This House of Sky, The Ghost, Canadian Rockies (April )
This House of Steps, err... I mean Sky, is still clinging to its winter facade--as long as you are not opposed to a staircase up the ice. The ice is only seeing a little sun in the morning so it is still blue for the most part (and brittle if you don't swing at the pock-marks). Of course, there is exposed choss perched on ledges above the gully, but there is no snow to melt and lubricate said choss, so rock fall was not really a concern despite the balmy temperatures this afternoon. We descended after doing the little steep pillar/curtain in the upper bowl (which also is in good shape with cold, blue ice and sinker hooks and steps).
We parked at the new bridge across from GBU since the sign there stated that the track beyond the bridge is only open from December 1 to March 31. Other cars drove further, but it seems like a bad idea to mess with the fragile access to the North Ghost.
Finally, there was some discussion and confusion this year on Gravsports.com about the photo on page 132 of Joe Josephson's Waterfall Ice guidebook stating "The final pitches of This House of Sky". People were right to be confused as this photo is not THOS but in fact looks to be R&D. Darn guidebook authors.... Sean Isaac ACMG Alpine Guide
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