First Summer On Lead, Fun, and a Lesson Learned the Hard Way

Other than recent trips to the local bouldering spot this year, a friend and I have also managed to get to the mountains to try out sport climbing. Getting outside on lead was something that I had thought about quite often during the cold snowy months while climbing inside, I felt confident in my abilities and could not wait to see what real rock and the sharp end had to offer. After a year and a half of solid growth in my climbing, as well as what I had learned from my climbing mentors and friends, I felt I was ready to take what I had learned from my time on the plastic, outside. Not even a year ago I would sit and watch in awe of what they could do on the wall, now I was keeping up, I felt good.  I had read up and did my homework on the logistics of sport climbing as well as probed other experienced members of the climbing community for knowledge. With the work being done I felt I could make it up some routes safely and with confidence. The catalyst of the jump into sport climbing was my good friend Julian, he is a talented climber with great knowledge of the sport. He works at the local climbing gym and has things pretty dialled. Although he had never taken the sharp end outside either, he did have years of experience inside. This was enough for me, we needed to make the move to real rock, so we did.

Our chance came after a weekend of bouldering with my lovely wife Kate in Jasper National Park, We met up with Julian and his wife on their way back from a trip to the West Coast. Julian and I both decided that Juno Wall would be a good place to get in our first lead try. Juno is a south facing crag north of the Jasper townsite with great sun exposure, an optimal early season climbing spot. After a long approach, we found ourselves under the crag. Right away we realized we had come to the right place. All the routes were bolted up really good, a good safe start to our sport climbing careers. Since it was our first go, we opted for a nice easy 5.8 route called Bleeding Heart Show. We worked out the process, the gear we needed, and an exit strategy, and for the first time it didn't seem like such a bad thing if a piece of gear needed to left behind. Julian took the lead and on sighted it! I strapped up right after and flashed the 5.8. I have to say it felt great to get the first notch in the belt!

The scramble approach to Juno Wall in Jasper

Julian on "Bleeding Heart Show 5.8"

Me Cleaning the Route

We headed home with our first in the bag and I could not wait until the next time. I was so pumped to get back, I found myself scouting out the next trips routes and made a list. Things were getting exciting, summer was here and I wanted to send everything!

We finally made it back for the may long weekend and chose to hit up Lost Boys,  one of Jaspers most popular sport climbing spots. Again we looked for a nice and easy warm up, although it was crazy busy, we managed to find another nice 5.8 to warm up on. Feeling confident in myself I took the lead, readied my draws, and tied in. A quick on-sight was made! The rock was amazing and although the bolts were spread a little further apart than at Juno I felt confident throughout my on-sight attempt. Julian then quickly shot up the route and cleaned things up. Not too bad, we thought, we got this. 

My On-sight of "Social Foreplay 5.8"

Now that two 5.8's were on-sighted we both felt it was time try something a little more difficult. We found an route unfortunately named Satans Hairy Semen a super fun looking 5.10a, with a cool roof. Again I readied myself for the climb and started up. I found the route reachy but the holds were all pretty massive, I pulled the roof no problem and before I knew it, another onsight! I was pretty excited, and did not even feel pumped! I wanted more. Julian unfortunately got a hand cramp and had to call it a red point attempt, but still a send. He is a skilled climber and I know without a doubt he was worthy of the Flash. 

My On-sight of "Satans Hairy Semen 5.10a"

Julian on the Route.

After the 10a, I decided to try a 5.11a-b line that was bolted on the opposite side of the arete we had just climbed, called Boonie on the Nose, I  gave it the best go I could, for the end of the day, but I got pumped and could not pull the roof. I felt the moves were all there, but I had just pumped myself trying the wrong sequence, I am excited to get back on the this one. 

Giving 110% on Boonie on the Nose 5.11 a-b

After my failed attempt on the route the Saturday was over and considered a great success, we would be back Monday but things would go in a drastically different direction.

