Monday on the Black Dike.

The news is out, and The Black Dike on Cannon Cliff is in!

Paul and I met in Plymouth at 6am, got on 93 headed to Cannon Cliff in Franconia Notch State Park. This is what we live for. Springing out of bed, strong coffee, approaching ice climbing objectives in the dark, sun rising on cold cliffs, connecting with the mountain environment, and spending time with cool folks.

Climbing in the winter is different. Rock climbs are always "in shape." Ice climbs are more fickle, being dependent on a wide variety of weather conditions. This is part of the allure. We wait, we watch, we sometimes even hike for an hour to find unsuitable climbing conditions. We speculate, and pray for cold weather. We hope for rain followed by extreme cold. We drive very slowly with our necks craned out of our vehicles, getting tailgated by busy commuters.

We are essentially "ice hunters" fanatically searching out our next opportunity to suffer, smile, and ascend tannin stained icicles dripping off of windy, spindrift spilling granite crags.

As we headed north on 93 we passed a guide friend of mine that I knew was gunning for the same frozen paradise. I told Paul to drive faster. Luckily we got there first. We had the 'right of way' on a climb that acts as a funnel for falling ice, therefor, only allows a single climbing team at a time. This is winter and the race is on. Next time we may not be the first in line, forcing us to change our plans, flexibility is the name of the game and adventure is our vice.

Every once in a while we get to have perfect days in the mountains like Monday on The Black Dike. Nice work Paul! You crushed!

Matt Ritter

MMG Guide