Yesterday Thad and I decided it was finally time to get out and start swinging the ice tools. We headed up Camp Bird Rd. outside of the ice climbing mecca of Ouray, Colorado and climbed the classic route ‘The Talisman’. It may be in fat condition right now but it still offers quite a pump! On top of pitch one we were inspired watching two base jumpers jump off the top of the cliff on the other side of the valley. Amazing watching them glide back down to their truck and land in the fresh powdery snow. The day was great with blue bird skies and nice temperatures.
Most of the backcountry ice routes in Southwest Colorado seem to be in great condition. On the way into ‘The Talisman’ we couldn’t help but notice ‘The Ribbon’ and ‘Bird Brain Boulevard’ looking very full of ice. Some of the routes in the ‘Skylight area’ have been hammered by the sun but all are climbable if a little thin in spots.
