Bird Brain Boulevard
Seems there is some interest in the conditions on the Bird Brain Boulevard route in Ouray. Here are some pics from the climb.
It snowed almost all day while we were on the climb. Fortunately, it wasn’t too windy, so spindrift was only somewhat of a annoyance. The snow really gives the route an alpine feel.
The route is certainly not in WI5 M6 condition now. More like WI3/4 M4. And although I didn’t get any pics of the “pencil”, that part is in fat and easy!
Brad Farra begins the first pitch. Thin delaminated ice and snow and almost no pro.
Pitch 2. Beth Goralski starts up the second pitch through a chimney filled with rotten ice.
Brad Farra begins a nice long pitch that is mostly ice.
Beth Goralski climbs the steepest section of ice on the route.
Brad Farra on the exposed traverse high on the route.
Beth Goralski belays in the chimney after the traverse.
Beth Goralski in the final chimney, just below the top of the climb
Hey Brad, the pack goes on the other side of you.
Beth made Brad and I a bit nervous by keeping her helmet on during the drive home. Were we still in danger???
