Ice Climbing Provides a Unique Spring Break

Here is an article that was posted in Utah suggesting an exhilarating spring break alternative:

http://media.www.slccglobelink.com/media/storage/paper442/news/2009/03/12/Community/Colorado.Ice.Climbing.An.Adventurous.Option.For.A.Spring.Break.Trip-3670319.shtml

Kids Night Climb, December 27

I'm sorry to report that we didn't make it up to the Kids Climbing Wall for the kids night climb yesterday. We were lured of by the warmth of our home and just couldn't get it together to bundle up to join in the fun.

We understand that there were a ton of folks out for the climb! Here are a couple of pix of the Roxby children climbing routes with local guides Chris and Clint.

Middle Aged "Chicks with Picks"

On Saturday, March 29th, Clint Cook of San Juan Mountain Guides graciously took four ladies ice climbing for the first time. We may have been on the kids hill, but, we are excited for more! See, Ice Climbing, it's not just for twenty five year old men anymore...

This great blurb showcases the following spirited and lovely gals (if I do say so myself):

• Sandra Boles, longtime Ouray resident, avid swimmer, and owner of Northmoon Gallery
• Dianne Correll, back from Indiana, big time community volunteer, & mother of Jackie Genuit--one of the owners of Ouray Liquors.
• Susie Egyhazi, brand new Ouray resident, down from Minneapolis and trying her hand at all Ouray has to offer.
• Me (Karen Avery), co-owner of the Box Canyon Lodge

All were very successful and we all had a great time! We experienced great camaraderie and a sense of accomplishment. All it took was an experienced guide and some simple "can do" spirit.

Why, you may ask, did these ladies give it a go? Well, you know what they say ---- When in Ouray .....

Ouray Ice Climbing

On Saturday, the Ouray Ice Park opened. It was a very sunny and chilly day, just perfect for ice! I signed up for a clinic sponsored by Ouray Realty and Investment and San Juan Mountain Guides. For a couple of hours in the morning, I actually kicked ice. It was very exhilarating and a real thrill.

My instructor was a very mild mannered guy named Kevin. He was very nice, easy going and patient. He helped me get equipped (the San Juan Mountain Guides loaned me all the necessary gear) with crampons, boots, and the appropriate hand tools.

With great prowess, he demonstrated and explained a few things and we were off. We were on the Kids climbing wall (It isn't just for Kids anymore!) and we made a couple of climbs. Learning how to kick your feet into the ice, balance on the smallest of edges, maneuver the ice axes, and navigate the terrain were all challenges.

My hands were the sorest part of my body. I gripped the ice axes with a death grip and at the end of the day, they were very, very tired and sore. Other than that, no serious pain!

I am not going to say I am an addict at this point, but, I did sign up for more instruction next week. The 1/2 day intro to ice class is a real winner. For a little more than a downhill ski ticket, you too can experience the thrill and it includes the equipment. I highly recommend it.

Karen @ Box Canyon Lodge

PS Please feel free to post a comment - we love to hear from you!