Medeba's Ice Climbing Tower

Ice Climbing
Tower

See the pictures below to see the process of construction on our brand new 40' Ice Climbing Tower.

Since the inception of on-site ice climbing at Medeba, we have used a steep hill adjacent to the Main Office building as our ice climbing site. While this created a functional ice climbing area, it became apparent that a new method or perhaps whole new area was necessary. After much discussion, it was decided that an Ice Climbing Tower on 50' poles would be constructed beside the pond area.

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	October 17, 2003 This is a view from the top of one of the poles just after all three were put up. .
	October 17, 2003 Due to a very unseasonably wet fall, much of the construction process was met with a frustrating battle with knee deep mud. Here Leigh is seen in her rubber boots (a "must wear" for those involved in the construction).
	October 17, 2003 The two poles set on an angle are to become the slab portion of the ice wall. This side will allow beginners an easier introduction to the sport of ice climbing.
	October 17, 2003 The poles are all up and ready for the support and cross beams.
	November 12, 2003 Michael atop the tower once the cross beams are put up. There is also work being done on a pump shed on the bottom right. It will house all the necessary piping, switches, pumps, and valves.
	November 18, 2003 A view from across the pond with the support beams up for the slab portion. The ice climbing hut is also seen (teal building) and the pump shed in front of it.
	November 25, 2003 Andrew digging in the mud to get electricity to the ice climbing hut and pump shed. Thanks to Ken, we have an incredible water system which provides both the water and the pressure we need to build the ice.
	November 25, 2003 The cross beams and supports are up and ready. This is a direct view of the slab portion which will later have chicken wire and burlap on it where the ice will form on.
	December 15, 2003 Finally, we have some ice!! This is the inner corner with some ice forming on the chicken wire base.
	December 15, 2003 The nearest pole is already encased in ice, and the far wall is forming nicely.
	December 15, 2003 From atop the tower, this vertical side will provide a challenge for guests wishing to try their hand at ice climbing.
	December 15, 2003 The setting sun highlights the beauty of the forming ice. We are on our way to having an interesting ice structure. The slab on the right is still in the forming stages.
	January 15, 2004 Finally, our first opportunity to try our new ice tower. Here, Bean completes the first ascent of the south face.
	January 15, 2004 Taken from atop the tower, Michael enjoys the chance to climb the structure which he had envisioned several months ago. Big thanks to the Medeba staff team and LDP who helped make the ice climbing area a reality.
	January 15, 2004 Our 10-Month Leadership Development Program participants learning to climb steep ice. Here Martin tackles the vertical south face.
	February 5, 2004 Students from Cawthra Park are able to try ice climbing during a school outdoor education trip. Notice the ledge on the left face now formed and ready to climb. It provides a nice resting spot for climbers. Underneath the slab is now filled completely with ice.
	February 5, 2004 The ice is much thicker now on the vertical faces. Nathan, our co-op student, tries his hand at the east face.