Monday, September 25, 2006

Winter blessings


"As if everything in the world were the history of ice" - Michael Ondaatje

Friday, September 22, 2006

Guides Rock


On friday evening my good friend from Edmonton Greg and I headed up to guides rock to bolt a variation to the 1st pitch of the popular "Sea of Dreams". We were hoping the pitch would clock in at 10- but in the end its probably 10d or so. Although I have'nt actually clinbed the first pitch of "sea of dreams" Greg has and he assured me the climbing was ALOT nicer than that of the original start. The pitch was done ground up, on lead and took six bolts in 25m, it rejoins the rest of the route at the top of the first pitch anchor. We named it "smear of dreams"

Sunday, September 17, 2006

The High Point







Friday afternoon saw Marc-Andre, Chris Haywood and myself venure up the narrow gulley leading to rats nest cave, this would be a good opportunity to try and go deeper than we ever have on account of this being one of the first times we havent gone in at night, and well, we did just that. We made it up to the "high point" of the cave which is about 80m above the entrance which is about 1 km(?) away. We got the chance to see some cave pearls as well as Marc horsing around with some large boulders. A great day with friends! note: all photos courtesy of Chris

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Grotto Corner




On Saturday afternoon, Michelle and I made our way up to Grotto corner near exshaw for a little cragging. We ascended the classic, aptly named "Jughaul wall" which takes the blank but very featured wall right of "grotto crack". Marc had told me of paralell sided splitter cracks, great rock and stellar gear, Indeed, the second pitch of jughaul wall contains some of the best limestone I have ever seen and was a privalege to climb, especially considering its nice position and semi-remote feel. A great afternoon.

Monday, September 04, 2006

Dave Thompson






The last couple of weeks have been spent in a state of rest and relaxation, this past week, spent with my sister and mom in the open landscape of the Dave Thompson Corridor, was no exception. With Michelle hiking in the Skoki valley with friends, I loaded up the car with all the nescessary accoutrements and pointed north towards a weekend of fantastic eating, swimming and socializing. Sunday morning was spent lazing about and having a big, slow breakfast before heading off in our seperate ways. Later that day, after going for a bike ride to siffleur falls and bouldering near waterfowl lakes until my fingers were raw and my forarms pumped, I sat at the lake, dusty with chalk, and watched the blue haze hang in the valley off towards jasper and the fading fall light bounce of the water and get absorbed by the austere walls of Mt. Chephren. perfect.