I was on the Ben today with Colm and Dave hoping to find something tricky to challenge them. The good weather and easy walk in started the day off nicely.
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| Stunning views on the walk in |
We opted to climb Jackknife V, 6 first. This gives a good sustained crux pitch up the groove with some thin climbing. The upper wall after the groove is normally avoided one the right. To add a little harder climbing, I went straight up the steep wall boldly, to reach the second belay. I think this may have been the way Andy did it on the first ascent, as the grade is different in a couple of guides. This way offers some good top end 6 or even the odd move of 7. Once we nipped up the next steep wall to join the SW ridge, we bailed down and over to Vanishing Gully V, 5.
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| Thin moves to reach the second belay |
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| Embracing the spindrift |
We climbed this rapidly in 2 long pitch to be back down and out as the temp was starting to creep up a little. Stunning soft ice and hooks made progress easy. A pleasure to climb.
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| Stepped out heaven on Vanishing |
A great day in good company.
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