Ice Climbing --- 3/4/2010 - 3/5/2010 --- Pharaoh Mountain, Adirondacks

Pharaoh Mountain! A total classic! One of the best ice climbs I've ever done. Awesome way to close out the ice season.

Drove to the Dacks on Thursday afternoon. Did some actual winter camping at the trailhead. I much prefer Tammy's house! Friday went something like this:
5:30am wake
6:15am start skiing on icy and rutted roads and trails
9:30am arrive at base of climb (eat lunch, rest, personal hygiene, change boots, etc.)
10:30am start climbing
2:30pm summit
4:00pm back on ground
6:15pm back to car

Pharaoh is a 500' 3 pitch, WI3. Guy led the first, crux pitch. And he stretched it a full 200' to a nice tree belay. I led pitch 2, which was mostly easy with a few vertical and near vertical bulges. I had the upgraded SPOT with a special button for emergencies when I need Guy to lead my pitch, but I didn't have to use it. We simuled a bit and took that pitch a full 220' to another nice tree. From here, Guy led the last pitch to the top. Five rope stretching rappels (trees on the left side of the route) got us to the base. The weather was beautiful, so we took our time (and took photos) during the climb. The hike out was miserable since the snow had softened and we were postholing down the talus slope and along horse trail until we reached the Pharaoh Lake outlet bridge where we had stashed our skis. Back at the car we ate a ton of food, then drove back to Ithaca. Getting back early was nice. Another bluebird day in Ithaca on Saturday. Went for a nice bike ride with Emily and then off to Kate and Tim's game night party.

Guy getting ready to lead the first pitch.  We carried some rock gear, though we never needed it. (Category:  Ice Climbing)

Guy getting ready to lead the first pitch. We carried some rock gear, though we never needed it.    Pharaoh Mountain, Adirondacks -- 3/5/2010

We both wore our Cyborgs.  Guy has the older orange Cyborgs, mine are the new stainless model. (Category:  Ice Climbing)

We both wore our Cyborgs. Guy has the older orange Cyborgs, mine are the new stainless model.    Pharaoh Mountain, Adirondacks -- 3/5/2010

The main flow had this huge horizontal crack about 40' up.  So Guy led the left side.  Which it turned out also had a huge crack about 40' up. (Category:  Ice Climbing)

The main flow had this huge horizontal crack about 40' up. So Guy led the left side. Which it turned out also had a huge crack about 40' up.    Pharaoh Mountain, Adirondacks -- 3/5/2010

Guy leading the first pitch. (Category:  Ice Climbing)

Guy leading the first pitch.    Pharaoh Mountain, Adirondacks -- 3/5/2010

Placing a screw. (Category:  Ice Climbing)

Placing a screw.    Pharaoh Mountain, Adirondacks -- 3/5/2010

Placing a screw. (Category:  Ice Climbing)

Placing a screw.    Pharaoh Mountain, Adirondacks -- 3/5/2010

Near the big crack in p1. (Category:  Ice Climbing)

Near the big crack in p1.    Pharaoh Mountain, Adirondacks -- 3/5/2010

Guy at the first belay. (Category:  Ice Climbing)

Guy at the first belay.    Pharaoh Mountain, Adirondacks -- 3/5/2010

I'm getting ready to lead p2.  Yes, I put my helmet back on to climb. (Category:  Ice Climbing)

I'm getting ready to lead p2. Yes, I put my helmet back on to climb.    Pharaoh Mountain, Adirondacks -- 3/5/2010

Duct tape on the screamers?  Who does that?  Maybe I read about it in a rockclimbing.com post. (Category:  Ice Climbing)

Duct tape on the screamers? Who does that? Maybe I read about it in a rockclimbing.com post.    Pharaoh Mountain, Adirondacks -- 3/5/2010

Me leading p2. (Category:  Ice Climbing)

Me leading p2.    Pharaoh Mountain, Adirondacks -- 3/5/2010

Me leading p2. (Category:  Ice Climbing)

Me leading p2.    Pharaoh Mountain, Adirondacks -- 3/5/2010

Summit photo. (Category:  Ice Climbing)

Summit photo.    Pharaoh Mountain, Adirondacks -- 3/5/2010

Getting ready to rappel. (Category:  Ice Climbing)

Getting ready to rappel.    Pharaoh Mountain, Adirondacks -- 3/5/2010

On the hike out, Guy getting pictures of Pharaoh. (Category:  Ice Climbing)

On the hike out, Guy getting pictures of Pharaoh.    Pharaoh Mountain, Adirondacks -- 3/5/2010

Pharaoh from a distance.  The climb is the obvious ice line near the center. (Category:  Ice Climbing)

Pharaoh from a distance. The climb is the obvious ice line near the center.    Pharaoh Mountain, Adirondacks -- 3/5/2010

Pharaoh Mountain Ice Route! (Category:  Ice Climbing)

Pharaoh Mountain Ice Route!    Pharaoh Mountain, Adirondacks -- 3/5/2010