Chris Kulp, veteran of many adventures with Kathy and Mark, crossed the High Sierra or a weekend of ice climbing in "California's Premier Ice Climbing Center". (Actually, it is not bad at all!). As happens all too often, Chris' plans coincided with the arrival of the season's biggest snowfall. But we did manage one good day before being shut down on Sunday by high winds, near-zero visibility and mountain avalanche concerns. Kathy joined Chris and Mark on this fun outing.

In the last few years the far left side of Lee Vining ice, the Bard-Harrington area, has come in very very thick. And this year took the record with more ice in more places than anyone who's anyone can remember. We decided to start with a route that very rarely comes in, Tricouni Nails on the far left of the falls.

Chris near the top of Tricouni Nails. You can see other climbers on the Bard-Harrington Wall.

Another view of Tricouni Nails. The previous photo was taken just as the route enters the sun.

Chris looking serious on Tricouni.

The upper part of Tricouni Nails. This is the part that almost never forms, but was thick and relatively easy this year. The wind began to make itself felt as we climbed. You can see the blowing snow against the deep blue sky. Harbinger of the approaching storm.

Kathy emerging into the sun.

Mark and Chris unroping on the top.

Returning to the packs at the base of the climb.

Wind blowing snow down the "cwm".

With a bit of daylight remaining we did one more pitch up the center of the Bard-Harrington.

Approaching the belay.

Unfortunately, that night the storm arrived with a vengeance, dropping lots of snow in a howling wind, and "suggesting" an activity other than ice climbing would be a wise choice. The following day we did go for a short walk in towards the base of the ice, just to enjoy the blizzard.