Solo climbing a sketchy ridge (I had to jump)

Summary

In this adventure-filled video, the narrator embarks on a solo climb of the South Ridge of a mountain, battling the cold and snowy conditions. Despite being sick and dealing with car troubles, the narrator pushes through, navigating the challenging terrain with crampons and a helmet. Along the way, they reflect on their preference for solitude over large crowds while enjoying the stunning scenery. The journey highlights the importance of hydration, personal challenges, and the joy of alpine exploration, finishing with a peaceful descent and a reminder of the day's accomplishment.

Takeaways

• 😀 The day started early, with a 3:00 AM wake-up and over two and a half hours of driving through snowy conditions.
• 😀 The car initially didn't start, which led to using a DS vehicle with a lower ground clearance, making it more difficult to drive through the snow.
• 😀 Despite having been sick with the family (including the cat), the climber was determined to continue the journey.
• 😀 The decision to start early was driven by the desire to take advantage of daylight and the weather, which was predicted to be nice.
• 😀 The climb involved heading up the South Ridge, a familiar route from previous climbs, though this time soloing it.
• 😀 The climber encountered tricky parts, including sketchy terrain and icy patches, requiring careful route choices and jumping across a gap.
• 😀 Hydration was emphasized as crucial, especially in winter conditions where the body requires more water to stay warm, even if it’s not felt immediately.
• 😀 The climb was not crowded, and the climber often felt more comfortable alone but also appreciated climbing with partners.
• 😀 The summit was busy, with many people on the normal route, but the climber took solace in finding solitude in their own area of the ridge.
• 😀 The descent was enjoyed with thoughts of returning during a snowier time to ski down the mountain, reflecting on the satisfaction of light and fast travel without a heavy backpack.
• 😀 The adventure included some fun stops on the way down, such as seeing a miniature version of Al Stalp, adding a unique element to the experience.

Q & A

What time did the person wake up and why did they start their journey early?

The person woke up at around 3:00 AM and started their journey early to get a head start before daylight, as the days are short during this time of year.

What issue did the person face before starting their journey?

The person's car didn't start, which delayed their journey. They had to take their DS, a lower-to-the-ground vehicle, which made the snow hitting the undercarriage more noticeable.

What is the person's condition during the trip?

The person mentions that they, along with their family and cat, have been sick for the past week, though they still continue their journey despite not feeling their best.

Where is the person headed, and what is their goal for the day?

The person is headed to climb the South Ridge of a mountain. Their goal for the day is to successfully climb this ridge, a location they’ve previously visited.

What safety equipment does the person use for the climb?

The person uses crampons for traction and a helmet for safety as they prepare for the climb.

What challenges did the person face while climbing the ridge?

The person faced challenges such as dealing with sketchy routes, thin ice, and dry terrain that was not crampon-friendly. They also had to make difficult decisions, such as jumping over a drop to avoid a dangerous downclimb.

What important lesson does the person share about winter hydration?

The person highlights the importance of drinking enough water during winter, even though people often don't feel the need. The body requires more water in cold conditions to stay warm.

How does the person feel about large groups of people during their activities?

The person expresses discomfort with being in large groups and mentions they are more of a loner. However, they do enjoy climbing with their climbing partners.

What is the person’s attitude toward the weather and snow conditions on the day?

The person is pleased with the perfect weather conditions and snow conditions for their climb, which aligns with the forecast.

What does the person mention about their previous trips and equipment?

The person mentions that they’ve been doing a lot of two-day journeys with backpacks lately, but on this day, they appreciate being light and fast without heavy equipment, although they forgot some items like snow circles.