Photos by jgivens

Dana B. top-roping the main icefall in Cheile Taii, Jiu-Valley, Romania. The approach is simply to cross the creek, but this is near impossible unless it is frozen solid. This fall probably sees 3 ascents a year, and is 15 feet from the road. Welcome to the Jiu Valley!

Jamie G. leading the middle section (WI4) of the Campsite Icefall, Cheile Jietul-Lui, Jiu Valley, Romania. This was the bluest ice I had ever seen, though the picture doesn't do it justice. Jiet Gorge is brimming with ice in the winter, probably 90% of which is unclimbed, due to the poverty and isolation of the Jiu Valley.

This is my friend Misu's rack. The Jiu Valley, in Romania, is a very poor coal-mining region, so the local climbers use what they can get thier hands on. Most of these pins are home-made, or harvested from other routes. Needless to say, I had a steep learning curve when I started climbing with the locals. Really makes you appreciate the gear we take for granted...

Panoramic view of Taia Gorge, as seen on the road from Petrila. I peiced this image together from various shots. This area was originally developed by the miners from the Jiu Valley, and the local army detachment.

The route more or less follows the red line.

The exposed last pitch of Minerii.

This was one of those perfect days. My friends and I climbed the Summit Lake Coloir on Mt. Evans, which was an easy steep snow climb, but on a beautiful day. While we sat on the summit, me nursing an altitude headache, some guy approached and asked how we got to the top. When we said we just climbed up (he drove), he offered us all a beer. It was a good day.