Caroline spent some time on a few climbs practicing various techniques - including ice screw placements in awkward situations. She then had always-cheerful Eric perform the task of cleaning up all the placements afterwards.
Sophie at Montagne D'Argent
After one more shot at a vertical ice wall (where I almost managed to strand another ice tool), I had had enough. However, I was finding - apart from the worn-out forearm muscles - that I could make reasonable progress up the vertical sections. Afterwards, the others told me about energy expenditure-reducing techniques, as well as training techniques that would help strengthen these muscles - at which point, I'd like to come back and try these routes again!
The low light of winter started to fade as the time neared 4 o'clock, and we began to think about packing up and heading out. I watched a few final climbs, including one made by Malcolm up a vertical convex column. He made it look easy - slow, steady, sure-footed, and with a great economy of movement. The complete opposite of flailing about.
As the light dimmed, we packed everything up and headed back to the cars. We all re-joined in the town of nearby Mont Tremblant, where we had a pleasant birthday dinner at Le Vieux Four restaurant.
Thank you once again, Caroline, for thinking of and organizing a great birthday outing. You treated us, rather than the other way around! And, it was great meeting everyone else. Hope to climb with you guys again someday.
Interactive trackmap with photo points - Montagne D-Argent - click map to view
