This was actually a great call. I had my doubts about climbing a route with the time we had (about an hour) but Brian convinced me in short order. In the end we totally kicked it and practically ran up the route we picked, which was probably 2+. Our transitions (only two, but we'd take them) were very fast, and Brian led very well. There was one awkward stance near the top (as are many on low-angle ice that can't decide if it wants to be steep or flat), but he did the line quickly and efficiently. None of our screws froze and we were happy to get in some climbing to salvage at least the end of a very frustrating day.

Brian: Back at the car I talked Mike into going back to Cathedral. I was going to be really upset if the day contained NO climbing. It was getting late in the day and I thought some folks might have cleared out. My hunch was correct and I sprang out of the car. For some reason, Mike was less than up for it. I needed to get up something and probably bullied through his hesitations. I knew they would disappear once he got going.

The climb was just over a rope-length long so I tied into a tree about fifty feet up and Mike followed quickly. I was right about the climb and Mike was already having fun. I charged out of the belay and started up quickly.

It was a good climb and I thought that after Willey's it would be a cruise. It wasn't hard but I didn't cruise it like I thought I would. Mike had a great time of it and was very enthused on top (see photos to come). I was less enthused. My confidence had taken a bit of a hit and the next day on Hitchcock loomed large in my head. This is we call a double entendre.