I just finished an 8 day stretch of guide work in the New Hampshire. On the last day Mike and I climbed the Black Dike in cold windy conditions. The route is prize, a classic ice climb in the region. It has a bit of every thing, a long talus approach, 500 foot route, thin and brittle ice, and even a few rock moves. Mike was visiting from Ohio and he wanted to climb at a new area, this climb would be a good memorable route for him.

Mike approaching the base of the route with a 7o meter Mammut Serenity 8.9 mm rope on his pack. This length is needed to gain the prime belay spot on pitch one. The Serenity is an ultra light rope and weight is always a concern.

The Black Dike with Fafnir on the right. The Black Dike is usually climbed in three pitches. P1 to the start on the ice runnel, P2 climbs to the top of the runnel where the route fattens up, and P3 to the forest on the right.

Mike is on the final pitch, getting ready for a few mixed moves up the final groove.

Another cold day on the mountain. To help maintain I have some new Mammut products which are working quite well. My layering system is extensive, I get cold out there. To get ready I start with Mammut's Alpine underwear. The body mapping and multiple fabrics really do work.

Another new item in my system is Mammut's Jasper Zip Pull. Great functional garment with stretch side panels and slick finish. The Mammut Stratus vest is a wonder an its always on my body - very high insulation value. The Cadmium Laser Jacket is an award winner for sure, it is indespensible for alpine climbing in the northeast.

Thanks Mammut for all of these items - each of these items are put to the test day after day and are doing their job - keeping me warm in the New England winters.

Happy Holidays,

Art Mooney