Here to day gone tomorrow, and how a hero turns to zero then slowly back again

It's been almost five months since my shoulder surgery I got the green light to start climbing again at four months post op. So I have slowly started to climb again it had been May 28th (bouldering) since I last climbed right before I wrecked my shoulder completely so between the mobility and strength loss it is coming along all things considered. I'm just super psyched to be climbing ice again. I got my first couple days in at Hyalite taking it easy and just following and top roping. I'm amazed at how well my shoulder is doing. I was also pleasantly suprised to see Chilco Falls had frozen during our short lived cold snap. Giving me a chance to test drive my shoulder more. It's a small falls that is literally minutes from my house. So I made a few trips over there the last week knowing that with the warm rainy forecast coming it's days were numbered. I top roped the first two trips in there then did my first lead of the season on it the last time in there. Not my best lead but I did it and still have a smile on my face. I have my work cut out for me but I'm climbing ice again and that's all that matters to me!
I'm right handed really right handed so once I started to notice my right arm was getting weaker than my left a few years back I thought that's odd. It obviously was directly linked to my shoulder issues. So in the last year my right arm the hero went to zero becoming the weaker one. Then ultimately useless for some time now my right arm is posed for a comeback so from hero to zero to hero again with alot of work on my end of course. Now I realize that my left arm is no slouch either and has been able to pick up the slack. Super excited for the ice season even if I'll probably be in training  wheel mode most if not all of it!

Chilco Falls 11-30-15
Melting fast now that the rain has arrived

Pyramid Lake Ice

Pyramid Lake Ice

Early season option before snow closes road can be in as early as mid October
Directions
Hike to lake ice is visible on far end of lake
Fun day in the hills
Pictures from November 22 2014

Panhandle Ice?

Is there really ice climbing in the north Idaho panhandle? Well yes there is it may be here today gone tomorrow but there's some out there I'm going to list the two most consistent and accessible ones. Yes there are a few more climbs in the panhandle but the stars have to align or some backcountry travel is required. I live in Hayden Idaho so approximate drive times are from my house. I will be adding a local ice guide page with panhandle ice and other areas in eastern washington and western Montana post.

Chilco Falls 15M WI3/3R with mixed & dry tool options also
10 minute drive short approach
Access issues see below
Forms almost every season can be very brief.
Some seasons are very good, I feel really fortunate to have this area and climb it often when it is in.
Access is an issue so ask a local or go with one who knows the way in. We don't want to mess up the access situation. NO DOGS PERIOD!!! Be respectful of the property owners.

Early season Dec 2011

Copper Falls 70M 1 or 2 pitches WI3
2hr drive may require 4wd  short approach
Forms almost every season can be very brief.
Here's good route info from Summit Post <LINK>
Fun climb you can link with Libby MT (more on this area in an upcoming post) stuff to fill up a day

Dec 2007



Rich Bennett Dec 2007



Here Today Gone Tomorrow

North Idaho ice is always a fickle beast elusive and short lived this season is no exception! In fact this winter has been one of the mildest I can remember. We have had three good cold snaps lasting about five days. Which we rely on to get the ice started but they have all been followed by rain and early spring type temperatures ugh! Typically our ice can last awhile this season literally days! I actually got my season's first swings early by N Idaho standards on Copper Falls things started out great Copper typically isn't climbed until late November early December in fact this season is the earliest I've climbed ice in N Idaho. Followed by some ice at Pyramid Lake a week later and Chilco came in late December early January (lasting only a few days feeling lucky I got to climb it twice!). So I was psyched thinking maybe the season I've been waiting for had arrived. Not to be but I did get to climb some of what my panhandle has to offer and will again soon I hope! So until then north and east I'll have to go!

Copper Falls November 16 2014

Pyramid Lake Ice November 22 2014



Chilco Falls January 3 2015
 In and out in less than a week this season