According to neice, The Black Dike has seen its first ascent of the season. How much longer 'till we have ice that most of us are actually able to climb? Any predictions? Or at least some pictures posted of top roping on dead trees, or some other form of ice training? Winter is fast approaching, everyone get ready.

~Kevin

All my spiky things are sharp and my warm gear is standing by. All I need is some good ice.......

Kathy

I'm afraid of ice. And I think I don't like it.

riiiiiiight.

I know I won't really get any sympathy since I wanted a baby and got pregnant intentionally, but waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa a whole season off of ice climbing. I really don't know what to make of a whole winter without the prospect of climbing or skiing.

But in good news for the rest of you, it's highly likely to be the best ice season in recent history.

I know I won't really get any sympathy

Oh you've got sympathy. I think I can write for all of us in wishing you a happy gestation and even more when your priorities drastically change.

Congratulations to you!

But in all likelihood you won't be back to a full climbing schedule for, oh, about 20 years.

You mean that climing once a month isn't a full climbing schedule?! ...

Bring on the snow (and ice!!!)

Alas, ice climbing season has devolved into a couple times on rock when it is warm enough and once or twice with the tools. This is, of course, much improved from the days when my kids were small and my entire climbing year was leading up Three Pines once. The parenting gives back in other ways, though, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have and continue to do so, Learning. Does this mean you won't be X-c skiing by me as I thrash up some easy route covered in fluffy white this year? I hope you still get out and expect you will. Even more fun is X-C skiing with the young-un in a carry pack! Just get someone heavier than Smike to set the tracks for you so you don't keep collapsing into it.

Sounds like you're volunteering to me!