Dead of Winter (Ice Climbing Part 5)

... meteorologically(?) January 10th thru February 10th - a few people recently phoned/emailed as to current ice conditions hereabout - not out that much anymore "checkin' conditions" (if at all) - and haven't been - so, don't know, but wouldn't expect much - up until the last day or two it's been pretty warm - lookin' at the weather forecast for the upcoming week (mid 20 degree highs/single digit lows with daily snow showers) would expect pretty good conditions by next weekend, especially at the higher ridge elevations - if out and about and get any photos will update  here for the people to decide...

... a few inquire as to the location of the ice flow located up near 'Kraylick Rocks', the (once) popular rock climbing crag..."the GPS co-ordinates in 'Griz's' guidebook don't match the cliff location...?" - and they won't - the ice flow is located just up the road, a quarter mile (at best) as you approach the cliffs...

... here's the approximate location of both (gotta' get some new 'topo-mapping' software) - the ice flow follows a small drainage that flows below the road (thru a drainpipe) to the north for about a hundred feet where it cascades for maybe 40 feet over a small natural-formed sandstone cliff - great access - just a short walk from the vehicle*...

... don't have many decent photos of this place - this is during a spring-thaw years back - Bill Fiesta for scale - the main, vertical flow photo-left is probably Grade 3+...

... a different perspective - not the best conditions - main flow still sketchy this day...

... HA! - lead ascent from years back - bet no one knew that 'NFL Films' once manufactured "climbing helmets" - was given that hat by a retired 'NFL Films' cinematographer from WNY we occasionally did some work for - among other things, also acquired a large box of used 16mm film cans pen-marked with games from the 60's and 70's - like an idiot, this guy (pictured) used 'em all to send exposed film-rolls to the lab(s) for processing - they never returned 'em with the processed 'work-prints'...

... always the innovator, here's Tim Anderson testing out some early mixed-climbing potential up there, probably around year 2000 (wow! - 14 years "already")...

... very poor conditions this day - Tim eventually solved a mixed line that works the roof just to the left of his knees in this photo - think that it is now bolted as well (don't recall)...

... not a bad area - now'day's considered pretty irrelevant compared to most of the other local stuff...

*... a word of caution - if driving in, beware of the last steep hill (past the old 'Liston Schoolhouse') that drops into the valley - if the road is iced, you're only hope of return is if you are driving a 'tracked' vehicle - we spent over an hour one day winching (luckily) Tim's 'Jeep' back up that hill - if any doubt at all, park at the top of the hill and walk in (about a quarter mile) - you'll likely need your crampons for the hill... keep in mind - there's no other way out... and it's very likely (for days) there is going to be no one "hear you scream"...