(c) 2005 OGDEN HUB / Posted: January 21st, 2007

If It Is Going To Be Cold We Might As Well Enjoy It

Saturday afternoon began like a typical winter saturday for me &mdash day dreaming about the warm long summer days to come. but this all changed when an old climbing partner called me up and invited me check out a saturday afternoon matinee. Had the world come to an end or was even too cold for this die hard climber, so cold that he was turning in the chalk bag for an extra helping of hydrogenated oil and corn kernels. Little did I know that this was his reverse psychology to get me out of the house. Declining his request to go the movie I suggested instead a reconnaissance trip to visit some of our favorite summer crags. After putting on poly pro on I left my house with a light snow falling on Ogden, it was late so our plan changed to a quick run up to the Malan Falls. I had heard rumors that the ice had formed and wanted to see for myself.
The trail was snow packed and dog stained up to the bridge that crosses the stream in Waterfall Canyon. As we began the hike up the canyon it was obvious something was new there &emdash; there was a huge ice formation viewable from the trail on the south-side of the canyon. A seen more suitable to Ouray or Canada. upon closer inspection I realized it was the farmed ice that had formed a miniature playground for ice climbers, and they were out enjoying it. We saw 4 groups swinging and kicking their way up the columns.

Leaving the groups on the lower ice we continued up the canyon to main falls. The ice on the falls looked impressive, much bigger than the lower section. I sat around in the snow watching a group make progress on the second pitch. I was glad to see that the cold had kept everyone inside.

I’m by no stretch of the word an ice climber but still after yesterdays afternoon I was convinced that the next time one of my ice climbing friends extends an invitation to climb I’ll take them up on that offer.

— Posted by Jason D. hub reader since 2005