Climbing Friday's Fool

A few days after the festival I climbed 'Friday's Fool' a fantastic four pitch mixed route with Rauri. Rauri had just won New Zealand alpinist of the year, so I had a wonderfully accomplished climbing partner! The giant, week - long high was still hanging over Otago, but the clouds were starting to look dark and it was clear that the weather would turn soon.

We headed up towards the route. Queen's drive seemed so quiet without all the festival climbers everywhere. We were the only people there. 

The clouds were getting darker, and there was a chilly wind, but the climbing conditions were still terrific!

The first pitch of Friday's Fool has the most challenges

The first pitch was actually the most challenging, it was mixed and the ice was slick along with steep rock sections. Rauri led amazingly here. The views were absolutely stunning and there was plenty of variety all the way.

On top of the first pitch - what a view!

Somewhat awkwardly I got a phone call as I was belaying Rauri up an ice pitch on the second pitch, obviously I wasn't going to take it, but the sound of my phone jingle in my pocket echoed around the icy cliffs, gave us a bit of a laugh. Later on when we were back safe and I could check my phone I had found out it was just a cold call, although I did wonder if it was an important phone call.

On top of the second pitch

Top of the third pitch

There was a lot of variety on the route, some mixed sections, some thick, solid ice, and some snow gulleys.

Queenstown in the distance. The weather was still fine, but starting to turn.

I particularly loved the last pitch which involved dry tooling up a fantastic crack. It is definitely a fantastic climb and it was great to have such a wonderful climbing partner as well! A great climb and great company.

Super fun route up the crack on the final pitch

View back down the route

Great day with a great climbing partner!