Ouray

As any ice climber knows, Ouray is a dream come true to those who crave the frozen vertical. We hoped to have an opportunity to go, but with my work situation at CMS, multiple days off in a row was out of the question. Fortunately, I put in my two weeks notice with plenty of time left in the ice season…so we made plans to hit up Ouray before I started my new job at Home Financial of the Rockies.

The trip was a mix of business and pleasure; we visited every flower shop and wedding venue between Estes and Ouray to promote Apryle’s new wedding invitation business. That actually worked out pretty well, as she has since received a few calls and at least one invitations order from vendors and planners that we met on the trip.

But the best part was certainly the ice! Worlds of ice, stretching as far as the eye can see both directions in the canyon. We both climbed until our arms hung limp at our sides. We started off pushing ourselves hard on top-rope in the Pic’ of the Vic’ area, running lap after lap on WI4 and WI5 climbs. Towards the end of the trip we focused more on building our lead skills. I pushed myself into some tough WI3 climbs, and Apryle led her first two ice climbs in the Scottish Gullies and New Funtier.

It was a fantastic trip, and we can’t wait til we head back in February of 2007!