Photographer Brian Hockenstein captures climbers Tim Emmett and Tony Richardson on a hazardous and remote ice route in BC’s Bridge River Valley.
Brian: “It took these guys 12 or 15 hours, truck to truck. I think they spent seven or eight hours on the ice (and they had to ford a river then hike two more hours to the base). I stayed at the truck and flew, like, 15 batteries in a row—swapping them on and off chargers all day. For sure this is one of the most badass action shots I’ve ever captured. It’s on the second-to-last pitch; the last one was too dark to fly.”
Tim: “The first pitch was thin ice, very cerebral climbing. Tony led the second pitch up the gully and I led the remaining three. The last pitch was one of the wildest pitches of steep ice I’ve ever climbed. Brittle, overhanging, chandeliered and fully engaging. I’m very impressed with anyone who’s done this route; it’s world-class and full value!”
The Theft (WI 5+R, 4, 4+, M8, WI6+ 250m) was first ascended in 1996.
Check the ML Podcast!
