Getting to this first bench was just the initiation,
It was as if the highway department laid this road hear, and didn't use any extra material to shore up the bank! were talking near vertical.
Sean and I both scouted for an easier way, but finding none I chose a spot less populated with alders and just wound on her!
About the time I got my sled from the flat to the vertical, I am thinking "this is stupid!" but of course it is just a bit late to be changing ones mind.
Well once I made it to the top I went happily scouting for Sean to point him to the good up.
I should have known,
He was already on top... Scouting the next up.

After the good experience on the bench, and the discovery that the snow was very hard even on the wall, we began our assault on the less vertical but quite lumpy second section of the approach to the "wall".
Once again it was Sean who jumped first, and picked his way to the top, snaking his way around huge lumps climbing ever higher.

Have you ever noticed that photos never show it as steep as it is?
Why is that? Here is an example of just what I mean.
This is what we just climbed, and sitting there, it gave you a feeling of accomplishment just looking at the trail you made.
But as far as we are above the river, it still looks casual in the photo.
So when you see a really impressive photo, you KNOW it was severe!

There is a fine line between caution and cowardice,
At least around Sean.
I don't know anyone but Sean who pushes me.
Usually it is me who is dragging the otherguy into places, but with Sean, if I take a second too long to consider...
It is to late, Coward!
and I end up following. I hate to follow!
Finding a guy to ride with that is your equal or better is nearly impossible, but I take my hat off to Sean, he is the better rider.
But I aint gonna stop trying!  

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