Lot’s of fun climbing activities going on these days at Stone Harbor!

Frank and Scott have been climbing their hearts out on the awesome ice up here in the frigid north (there has to be an upside to these temperatures right?).

On one of the climbing adventures staff member Melissa was able to join them…we’ve got some great pictures and Melissa’s thoughts on the day:

The sun was shining, sky was blue, river was flowing and the temperature was perfectly comfortable for a full day of ice climbing.

The beautiful Cascade River

I’ve attempted rock climbing indoor and outdoor, but have never gone ice climbing before.  I was excited and eager to start. We parked the car at the base of the trail and hiked for about 15 minutes into the woods, to the wall of ice. The freshly fallen snow was still adorning the spruce, and there were open spots in the river that allowed us to hear the rushing of the unusually high water. Frank guided us through the woods, during which he spent time pointing out and naming the different trees that we passed. There’s nothing like an informative nature walk to get the excitement flowing! (Oh sorry got distracted…back to the real purpose of this trip!)

The Challenge

Once we arrived at the base of the ice wall Scott and Frank did a great job of teaching us the different knots and giving a demonstration on what to do, and what not to do. I was ready!

Scott the expert...showing how it done!

Last minute gear check

I was climbing second so I had time to watch someone else and to devise my plan of attack. I felt prepared… three points of contact on the ice… trust my crampons… make sure the pick never gets too close to my face… BUT don’t grip them too tightly (so much to remember). After only a few minutes and 15 feet or so up the massive wall of ice my hands went numb, my legs started knocking like Elvis, it was time to descend.

Halfway there...

After I recovered from the numb hands I gave it another shot and it felt great! I was starting to get the hang of it thanks to Scott and all those tips. I definitely earned my lunch — prepared by the local coop. Then a few more runs,before the exhaustion settles in…

What an accomplishment!

When can we go again?

So close to what one climber described as a "cathartic moment"!

Melissa makin it look like a walk in the park