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Spent a warm day in Grotto Canyon. It was +6 C at
2pm. The dirt road into the upper parking is an ice rink in the morning. A
SUV ahead of us got stuck on a slight incline and could not go forward to
backwards without slipping sideways so they parked it in the middle of the track
to wait for softer ice in afternoon which would offer better traction. Seems
best to park further back and walk a bit more.
Grotto Falls: It's a waterfall in the truest
sense of the word. There is lots of surface water flowing over the ice and it is
impossible to keep ropes and gloves dry.
Hers: Very white and sun leached. Lots of rock
showing through and closer inspection reveals that it is all detached from the
rock behind. Seemed too sketchy to climb safely so we gave it a miss. I think it
is done for the season.
His: The ice is in better condition than Hers; it
is blue and well attached. A big ice umbrella / roof has formed halfway up but
is well protected by bolts on the left. I think these bolts are new this year
since I have never seen them before.
Mixed routes: The 3 bolted mixed routes are very
wet with lots of water flowing over the rock. I'd avoid them until temperatures
get colder or you'll just end up ripping unfrozen rock holds off.
Sean Isaac
Assistant Alpine Guide
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