Mt.Gimli, Valhalla's
Any opportunity climbing in the alpine with my buddy Justin Vance is an opportunity worth going to. The route that was dear to his heart, a route that he had something personal to settle with was the South Arete of Mt. Gimli. When we first arrived at the parking lot, looking up to this magnificent beast I was so stoked, and ready to take on this challenge.
The route consists of 9 pitches and in its finish is rated (now) 10a. From start to finish the route was wicked. The features, roofs, slabs, exposure...all of it, (including wearing shorts which i might add was not a good choice being so high up and how windy and cold it was–I certainly wasn't sport climbing) was worth every minute. The best part was of course the walk off. We just spent 10+hours climbing this beautiful mountain and with our delight we were able to find a "walk off" which saved all the grueling rappels that layed ahead.
Despite the rats running over us during our "slumber", this beautiful area, the Valhalla's, is totally worth going to. Even if you're just up for some amazing hiking...still worth the experience.
