Assessing One’s Capabilities
An Attack Of Discretion
It happens, on occasion
It is winter in New York’s Finger Lakes.
The region is one of many particularly beautiful areas in the state. All-year-round. The hills and valley-filling lakes are uniquely picturesque.
In many places, rushing water has cut deep gullies into the hillsides. These creek beds, cut through the sedimentary rock, are great places for exploration. Particularly when most of the water becomes static.
Bob suggested a hike up Clark Gully, near his home.
During the entire hike up the gully, one can hear the gurgling water below. Time, temperature, and speed of flow determine the holding power of the ice.
Crampons, or spikes, are essential for scaling icy creeks. Strapped onto one’s boots, they greatly reduce the degree of difficulty.
Not unlike the video games of old, every time one surmounts one level, another more difficult one is revealed.
There was no clear path up the third fall. If we were being chased by a horde of goblins and had a film crew, we would have tried it. Or if we had 80 fewer years between us. But eying several different lines of ascent, we could not see a path that did not sport bright-red virtual flashing lights.
“I’ve done this before,” said Bob, “But with better equipment and ropes.”
“I’m not thinking it’s in the cards.”
“No argument from you?”
“No, not today. I’m suffering from an uncharacteristic attack of discretion.”
It’s actually significantly dicier coming down than going up. On the way up, one can see the mistakes being made much more easily, and possibly even avoid them.
Climbing icy waterfalls provided a nice little hike, but there was more time to enjoy the clean air and blue sky. Conklin Gully is nearby and has ice which is climbed by the REAL crazies.
There were no climbers on the falls, but Bob has seen them many times.
See if you can find the climber. Wouldn’t you love to be up there with that guy?
“I’m not thinking it’s in the cards.”