Ouray Ice Park 2017

What: Ouray Ice Climbs
Where Ouray Ice Park, Ouray, CO
When: January 27-29, 2017
Who: Shaun Spry, Pan Blanco, Victor Sanchez, Glenda and Hugo Reyes Ortiz, Lauren Lay, Yours Truly.

Climbed in several areas in the park, including School Room, New Funtier, Fiver Fingers, Pic O Vic Area, and more...We climbed primarly WI4 ice with a couple WI5 routes in  finger areas. This was my third time out to the park and it was the rest of the crew's first time ice climbing...they all loved it.

In our vacation to CO this winter, we drank at DAM Brewery, Ouray Brewery, Ourayle Brewery, Eddyline Brewery, and Wynkoop Brewery. Favorite drink of the stay was Black Eddy IPA from Eddyline. Fantastic.

On our last day in CO, we had a great morning session at North Table mountain where we sampled the greasy Basalt...oh the years and years of climbing at this place. Fortunately for us, one of our local climbing areas is full of greasy polished limestone so we felt comfortable climbing on this.

My friend Lauren (in the blue and glasses), joined us from Fraser, CO and it was a blast hanging with her. She is full of energy and has an infectious "go-get'em attitude"...it was fun being around her. I also think Hugo is out of shape...;)

So...Ouray is just the best. Been fortunate to visit many areas in this state and I keep coming back here and saying the same thing..."It's my favorite!" I've been here in Summer, Winter...and it doesn't matter. This place is incredible. From the town, to the canyons, to Yankee Boy Basin, Million Dollar HWY, and more...this place has a special place in my heart.

Anyways...don't have much of a trip report for ya...what you need to know is this...Ice climbing 2017 was awesome. From the first day climbing at -8 degrees, to the 1,925' of total ice climbing, and our good friend Evan Williams congratulating us on each route...this was an amazing experience. Our boy Victor here turned 31 years old on the trip and we sang him the worst, half ass rendition of Happy Birthday anyone could of ever gotten. Oh yeah...we also shared a hot tub dip with a stranger in what looked like pee water. But it was hot and it felt great...

So all I have left is pics to enjoy...I know you guys like sharing stories and having an easy place to show your photos...I hope you can reference this post. Enjoy!