Rigid Designator (1)

Statistics

• Date - 12/15/2007
• Elevation - 8,800'
• Route - Rigid Designator
• Miles - 1.0
• Elevation Gain - 300'
• ACME Mapper - Link
• CalTopo - Link
• Partners - George Barnes, Nate Stutzke

Description

George, Nate, and I went to Vail for a short day of climbing.  I had to be home early for a Christmas Party, so we didn't have a lot of time.  We each got a quick run on the Rigid Designator before calling it a day.  George led about half the climb before the cold really took over and prevented any further progress.  I don't think the temperature got over five degrees which made it very difficult to keep you hands warm and place protection.  After George lowered off, we set up a top rope to retrieve our gear and give Nate and I a chance to climb.  A little over half way up my run we all heard a large pop from the brittle ice.  Despite the fact that I was on a top rope and was able to hook most of the route, I still thought it was hard and I was pumped out at the top of the route.  I finished my climb and then belayed Nate as George moved to the side of the Rigid Designator amphitheatre to take a few photos.  About halfway up, George noticed a fairly large crack in the pillar which he told Nate to check out.  Nate finished climbing shortly after looking at the crack and we called it a day.  The beers at the trailhead were nice and cold.  Additionally, Nate's wife made some tasty breakfast burritos that we finished off.

Photos

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