Sometimes the weather is the story. Last week I went on my first ice climbing outing of the season. We weren't sure about the conditions, but we knew we wanted to get up into the alpine, swing some tools, and climb something moderate. We were aware of the thin conditions in Rocky Mountain National park but figured at the very least it would be a nice hike to Chasm Lake. Indeed, upon arriving at Chasm Lake, we noticed that most of the ice was either thin or out. Accordingly, we decided to do a route named "Martha's." This very moderate route forms a gash up the south side of Mt Lady Washington. While only rated 5.4 WI2-3, M2, the conditions made for quiet and adventure. Placing gear primarily for fear of sluffing, we contemplated retreating. However, we pushed through the trench warfare, sluffing, and the choking spindrift and topped out in hurricane force winds. As always, another wonderful day in the Longs Peak/Meeker cirque with no frostbite and only minor windburn.

check out a short video of the day with some animation and original music at:
http://www.blownminds.blogspot.com