Icicle Creek Canyon, May 27-28, 2000
Garmets, Gibblers and InternactivityBased on the weather forecast, the North Face of Shuksan was a no go, so we ended up in Leavenworth Saturday morning, and headed up "the Icicle" in seach of sun and fine rock.
Dave checks out some jams in Classic Crack
Looking down from the paparazzi's hangout on Classic Crack.
After Dave's lead, Nathan attempts it... see the concentration on his face. Marcus belays while Dave nods in silent respect for Classic Crack.
!!!
Later in the day, we headed to Mountaineer's Dome, where I lead the really lame bottom portion. Then Nathan and I each lead a crack on the upper portion. One of the cracks has an X-rated hold. During this affair, we hear two yelps of joy from the otherside of the dome. The first is Dave, after overcoming a roof on a 5.9 lead - and then, 15 minutes later, the same from Marcus, following it.
Later in the day, here's Nathan doing some ballet at Mountaineer's Dome.
That night, we find a pull out higher in the canyon, where we camp. Nathan and Marcus sleep in the car, due to a organizational mishap that resulted in us only bringing one tent - my fuzzy single wall. The next morning, a 6am start is thwarted by laziness and light rain. Mid-morning finds us driving down to Barney's Rubble for a quick climb before meeting Emily in Leavenworth.
Sunday morning, Phil tries a route on Barney's Ruble.
After Marcus and Dave pick up Emily in Leavenworth (bringing with them delicious muffins and disgusting coffee), we clean up at Barney's Rubble and head to Givler's Crack. Emily mentions she doesn't have any climbing gear because it was a Dave's house!
Tiny Phil takes the lead on Gibble's crack. Gibblets crack. Givel's ledge. Whatever, it was very much fun yes!
View of the Rat Creek towers across the way, a mile above the valley floor
Marcus and Davette sharing a special moment after we'd climbed Givler's Crack
After this it was time for Dave and Marcus to show off their newfound aiding skills. Back to Barney's Rubble!
Dave's first piece is a hook on a crumbly-looking edge. In hand is the cam he was trying to place when the hook crumbled the crumbly edge. Note the Z-rest/thermarest crash pad.
One of Dave's roadies gives him an energy boosting beer for the second attempt
Emily said she had a good view from her belay.
Another dinner at Gustav's (with slightly less stomach pain than the night before) was followed by a discussion of the meaning of the word "garmet" (I won't embarrass Dave and Emily - well ok, I will. They tried to convince the rest of us that garmets are things your wear - clothes). After long drive home, we soaked in the Collins Estate hot tub in Woodinville, where the dictionary (the first part of which was nowhere to be seen that night) revealed all.
By the way, all garmets are 15% off at Gustav's.