The coterie of ice climbers was beginning to gather on the front porch. A massive collection of sinister looking implements was growing-tools of their trade, all apparently necessary in order to remain aloft when maneuvering up or down perpendicular columns of frozen water. With breakfast in their bellies, the group was anxious to get going. Edith, Effie, Claire and Gladys remained in their rooms. Donnie was outside with his father. Fred had already left.
"Where's Fred off to? The museum can't open for hours," Dean asked his wife as he helped clean up the dining room.
"Miss Worthington is letting him get an early start. I think he's trying to do his research before Claire gets there." Cynthia went on to say Fred had been excited by her translation of Annie's notebook and had left in a rush.
"I keep hearing the name 'Miss Worthington' a lot lately. What goes?" But Cynthia just shrugged.
The two donned their coats and joined the climbers outside. The rising winter sun made the heavy clothing almost unnecessary. Cynthia just shook her head in amazement at the collection of gear.
"I'm not even going to ask why you do it," Cynthia said.
"Fair enough," Donald Ryland answered. "I learned a long time ago, that anyone who asks that question can't understand my answer anyway. Why don't you just come over to the ice park and watch? Edith is going with us, and so is Donnie." The young boy snuggled close to his father. "If she ever gets out of bed," Ryland added with a hint of impatience.
"I hope Edith and Donnie aren't considering taking up the sport," Cynthia replied with a shudder.
Young Donnie vigorously shook his head no. "Smart boy," Cynthia said to him, giving him a pat on the shoulder.
"I wish I'd started that young," one of the climbers said as he and two of the others began tossing their gear into the back of a pickup truck. "I was light as a feather back then." He rubbed his still-flat belly. "I'd have scrambled up the ice."
"If you lived long enough," Cynthia lectured.
"It's as safe as a stroll in the woods," Ryland answered, winking at Dean. "Just exercise a little caution, have patience, good equipment and lots of common sense." Then he added, "And hope the guy above you is playing by the same rules!" He patted Dean on the shoulder. "Give it a try, Mr. Dean. There's nothing to it. I could have you climbing before the sun sets."
"No, thanks," Dean answered.
"You'd be anchored on a line tied to a top bollard, secured in a harness. It's a cinch. Just rappel down and climb back up."