The cold season has arrived in Washington State but that doesn’t keep us from optimistically hoping to continue climbing outdoors. Colin and I woke up at 6:30 am last Saturday eager to get our climb on. Seattle has been experiencing a cold front with beautiful clear skies and sunshine, which probably only added to our excitement (sunshine is like a drug for vitamin d deficient Seattleites). As we’re sitting on the couch gulping down hot coffee,we both take out our iPhones and open the WeatherApp. The app displays the current temperature on Mercer Island at 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
Does this frighten us? Nope, we basically turn to each other and say “wear warm clothes”. We are not afraid of bundling up. By 7:00 am we are heading out the door with our fully loaded packs. The car is completely covered in frost and ice. Does this seem like a warning sign? Nope, we take out the ice scraper and start warming up the car. Finally, we’re ready to hit interstate 90 for our destination, exit 38 in North Bend.
It probably should have seemed like foreshadowing that there were no other vehicles around at the crag parking area. The lot is normally filled, if not packed, with people in the summer time. We stuck with optimistic thoughts like, “We came early enough to beat the crowd!” and “we’ll have the crag all to ourselves”. Both of these ended up being true. By the time we left the crag a few hours later, there were two other vehicles there. And yes, we had the walls to ourselves the entire trip. Now do you feel the foreshadowing?
We reach the first crag of Exit 38 and *click*
Of course we had to take opportunities to enjoy the icicles ;)
Then, we got down to business – found ourselves a dry, icicle free, warm up 5.9 route. It was a disaster... that "warm up" route, was far from warm and felt like I was attempting a 5.11c. Numb fingers, numb toes and gusts of wind. It ended up being the only route of the day.
You never know what you'll get here in the PNW but it was worth a shot anyways! The next day, Sunday, we headed out to Exit 32 with a couple friends. The temperatures were much warmer and the crag is located at a lower elevation then 38. Any weekend spent climbing, attempting to climb or just being outdoors is successful :)
Check out my instagram page for additional photos and videos from our trip with the icicles!
Stay warm during cold weather climbing
A few items we won't leave the house without- Hand Warmers!
Put these little puppies in your chalk bag, your fingers will thank you. - Wind Resistant Pants!
REI brand is our favorite, we love the zip pockets. - A Down Jacket!
It keeps you cozy and warm, especially when you belay.
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