Wow, what an amazing day!  Back to reality once again like many times before, but today was one James and I will never forget.  4 amazing pitches of ice and 3 heart pumping rappels down couloir like snow fields at dusk.  The completion (aka: safely drinking a beer back at the truck) marks the first multi-pitch ice climb ever completed for both James and I, V-Threads, double rope set up and hanging belays included.  This was an important one for both of us.  The day prior we had to retreat the climb early due to some factors in and out of our control (window rock cabin was rented the night prior).  The 12-pack of Olympia back at the truck provided by Kevin made the trip worth it, but a return was decided to be very necessary.  Temperatures hovered in the upper 30's all day with strong winds and a cloudy sky overhead.  The climb "Dribbles at WI 4" held some outstanding ice and some great memories.   Cheers to James for a safe trip, great belays and thinking gentle thoughts on the final pitch.  Poor belay placement put me in a direct fall line with falling ice.  Safe to say after a bruised cheek and a new scratch on the helmet a crucial lesson was learned!   Also, credit to the trusty Arcteryx pack owned by James.  While all other packs were blown swiftly off a cliff and lost in the woods well below us (70 meters up), the trusty pack remained and ensured our timely return to town.  It must also be noted to the best of my knowledge salting the roads in Hyalite doesn't happen.  Our return trip had us helping a guy out who was very stuck.  We left the scene without success, but passed a tow truck en route close to the canyon entrance.  Best of luck to him and his torn off muffler!

Dribbles attempt 1 with a very hungover crew (James, Kevin, Matt and Kyle).

The prize
(Well noted by Kevin the waterfall on the can appears to be frozen)

This inspiring day and a long walk back to the trail head provided the inspiration for this blog.  Up Th-Air is a blog designed to create a forum for all of our friends, family and anyone interested in getting a glimpse into the lives of a couple Bozeman college students passionate about the mountains and our education.  For some it will provide entertainment, many parents it will give some peace of mind (if thats possible when you have sons/daughters running around the mountains) and for us involved a chance to take note and look back on some of the amazing times truly shaping who we are.  Quick disclaimer for the parents: stories and pictures posted are in fact being made up for school projects and although look real are NOT!  We spend our free time playing chess and attending school functions.  On a serious note though all events that may be talked about are truthfully done in the safest manner possible.  The group of people you surround yourself with can make the difference between a safe day and scary day.  Knowing someone is there with a level head and similar plan, makes even the worst situation no more risky then opening a text book (we do that also).  We truly choose safety first and are all very aware there is always another day.  I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say we are very fortunate to have such great families for strength and life long friends to enjoy the amazingly inspiring landscape we live in.  Thanks to all those reading today and future posts!

Yee Haw,

Kyle