I recently became the Director of an Adventure Program. This program has been one I have worked for in some form or another for about six years. I am excited about the possibilities the job offers and the creativity it requires. Life takes us on many different journeys and I am never disappointed with where I have been. With each new experience I have the choice of becoming a better person because each new experience provides us with the possibility of a new direction or maintaining the course we are on. Just like the ice I so enjoy climbing, each year it comes and goes but it is different each year, although it may be in the same spot, some years it is much better and some years it may not be there at all. What I am saying is that I hope to continue to get better, all the while knowing that some years in my life will be dry seasons. For the moment I am enjoying one of the best freezes ever, which brings with it beautiful ice.
There is no question to why I use ice as a metaphor for my life. I am a climber. It is my hobby, my passion, and my job! Yes, a large portion of my job includes climbing. Therefor I invite you to embark on a journey with me that teaches you about climbing life, and the relationships that make life grand.
I am currently grooming an ice tower at work for the participants at the school I work for to climb. It is roughly 32' tall and is about 5' wide. There are many ways to learn about yourself but what better way than understanding your limits. In this case, the participants are challanged, but never forced, to try and climb the ice tower. The tower is constructed of ice which hangs from a chain and two ropes. The anchor for the structure, besides ice, is a 3/4 inch shoulder eye Machined bolt that is connected to an I beam which is part of the buildings structure it is attached by a 16mm rapid link and backed up by a 7x19 galvanized steel aircraft cable that also runs around the same i beam. The loop of cable is connected by 4 u bolts. This cable is connected to the ropes, which are part of the ice structure, and the 3/4 inch shoulder eye machined eye bolt by two 12mm rapid links.
The ice is being formed by a contraption that a friend of mine, and climbing partner, Steve. It is roughly two three foot pieces of 1 inch pvc pipe that has a T connection in the middle. This also has a valve for water speed control on it where the hose connects to it. (see picture) this slowly drips water for a period of time creating simulated waterfall ice. The chain, because it is metal, conducts the cold and starts freezing immediately. In order to get the best freeze and structure I needed to have a week where the temperature was below 25 degrees. If it is closer to 32 the water has to be dripped much slower and takes much longer for the structure to form. With the temperatures like they are (12 - 20) I managed to construct almost the whole thing in 24 hours and expect to be climbing by mid week. I am excited to start so early in the year, most times we don't start construction until February or late January but I will be climbing by the 5th or 6th of January.
A note to those interested in trying this. If it gets above freezing at any point during the construction take the water off of the structure because it will melt it quickly. Otherwise use the water as needed throughout the winter to continually rebuild the structure for further use. Beware that sometimes the new ice does not stick as well to the existing ice and can come off in large flakes. I also must say that ice climbing is inherently dangerous just like climbing, therefor take extreme caution before you go playing around ice. Do not try climbing without the correct equipment or proper instruction. As I mentioned earlier each new experience brings with it new opportunities and consequences, we need to be able to accept whatever happens knowing that we made the choice. If you are to scared to try something new, stay home, but don't blame others for any missteps along your path. Thanks for listening, stay posted for more.
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