Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Live Free and Climb - New Hampshire Style!

Winter conditions took some time to arrive in New Hampshire but this past week made up for the late start. After a bit of snow fall last week the temperatures plunged to minus numbers over the weekend. Ice routes came into shape and the Presidential Peaks are now encased in rime and snow. This is all we needed to get lots of mountain folks out climbing peaks and scraping around on the ice routes.


Mt Washington's summit viewed from the Ammonoosuc Trail.


Last few steps up to the summit buildings.


Over the weekend I climbed Mt Washington with The Cody team. The team comes to the Granite State year round to climb with Mooney Mountain Guides. Whether it be rock, ice or mountain travel they are always ready for a fun filled weekend. This weekends trip was geared towards reaching the summit of Mt Washington in winter. It was a tough climb for all - we had great success with everyone reaching the high point.


New ice tools and a very lightweight rope. The Mammut Serenity Rope is a perfect rope for a high end ice route like this.

The other news is Cannon's winter routes are in shape. Over the past two days Matt and I each guided separate guests up the Black Dike. This is a sought after prize for many climbers in the New Hampshire area. The timing was right for MMG guest's Paul and Jerry who both crushed by climbing the route in very fine style, not bad for the first NH ice climb of the season.


The Black Dike and Fafnir Ice routes on Cannon Cliff New Hampshire.

                                               

Jerry hitting the turf at the top of the Black Dike. Jerry is a gear specialist, he order three packs to compare and ended up keeping the best - he is using a Mammut Trion Guide Pack.

The year is coming to a close - its been fantastic. Thanks to Mammut for all the support, clothing is awesome, climbing gear and ropes are the best, and the list goes on. I am honored to be part of the Mammut team.

Happy Holidays to all,
Art Mooney

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