I put the Ultimate jacket to the test this past week. While ice climbing in Canada, we got some very “Canadian” conditions. On the uphill approaches, the long pit zips come in handy while the jacket still knocks down the wind. Some of the climbs were still dripping, and even though the jacket is marketed as windstopper, it sheds water very well and kept me dry. I will be using this jacket later this month on Aconcagua and will report back then!
Cristin and Caroline Julian
Cristin lives in Florida with her husband, Matt and children, Ben and Caroline. They all have a climbing problem! Cristin came in this day with two objectives: 1. practice multi-pitch rescue and 2. lead Second Coming.
After a few hours of multi-pitch rescue practice at our climbing school, we headed out to the rock. Cristin did an amazing job leading and Caroline did an even better job lead belaying and seconding the pitches (her first time).
Mike on Table Rock
Mike did a great job leading on Table Rock in Linville Gorge. We had a spectacular day with splitter skies and incredible climbing. This is a great time of year to have an adventure in North Carolina!
Mummy, Daddy, and the Prow
Joe Brown and I camped with another FMG party the night before near Table Rock in preparation for our day in the Gorge. After some good campfire stories and envisioning the ice climbing to come this winter season, we were off to bed!
We woke up in the morning to crisp air and blue skies. After a quick breakfast, we started hiking around 8:30 A.M. We got down into the Gorge, and Joe didn’t hesitate at the first pitch lead. We moved at a great pace, swapping leads all day and were back at the car around 3:00 P.M.
A great day of climbing with great folks….doesn’t get much better!