I was on my way home from a Spring break vacation to Zion National Park when a text from Justin lit up my phone.  Quickly, we made plans to attempt Triple Couloirs on Dragontail Peak.  Did I know what I had signed myself up for? Soon I was tromping up a miserably long approach due to the closed gate blocking the final 4 miles to the trailhead – total of about 10 miles on steep snow hiking each way.  Justin lead all the hard pitches, as I had never lead climbed ice before.  The climb went off without a hitch – and my eyes were opened to what is possible for me in the mountains.  To climb the big stuff, I needed to improve in three areas: technical ability, fitness, and mental game.  This climb was the turning point – no more excuses.

Gear notes:

We brought three(!) pickets, cams .3-2, pitons, and a several ice screws. On routes like this the rack is always a function of conditions.