

driving home / moon rise / mono lake / photo 2009 chris simmons

driving home / moon rise / mono lake / photo 2009 chris simmons

Chris Simmons is an AMGA Certified Alpine Guide and an alpine, rock, and ski guide for SMC.  More about Chris and his adventures can be found at his personal blog, Climb.Ski.Run.Sleep.Repeat, climbskirun.blogspot.com.