Is it really winter already!?
Despite mild temperatures today in Keene Valley, this past Saturday (10/23/10) I was able to climb the North Face of Gothics with Lori from the Mountaineer...in full winter conditions! This is certainly the earliest I've ever climbed ice and it really got me looking forward to winter. If you haven't been back to the North Face yet, it's a great backcountry climb consisting of low-angle ice and snow on a big, exposed face which finishes right on the summit of Gothics (el. 4736'). Usually this is a mid to late winter objective but lots of rain, cold, and snow at higher elevations made for surprisingly good climbing and a taste of winter on a fall day. I'm not convinced it's time to put the rock shoes away yet, but I'm definitely making sure my ice gear is nearby and ready to go! --Emilie
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Lori on thin ice near the bottom of the route.
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