Erik Weihenmayer and Chad Jukes have completed one of the most challenging ice climbs in North America, the 360 foot tall Bridal Veil Falls in Colorado. The route is a tough climb for any experienced ice climber, but it presented even more challenges to these two athletes who had to overcome their own persona disabilities along the way. Weihenmayer climbs with no sight and Jukes is an amputee, having lost his right leg below the knee.

Craig Stein, who did an amazing job covering Primal Quest Montana last summer, has written an excellent article on the climb. Here is an excerpt from that story:

At over 360 feet Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest free falling waterfall in Colorado and arguably one of the most majestic and difficult ice climbs in the United States.

On a clear crisp February morning blind climber Erik Weihenmayer and climbing partner Chad Jukes, a below-the-knee amputee, geared-up in Telluride, Colorado to begin a snowshoe hike to the base of this classic landmark. Guided by veteran climber Mike Gibbs of Ouray, Colorado and accompanied by a host of cameramen, the team approached the falls which could still be heard from a distance as water cascaded over portions of the precipice.

“I could hear that big face moving in front of me. It was massively impressive,” said Weihenmayer. “Then getting on the ice was very cool. It had character. There was a lot of weaving and bobbing, which I love.”

To read the rest of this amazing story, click here.  And check out more of Craig’s work at PhotoExpress-It.com.

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 19th, 2009 at 12:13 pm and is filed under Adventures, Primal Quest. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.