I had been up on Virginius last year, climbing up from Telluride with John Cappis for trail marking. I had looked down the other side but declined to slide down the snow at that time. This year I figured I better learn the other (harder) side of the pass.
A pretty little creek near the aid station:
A large group of people were interested in seeing this section of the course:
Climbing the snow up the first pitch:
Larry demonstrating what the rock we were sitting on would see if anyone got out of control coming down pitch #2:
An interesting ridge off to the west and a section of scree that ended at the top of a cliff (this should end an argument I have been having with John about THAT possibility):
The route up the last pitch to the pass:
One of the first "sliders" coming back down the top pitch:
John watching people slide down the snow before doing it not just once, but twice (he retrieved a trekking pole someone had dropped on their way down, then came back up to help me over the edge - what a husband!):
Leonard shooting video:
Joe and Joyce:
A gorgeous view, with Bridal Veil Falls barely visible:
Charlie explaining where the course went from there down toward Telluride:
Joyce starting her slide down:
Yes, I slid down, no, it wasn't too difficult after all, just very cold. I enjoyed being able to lean back for once instead of having to "stand up straight" for everything else we do in the mountains (climbing, descending, traversing) - almost relaxing! Except for the snow in your shorts...
A view of Teakettle and the ropes section from PQ 2002 across the way:
Another amazing day!
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