The Seagull - 30m, WI4
The Seagull's main pillar
About this climb: Yet another "Valley of the Birds" climb!
Approach: From the bottom of the Big Hill in the Ghost, head towards the North Ghost area and the GBU ice climbing wall. Check general map of area here. The drainage 100m north of GBU is the Valley Of The Birds. Park on the west side of the small river/creek - you should be able to see the entrance pitch to the VOTB area from here. Cross the river, and walk 100m to the entrance pitch.
Yellow Bird is the 2nd climb of the canyon, and you'll be walking for about 15 minutes before spotting it on your right. Hard to miss as it's entry pitch almost chokes off the canyon, and is fairly broad.
For reference, the area climbs are ordered as follows: Dead Bird (right), Yellow Bird (right), Seagull (left), Albatross (left), The Eagle (right).
Climb: The Approach pitch typically forms as a 15m WI2+/3.
Once above the approach pitch, the Seagull's main climbing curtain stands tall straight ahead. 30m of WI4 climbing awaits (was in 4+ condition when we climbed it). Generally she's climbed straight up the middle, but pick and choose your line based on condition. We climbed in a vertical section tucked slightly behind the pillar before turning onto the pillar proper - far climbers right.
Gear required: 1x 60m rope is adequate for this one. Ice rack to comfort.
Approach: From the bottom of the Big Hill in the Ghost, head towards the North Ghost area and the GBU ice climbing wall. Check general map of area here. The drainage 100m north of GBU is the Valley Of The Birds. Park on the west side of the small river/creek - you should be able to see the entrance pitch to the VOTB area from here. Cross the river, and walk 100m to the entrance pitch.
Yellow Bird is the 2nd climb of the canyon, and you'll be walking for about 15 minutes before spotting it on your right. Hard to miss as it's entry pitch almost chokes off the canyon, and is fairly broad.
For reference, the area climbs are ordered as follows: Dead Bird (right), Yellow Bird (right), Seagull (left), Albatross (left), The Eagle (right).
Climb: The Approach pitch typically forms as a 15m WI2+/3.
Once above the approach pitch, the Seagull's main climbing curtain stands tall straight ahead. 30m of WI4 climbing awaits (was in 4+ condition when we climbed it). Generally she's climbed straight up the middle, but pick and choose your line based on condition. We climbed in a vertical section tucked slightly behind the pillar before turning onto the pillar proper - far climbers right.
Gear required: 1x 60m rope is adequate for this one. Ice rack to comfort.
