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Top of Bighorn.
Those plans got significantly scaled down when we woke up the next day to cold temperatures and high winds (even in the city). We drove out to Red Rocks and the 25F temps along the loop road made us scale plans back even further. We grabbed the gear and hiked into Pine Creek Canyon thinking we probably would not be climbing…something changed in that 20 minute hike and soon we were shivering violently at the base of
Bighorn’s money pitch (2.5 pitches up). Though technically it was to be Shirley’s lead, I was fully expecting her to give me the rack and tell me to lead the (wide looking) final pitch as the wind was blasting and snow flurries were adding to the alpine ambiance. Instead, Shirley grabbed the rack and quickly dispatched the gorgeous pitch (mostly face climbing around the wide-looking crack). We quickly rapped and wished the guys on
Birdland a great time (only other people in Pine Creek that day). We stayed in Vegas one more night but the next day offered more of the same weather. We called it good and drove home encountering some frigid (-12F) temps along the way. A good trip even if a bit shortened by shit weather.
Photos
Blondie enjoying the roadtrip (from her spacious accommodations in the trunk; Dec. 2010).
Very very cold Red Rocks in December of 2010.
Blondie doing her Scooby Doo impression at the base of Bighorn (Dec. 2010).
Shirley following the third (we combined pitches 2 and 3) pitch of Bighorn/Birdland. Pine Creek Canyon approach visible below (Dec. 2010).
Shirley starting the beautiful fourth pitch of Bighorn (Dec. 2010).
Looking towards Community Pillar across Pine Creek Canyon from top of the third pitch of Bighorn (Dec. 2010).
Shirley leading the money pitch (#4) of Bighorn. She’s just below the crux bulge (Dec. 2010).
Following the money pitch (#4) of Bighorn…and soaking up that desert sunshine (Dec. 2010).
Shirley enjoying the 25F temps (and wind…and light snow dusting) atop the fourth pitch of Bighorn with Community Pillar in background (Dec. 2010).
Shirley and Blondie hiking out after our climb of Bighorn in Pine Creek Canyon (Dec. 2010).
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Search For Warmth 2010