Ice Climbing --- 3/4/2010 - 3/5/2010 --- Pharaoh Mountain, Adirondacks

Pharaoh Mountain! A total classic! One of the best ice climbs I've ever done. Awesome way to close out the ice season.

Drove to the Dacks on Thursday afternoon. Did some actual winter camping at the trailhead. I much prefer Tammy's house! Friday went something like this:
5:30am wake
6:15am start skiing on icy and rutted roads and trails
9:30am arrive at base of climb (eat lunch, rest, personal hygiene, change boots, etc.)
10:30am start climbing
2:30pm summit
4:00pm back on ground
6:15pm back to car

Pharaoh is a 500' 3 pitch, WI3. Guy led the first, crux pitch. And he stretched it a full 200' to a nice tree belay. I led pitch 2, which was mostly easy with a few vertical and near vertical bulges. I had the upgraded SPOT with a special button for emergencies when I need Guy to lead my pitch, but I didn't have to use it. We simuled a bit and took that pitch a full 220' to another nice tree. From here, Guy led the last pitch to the top. Five rope stretching rappels (trees on the left side of the route) got us to the base. The weather was beautiful, so we took our time (and took photos) during the climb. The hike out was miserable since the snow had softened and we were postholing down the talus slope and along horse trail until we reached the Pharaoh Lake outlet bridge where we had stashed our skis. Back at the car we ate a ton of food, then drove back to Ithaca. Getting back early was nice. Another bluebird day in Ithaca on Saturday. Went for a nice bike ride with Emily and then off to Kate and Tim's game night party.

Click on the thumbnail to see a version sized to fit a 1024x768 screen. For best results, maximize your screen (F11 in most browsers). Click picture to cycle to the next picture.