[MCR] Mount Louis, Tower of Babel & Eisenhower Tower - Rockies

Subject: [MCR] Mount Louis, Tower of Babel & Eisenhower Tower - Rockies
Date: Sun, 16 Jun 2013 15:17:06 -0600
Hey All, 

After a month of sport climbing and rock rescue courses, I've spent the past 
three days guiding a good buddy and client, Christian up these objectives over 
the past three days. 

Friday despite the weather, we thought we'd have a run at Louis. Which we ended 
up bailing off off when the late afternoon rains appeared on the horizon. Both 
Gmoser and Kain routes were dry as far as we could see (until the rain hit 
anyways) but unsure about the state of the descent gully/rappels as we turned 
back at the junction of the two routes.

Fair amount of old debris still laying around from the winter in the avalanche 
paths just short of the peak, but pretty easy travel none the less. With better 
weather I'd say an ascent would likely work out just fine... as far as the 
conditions go anyways.

Climbed the Tower of Babel yesterday. A bit seepy in places but all dry where 
the climbing line is. Could probably fill a water bottle half way up if you 
needed to. No snow at all in the descent gully, just enough moisture to keep 
the dust down. 

Up Eisenhower Tower on Castle Mountain today. Dry all the way and the usual 
water running out of the base of the snow patch in the middle of the upper 
tower. Easy to refill water bottles en route. A little muddy in places but 
otherwise good to go. No need for crampons or axe if your coming up and down 
the east end of the peak. Lots of snow still laying around on the goat plateau 
and if you were coming from the hut, an ice axe would be useful if you had to 
cross it while still frozen. 

Great days out all in. Bring on the alpine season!

Mike Trehearne
AG/ASG
Cloud Nine Guides 

Trip Photos up at:
www.cloudnineguides.com
www.facebook.com/cloudnineguides
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