Brian getting saddled up. I could tell he was nerved up (usually my department), so I kept the positive comments coming and did my part to get us ready. The approach turned out to be a lot more of a slog than last year. There was a great deal more snow than before and some ice as well. The going is steep, to about 50 degrees, up to the base of the first pitch.

Brian: Quite frankly, I was nervous. I had a general feeling of unease throughout breakfast. Mike later told me that he sensed this and tried to keep things as upbeat as possible. The previous day at Cathedral had done a number on my confidence. The increased commitment level and technical difficulty of Hitchcock had me worried. Once in the car the uneasiness quickly faded. I wasn't excited yet but I wasn't worried either. I was just ready to get on with it and see what the day brought.

In a way, it was the perfect alpine day - cloudy and dark, with a bit of wind and some light snow falling every now and again. Sunny days on ice and snow make me think sometimes that I'm not really earning my keep.