Dead Bunny and the Moratorium

We've been making a few trips down to Wyoming in search of some adventure ice climbing. It's been a great few days of exploring and climbing.


Bridget and I somehow found the well hidden Dead Bunny route, we managed it in 3 pitches of fun ice with a WI4+ crux exit. Camping in the cold was a bit rough as my sleeping bag is very inadequate for subzero temps but I survived. Bridget and I parked then walked the few miles to the rim where the climb poors out of the cliff below your feet. The climb is well hidden but worth the search. We climbed the route with tree belays and replaced the faded webbing for the Rappel anchors.


Why is winter camping in Wyoming so damn cold? Good thing I brought along some salted nut rolls to keep me warm.


P1 Dead Bunny




Bridget on P2 Dead Bunny


P3 Dead Bunny


Bridget on P3 Dead Bunny


mmmmmm salted nut roll.....


Bridget found this really neat mountain goat skull on top of the climb.


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The trips to Wyoming also entailed some exploration....
which lead to commando style stream crossings.



We never really found any new big ice lines in the area, but in the act of exploration we discovered many other hidden jems. Descending into these canyons I was reminded of why we go out side in the first place, and this reason kept tugging at us to see what was around the next corner or bend in the stream.


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Kevin Volkening and I teamed up with Josh Varney (who was visiting from Alaska). We climbed the ultra-classic Moratorium ice route. It was in really fat shape (get it while it's good!). We climbed it in two 60m pitches then rappelled as it began snowing. Between the car and the climb we encountered a herd of Bighorn sheep, a herd of elk (with a coyote pestering them), and many deer. A cool and wild valley.


He forgot his helmet in the car. Josh is shown here with the lid to his pack with the Winter Dance book inside for protection.


The Moratorium


Kevin following the first pitch with Josh coming back up from the car with his helmet.


Kevin leading the crux


Josh pulling over the lip






The winds o' Wyoming

Cheers, Loren