New Topo for Deep Notch
We just created a Topo for Deep Notch. The area is good for beginners and typically has some of the more reliable ice in the Catkills. Right now it has some ice but it's in thin shape. The new topo has a few routes that aren't currently in any of the printed guides. Climbcatskillice needs you! Snap a route photo the next time you're out climbing and upload it to the wiki. It's easy to create a new route if you don't see yours listed. Thanks to user baisleytom for his contributions.
Statistics: Posted by Sketch — 16 Feb 2012, 18:46
New Map for Viola Falls
After a grueling multi-hour march (thanks Anunta, Tim & Cornelius for hanging in there) our group reached Viola Falls last Saturday and found some nice ice & mixed climbing. In an effort to cut down on the approach time & effort in the future, Gunkiemike offered us a map, which you can view on the Viola Falls Page by clicking the View Topo button. His approach begins left (east) of Moore's wall, hikes up a gulley to a point above Moore's wall, and then cuts right (west) to Hillyer/Viola Ravine. This eliminates a stream crossing. If you'd like to update the topo, email your beta to admin {at] climbcatskillice 'dot" com. Alternatively, you can create a Google drawing and share it with the same address. Thanks Gunkiemike!
Statistics: Posted by admin — 15 Feb 2012, 13:53
Trip Report 11-Feb-2012
A few of us made it out to Viola Falls on Saturday 11-Feb-2012. Conditions were pretty bleak. Only the first pitch was in, giving us a few different variations to climb at around 35-40 feet each. Making the best of a thin day, we climbed a fun little mixed route called Ice Spear to the left of the first pitch. We saw a few people climbing at Moore's Wall, where there were a couple of lines in. Asbestos Wall was gone - simply wiped out. We took an hours-long circuituous death march approach to Viola Falls which we don't recommend. If you have some better approach beta, please edit the details in the approach section for Viola Falls. Here's to hoping for more ice in the Cats' before the season is out.
Statistics: Posted by Sketch — 12 Feb 2012, 17:16
How to Sharpen Ice Screws
Petzl put out one of the best Ice Screw Sharpening Videos we've seen so far. For those that don't have a $40,000 screw machine at home, or don't want to wait to get their screws back from A Nice Screw, you can do it at home with a couple of files and a vise. We've had pretty good luck doing it this way. Grab a six-pack, have some friends over, and pay careful attention to getting the angles just right.
via Climberism
Statistics: Posted by admin — 07 Feb 2012, 14:47
Brooklyn Gear Shop
Walking home from brunch today I discovered a nice little gear shop in Brooklyn. Tucked away in Park Slope, Gear To Go Outfitters has a small selection of outdoor gear for sale and rent. While they specialize mostly in camping gear, they stock a few things that an ice-climber might need on short notice, such as headlamps, jet-boil repair parts and hats. The owner, Kevin, is super-helpful and has plans to expand into climbing gear soon. For those that live in Brooklyn, the convenience can't be beat. Also check out their two-day Wilderness First Aid Course coming up at the end of Feburary. Climb long enough and you'll eventually see an accident - in 20 years of climbing I've witnessed more than I care to. It's nice to be prepared with a basic level of training.
Statistics: Posted by Sketch — 04 Feb 2012, 15:34