Hyalite weekend

My trip this year to the Bozeman Ice Festival was marred by an avalanche accident that killed one of the best ice climbers in the world, Guy Lacelle. During the competition on Friday an avalanche was kicked off above him and swept him over a long, steep cliff band. I didn't know him personally but knew of him and his reputation. It was a very sad thing!

Friday JT, Bill Belcourt and I headed up to a super cool route called The Sceptor. A steep, multi-tiered route that Jack actually did the first accent in the early 1980's. The route was running with water which was flash freezing on the surface. Bill's tools and gloves weren't excluded in the formation of ice. He led through the difficult section and had to bail part way up as he could no longer hold on to his tools. JT kindly (forced me) to get on and try to finish the lead. Probably one of the most difficult pure ice routes I have been on.

Saturday JT, Pat, Bill and I went to a little closer formation where Pat worked on here ice skills and we did laps on a short but steep pillar with a very nice mixed line to it's left. A very fun weekend despite the dark cloud hovering over the weekend. Thanks Pat and Jack for putting me up for the weekend! Thanks Black Diamond crew for the dinners!!!!

The Sceptor upper half

Bill starting inside and under the pillar

Bill

Me on the upper half