chasin’ ice climbers
When winter decided to show up, I followed two guys making fresh tracks up a snowy trail. The reward? Observing them climb a frozen waterfall and being inspired to consider getting back into climbing this summer.
Silver Falls in winter glory
I bailed on skiing with a friend and have never felt so relieved. I do not ski on Saturdays and I don’t enjoy people skiing around me. This lack of winter taught me how to unlearn that skiing could possibly become comfortable or familiar. I require pristine conditions. Which means no one whizzing by me. No Saturdays. No Spring Jam shenanigans. No icy groomers. No chunky mashed potatoes. Nothing dangerous.
All of this information leads me to the factor of finally getting to strap on some snowshoes and have a little adventure for myself. No forced ski lesson because there’s not enough snow to do the winter activities I actually enjoy. This day was for me. By me. I relished the quiet solitude of the forest path along Rock Creek and admired the snow. Where had it been?
Now that spring proved its arrival, winter finally decided to show up and show out. Even though I didn’t really need the snowshoes until about 2.5 miles in I was glad for the opportunity to get miles on them. I forgot how much work the extra weight on my feet can feel and knew I wouldn’t catch the guys I had parked behind at the trailhead.
All the extra huffing and puffing proved worth the effort though due to the views and the waterfall was indeed frozen when I arrived below its base. Silver Falls frozen solid is quite a sight to behold. I stood in wonder admiring the climber slowing ice-picking his way up, took a few photos hoping to find a way to send them to him, said a silent prayer for their safety and floated back down the white powder.
On the way back I considered whether this inspirational moment called me to get back into rock climbing this summer. I’ve been itching to refresh my mountaineering skills after all. Two big mountains I want to climb this summer call my name loudly. Hmmm. Stay tuned, I guess. Time can only tell. Are you busy with spring plans or beginning to nail down summer plans yet?
