Christmas Goodies

Well the last few days we were in the fruit-full lands of Edmonton and Viking Alberta to visit out great families and little nephews, as well as to eat a large portion of Turkey and fixings. We had a stellar time for a few days staying with my sister and Terrance in Spruce grove where we ate a nice dinner of scallops, beef satay and vegis that my Mom prepared so well. The next day we enjoyed a great turkey feast, hugged everyone good-bye and shot over to Viking where the same holiday traditions were enjoyed. Thanks to all for being good cooks and better company!

Muriel Walker's turkey, this is not a small bird in case you are wondering
Muriel doing her magic
Thats one good looking family!
Graham and Kirsten, notice the super-structure that G and I built in the foreground
Hayden T, the future of hockey and a great little guy. Thanks again!

The Deep Freeze

Well the last couple of weeks have been cold. Did I say cold, I meant step inside your deep freeze and remove your pants cold. Yup, thats right- Cold! With the shop being in Christmas mode, now is a time to work hard and stay indoors. Jamie and Sharon threw us an amazing party as usual last week where we could all enjoy great food and company over at Treo resteraunt followed by the usual epic ping-pong and dart games while sampling a variety of nice beers over at the boss's place afterwords. 

We did manage to assemble a posse to go skiing on the weekend though. Mike, Chris and Myself went up to Helen Lake near Bow Lake on Friday for a turn inside the winter simulator. The temps were cold but we made our way up without any problems until the cold turned us away, we shot down the luge track to the car ad the awaiting coffee/Baileys combination over at Num-ti-jah lodge. Saturday saw Michelle, Chief and I go up to Chester lake for an easy day of excercise and fun. Now its back to work as the mercury drops and the coffee machine is in a constant state of being on!

Mt. Wilson and Guiness Gully

What a great two days out in the mountains with friends this past Thursday and Friday. With the new gear box on the car we loaded up and shot north towards the hulking mass of Mt. Wilson and the routes Lady Wilsons Cleavage and Wilson Major. Bad roads to the wayside, we unpacked and cramponed up the frozen creek and the wonderful steps of Lady Wilson. Staying dry from the few deep water wells under the steps required panache and we realized that our boots are water-proof except for the hole on top.
Racking up on the highway, a truly great thing. We enjoyed nice temperatures and constant stand up comedy routines.
Mike firing the meat and potatoes of Wilson Major, a great lead on great ice in a great setting with a great coffee waiting at Laggans. More on the coffee, we actually did not enjoy the beverage because we ended up on the route until about 9pm. Yup thats right, with two out of four headlamps no less. I guess thats what you get when you have an accumulated climbing experience between us of 20 years? A great day and such a nice place up there. Dinner at the Lake Louise hostel followed by the log impersonation in bed.

Zach and I walking up to the last pitch on Guiness Gully in Field, BC. Another great climb .

The first pitch of Guiness in thicker than normal shape taking pretty good screws the whole way. After this we rappelled off to the delights of the Siding cafe and its great coffee and proper cappuccino skills as well as baked goods. Soon after we slid our way home on the trans-canada back to Canmore. Awesome. This ice climbing as of late has been really good, cant wait till the next time. Thanks to Amitai, Zach and Mike Treetops for a stellar weekend with good company as usual.

All photos courtesy of Amitai Gat.