20080108 Icehouse Canyon

Post by **Taco** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 5:09 pm

Forum member Chris wanted to learn some of the basics of basic winter mountain travel, ice axe and crampon use, and so we set off to attempt Ontario Peak.

This being Chris's first time doing what we did, he had some cramps due to the postholing (always fun), but enjoyed the experience. We stopped just a short distance before reaching Icehouse Saddle, had lunch, and turned to head home. Breaking trail in the snow was something good for a two-day trip, or a long day and night, and we had other places to be tonight than Icehouse Canyon.

Pics

Looking up at one of the crags near Sugarloaf... mind wandering to mixed fun...

In the canyon

Chris leading the way

Looking up at one of the SOuth Face couloirs on Telegraph Peak

Chris and Tele

Winter wonderland

Chris and breaktime

Part of Ontario's north aspect or side.

Moving through an avy zone

Wet slide avalanche, one of a ton we saw that day, all past, none happened during our outing.

Baldy

Rime gravel, all rime that melted off trees and collected in sort of alluvial fans.

Chris

More stuff

Chris in the snow, "cooling off"

My lunch

Breaktime for lunch

The amazing flipoff tree, which I photograph nearly every time I'm here.

Ah, the possibilities!!!!! 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

Chris and wonderful works of art some stupid folks felt necessary to adorn the bathrooms with. Thank you, idiots, for claiming this as your territory or whatever stupid idea you had while defacing property that does not belong to you.

Huzzah.

And, video later.

He219 · Post by **He219** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 5:27 pm

Nice pix Taco!

They did a number on the shytehouse, bastids.

hvydrt · Post by **hvydrt** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 5:32 pm

nice report taco. looks like fun. i cant believe how stupid some people are for tagging the crapper like that.

Travis · Post by **Travis** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 5:55 pm

another nice Trip report and great photos.
You sound very technical,

An alluvial fan comprised of Rime Gravel

An excellent explanation,

Too bad for the Graffiti, idiots!!

Post by **HikeUp** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 6:06 pm

Taggers = poo-flinging sub-human chimps.

Doug Forbes · Post by **Doug Forbes** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 6:15 pm

Great trip report and photos of a beautiful "Winter Home Range!" I agree - wonderful San Gabriel Mixed possibilities on those ridges....

Doug F.

RichardK · Post by **RichardK** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 7:16 pm

The Icehouse Canyon outhouse was tagged back in the summer, although only the eastside. The Forest Service (or somebody) painted over it very quickly.

Post by **Taco** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 8:36 am

The outhouse nearer my home, up at the end of R39, gets tagged and repainted on a regular basis.

More motivation to be in Law Enforcement. 8)

Post by **Taco** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 10:14 am

The video:

friendowl · Post by **friendowl** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 10:44 am

did you need crampons or was it ok with just poles
looks like fun
sunday morning is my only free chance
ill be up there

Post by **Taco** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 10:57 am

Didn't need crampons, and trekking poles woulda been great. Crampons would probably be used above the saddle, once you get into thinner foliage and whatnot.

Was a light crust the whole way, unable to support weight.

simonov · Post by **simonov** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 12:45 pm

I don't know how you did that without poles. I just fall over in deep snow.

Didja see any Koreans?

Post by **Taco** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 12:56 pm

Yup, about 5 Koreans. I need to learn some Korean, or bring some of my friends (I grew up in a mostly-Korean city in LA County).

I used my axe for balance, I did fall once or twice.

I've done tons of postholing already this season, so I'm ready.

KathyW · Post by **KathyW** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:05 pm

Beautiful pictures - they really help to show what it's like out there.

Post by **Taco** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:08 pm

Thanks Kathy!

Lotsa snow basically!