McNally was the first person who developed a relationship with the Hunts and was good friends with the son of the family, Howard Hunt Jr. The two approached the previous ranch owners, Marilyn and Howard Hunt, about gaining access to these untouched cliffs.Īccording to a Rock and Ice article by Jeff Jackson, the ranch was struggling financially due to overgrazing and an infestation of dog cactus, so the Hunts opened up the ranch to climbers in 2004 with a fee of $10 to camp and climb.Ĭlimbers soon dotted the limestone cliffside, putting up routes like Crackalious, a 5.10 sport route, and Crocodile Tears, a slabby 5.11 sport route with pinchers, slopers, and mirco-huecoes. McNally noticed right away that the 300-foot limestone cliffs contained the potential for climbing. The geologist happened to be friends with Jamie McNally, a former Access Fund President and local climber. In the early 2000s, a geologist from the University of Texas was kayaking down the Pecos River studying the different striations in the bluffs at Continental Ranch. “We actually went and did Middle Earth, me and some of my friends and that was our inspiration for that objective,” says Pollock. The precarious trek provided for a great adventure. Then the person went on to canyoneer Middle Earth, in lower Yosemite Falls. The participant shared about trekking through tall slick grass on steep trails, venturing into less traveled paths in one of the most visited National Parks in the country. During one Adventure Report event, a participant shared about the old overgrown hiking trails in Yosemite that are rarely traveled. Pollock and a couple of his friends have experienced this inspiration firsthand. Through the Adventure Reports they were able to build a group of friends to go backcountry skiing, running, and climbing. Pollock’s friends Brian and Hannah moved out to Mammoth and were looking to make friends and partners. The Adventure Reports has created a community of like minded people who inspire each other with their stories, and connect to pursue new adventures. Weeks later, both climbers were still stoked about the New Ice Climber Weekend. “We just want to be a conduit for ice climbing,” says Andrezejczak.Īfter the event, Andrezejczak ran into two participants from the New Ice Climber Weekend at his local climbing gym.

Go fast and ditch your screws later, when you're tired so you can rest. The other team had the total opposite approach. Place the screws immediately and then climb up. Andrezejczak’s team's strategy was light and fast. It didn't matter where, as long as it was off the ground. Competitors had to place two ice screws anywhere on the climb.

Each team climbed one of two neighboring routes. The group even held an ice climbing speed competition. “The second day everyone was self-functioning ice climbers like they graduated with an ice climbing diploma,” says Andrezejczak. Some climbers launched themselves off the ground and onto the ice, practicing their ice dyno. Excitedly, climbers placed ice screws while top-roping, practicing their newfound skills. Andrezejcak watched as the novice ice climbers fit their own crampons to their boots. The next day, the group of climbers trekked across a snow-covered Chapel Pond to Positive Reinforcement, a wide flow of ice that offers a variety of climbs. Off to the side, mini-seminars were held, climbers listened eagerly, ready to learn. Participants swung their tools nervously as ice rained down from above at Pitchoff Quarry, a popular ice climbing destination, featuring stunning cliffs of cascading ice. Everyone was asking questions, not quite sure what to expect on the first day.

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