At Ryland's urging they crossed the bridge past the area where the main activities of the ice festival were being assembled for the weekend. Here scores of sponsoring vendors would be displaying and demonstrating their exotic wares to the multitude of visitors. The Deans were learning the sport of ice climbing is critically dependent on equipment, unique and not inexpensive. But the social aspects of the gathering were of importance to the participants as well. There would be dinners, a Saturday night dance, slide shows and hundreds of ice climbing exhibits. All access to the gorge was free, funded by the generosity of private contributors, merchants and the equipment manufactures. "Why don't they charge money?" Cynthia asked when Ryland mentioned there was no charge.
"Colorado law exempts land owners from most liability if the land for recreational is freely offered, at no charge. That's a must nowadays, when everyone is scared of getting sued," Ryland told them. "Unfortunately, 'No Trespassing' is a more familiar sign to this sport, than this one." He gestured to a posting at the head of the trail.
Please respect the private and public ownership of this property and act in a safe and reasonable manner. Stay on the existing trails and roadways, be courteous to other users and remove all trash and equipment. All persons using the bottom of the gorge or actually climbing must use helmets and crampons. Anyone occupying the climber only area must wear crampons. Do not anchor to any manmade structures including the penstock system large metal pipe. Dogs must be leashed in the climber only area and are not allowed at the bottom of the gorge. All persons under the age of eighteen must complete and mail a consent of minors use of the ice park in the box below. Enforcement of all rules will apply appropriately by the Ouray County Sheriff, the Ouray Police or by any board member of the Ouray Ice Park, Inc. Please respect the enjoyment of other climbers by not occupying more than two routes at a time. Ouray Ice Park, Inc. is a non-profit corporation and runs exclusively on the donations of sponsor members.
Donald Ryland led the troupe down the path on the west side of the river. The snow was hard-packed from heavy use but the walking was not difficult. They came up to a steel trestle that held the ancient penstock above an open gorge. It contained a plate indicating it had been built in 1928. Nearly seventy-five Colorado winters rusting away at the structure did not breed confidence. But, to Dean, neither did a 10mm line, all that bound the scampering gnats they could see peppering the icy walls of the gorge.