Man creates massive ice climbing wall in his own backyard

An Anchorage, Alaska man has found a unique way to enjoy the great outdoors, and all it took was some cold weather and creativity.

Joe Riggs has been climbing for more than 15 years, but lately he hasn't really had the time to get out and enjoy the sport like he used to.

So for now he practices on an ice wall created right in his backyard.

"I don't think you can find something this steep on the Seward Highway at least," Riggs said. "We moved here in June. I'd give it a try and see what happens and just kept going.

Joe rigged up some PVC pipe to a garden hose at first freeze, and watched it grow.

Call him crazy, but the new father's just doing what's best for his family, and sanity.

Joe and his wife Amber's lives revolve around their son Ryker.

The seven-month-old has cerebral palsy so someone needs to be with him at all times.

It's tough news for anyone to find out their child has a disability, but especially difficult for someone used to frequent extended trips out into the Alaska wilderness.

With lots of playtime and physical therapy, the baby is doing well, and so is dad.

The ice pillar continues to grow, and is more than 50 feet high now.

Joe has not turned off the water since he started the project, because ironically he can't...it'll freeze.

"My neighbor's next door here really think it's neat, and it's beautiful," Riggs said.

There's better ice to climb in Alaska, but where else can you pick up the baby monitor.

Riggs says when everything warms up in the spring he expects the pillar to just shrink, and doesn't think it will fall on his garage.

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