All I remembered to bring was my cell phone with the VGA camera built-in. Considering the adventure, this was a 'duh' move on my part.

It was a nice late May day and we headed to the Glen Alps parking lot. On of the great things about living in Anchorage is the access to mountains and wilderness. This is an area often referred to as the "front range" of the Chugach range. It's quick access via car year round does not mean it is easy terrain to play in. We have peaks over 5,000 within a few hours hike form the parking lot. the easy of access has lead to many accidents some with very dire consequences. As shown in the 1997 Ptarmigan Peak accident involving 14 climbers from UAA a climbing class. There were 2 fatalities and 12 severely injured (read about it here - PRETTY INTENSE)

I took Michelle (at this point, my future wife) on her first simi-technical climb. Although (and we did not know this at the time) ice axes and crampons were not needed.

We started up the snow field the is the access point to the "ball field" the bowl below the Ramp and OMalley peaks. Once up the snow field to the saddle, we took the ridge up false OMalley to OMalley proper.

I don't know if is qualifies as a long climb, or even as a climb at all. There are some vertical sections and there are places that a fall without some way to stop will result in a 2000 foot ride down a steep snow chute with fetal possibility's.

In Alaska and more so for me as a operational member of the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group, this is pretty much a fun afternoon hike. Michelle, however was new to the whole vertical rock and ice world. With my guiding and procurement of proper gear she was hooked. Next would be sport climbing, then snorkeling in Hawaii.