"That ring is called the carabineer," Ryland explained. "Its principal function is a secure attachment point for a safety line. You clip a lot of gear to your harness too. You'll also need rope, not cut from your outside clothes line, but a couple of lengths of one-hundred and fifty feet each of 9 or 10mm line. Add to this, a backpack, some food and liquid, not to mention your garments. Today it's warm, but after you've hugged ice for a few hours in the shade, you'll be glad you took time to dress sensibly. I've been on climbs in all kinds of weather, some all day, rappelling down at dusk, nearly in the dark, with wind and snow trying to blow me off the wall."
"That makes me shudder just to think about it," Cynthia said.
"It's important whatever garments you wear, that you get good protection against the elements. Your shell has to shed wind, water and snow to maintain a warm and dry climate inside. If it fails, you could be in big trouble. Add to these, specialized boots, gloves or mittens, and don't forget your helmet. While helmets provide little protection in a serious fall, they're a must to shield you from junk dropped or dislodged from above you. Believe me, that always happens! Sometimes you think it's raining stones and golf balls! Falling ice is rock-hard stuff!"
"You haven't told me anything to make me want to take up the sport," Dean said as Edith emerged from the building. She appeared in no hurry and was dressed in only in a light sweater.
"At least come along and watch," Ryland asked the Deans again as Edith finally joined them. He reached in his vehicle and tossed her a heavy coat, but said nothing to her.
Dean turned to his wife as Ryland and his son began packing his gear. "If we're going to host ice climbers, we ought to know something about their sport."
Cynthia still looked unconvinced at the sanity of endeavor but agreed to be a spectator. "Only if you don't get any ideas and I can close my eyes when someone starts to slip."
The group walked up to the ice park climbing area from Bird Song. Edith still hadn't spoken, but clung to Donnie's hand. The climbing area was a short distance, off the main highway, just as the roadway began to ascend into the mountains. As they strolled along, Ryland discussed the recent rise of interest in the sport. He explained that like most athletic activities such as running, climbing, swimming or skiing, ice climbing evolved from the practical necessity of getting someplace not otherwise easily accessed. As technique and equipment advanced, more and more enthusiasts took up the enterprise as a sport. In the late seventies and early eighties scaling these challenging surfaces really caught on. Ouray, he told them, was unique in the world. Here, easy accessibility, great ice in a deep, narrow gorge, facilities close by and a park run by people who understood the sport and emphasized safety, made for an ideal package.