After a rest day sunday that included a nice hike of The Valley of The Five Lakes, as well as a dip in the Miette Hot springs, we were back at Lost Boys Monday morning. we were excited to try to push the limits of previous days and really come into our own, as we began to gain more confidence on lead. The crag was pretty empty but the two routes that we had planned on jumping on were taken. I quickly decided to try my luck at a 5.10b called Saturday Night Special, ignorant to the logistics of the route I gave my fingers a stretch and took the lead. I soon realized that I had underestimated the route I was on. The first bolt was pretty high but I felt I could boulder up to it, my first mistake was that I did not know that the crux was just before the run out second bolt. The sequence of mistakes that I would make in the next 3 minutes would humble me and in the end force me to take a step back from my ambitions. As I said before, the first mistake I made was running it out to my second clip without knowing I was dealing with the crux moves, some little and pumpy sloped cracks. My second mistake, was that I underestimated how much rope I had out, the third mistake was not clipping, I had the chance and I gave up, I should have clipped. Mistake four was not letting my belayer know I had given up, if Julian would have known, he could have taken up enough slack to avoid what was about to happen next. So, you can tell by know that this went terribly wrong. By compounding all of these easily avoidable errors I set my self up for a bad fall. From 25 feet up, on a run out route, with way to much rope out, and no communication to my belayer, I took a bad ground fall. Before I could even realize my mistake I was waking up from the haze. I landed hard, hit my back on a large protruding rock, and smashed my head on another rock. Thank goodness I was wearing a helmet, the one thing I did right. I walked away with some bruised internal organs, a nasty cut on the back of me head, and some other cuts and bruises. One thing is for sure, I will take this series of mistakes as a lesson learned the hard way. I also find it ironic that in my last post I had stated that I vowed to become an advocate for new climbers, and hardly a week later I am writing this post. So here goes, this is what I learned, in no particular order. 

1. Always wear a helmet, it saved my life.

2. Know what your getting yourself into when you jump on a route, where's the crux, should you  

    stick clip it, is the rock cold and damp, that sort of thing. 

3. Know how much rope you have out, apparently important, (who knew?)

4. Practice clipping at home, as a newer climber I completely underestimated the importance of being  

    to calm down and make a simple clip when shit was hitting the fan. 

5. Clip if you can, I regret so much not just clipping, with the combination of all that I had done  

    wrong up until this point a simple clip would have avoided it all.

6. Communicate with your belayer, I was to proud to say I felt pumped, taking up the slack could 

    have easily prevented the entire mess. 

I will be back to this route, prepared and ready next time. Happy Climbing everyone, Stay safe and crush hard! I would also like to give a shout out to Black Diamond for making a great helmet, the Half Dome saved my skull, thanks BD!

Also want to give a big shout out to Ashley Camsell for all the great photos!

    

Seconds before the fall, the second bolt is still above my head in this photo.

    

Bear Mountain Blizzard Bouldering 2013

Monday April, 29 2013. Bear Mountain Trip.

Even though the snow was coming down and the drive down felt more like a ski road trip than a climbing trip we stuck it out, and had a fun, and interesting day. Not only did we encounter snow but, also just as we were approaching our last turn we encountered an obstacle, good thing we had Ty's Ford to get us through. Not long after we got to Bear Mountains and our crash pads were opened and planted into the rising snow drifts the sun decided to peak it's head and the wind actually stopped! I decided this would be the best time as any to jump on one of my summer projects, "The Doctors Office V6." With the rock and myself being cold my fingers slipped off the first big pinch and I raked my knuckles down the wall, it looked like I had beed attacked by a meat grinder. Ouch! I had been there for fifteen minutes and I was gushing. I decided I had better take a break, so I took the time to take a walk and explore a new area. I found allot of new boulders and after taking too many photos vowed to be back when the sun was shining. I then headed back to the project taped up and gave it my all coming to the crux move once. It's a huge move from a sloper and two awkwardly high feet, I have to say the due to the committed move that is awkward and high off the deck I was intimidated. I tried until the tank was emptied then we called it a day. I am determined to send this beauty. I also have to say that Bear Mountain is a great place for the new climber to get out to, many easy but fun boulder problems that promote good technique and hours of enjoyment.  Here are some snaps from the trip.

The road to Bear Mountain left me asking myself "What are you doing?"

The Tree That we were faced with "Should we turn back?"

"Nope Ty's Got It"

Courtesy of the pinch on "The Doctors Office"

We actually climbed...a little. 

Climbing up a Storm!

Since the college year ended, at the end of April, the climbing has been non stop. Every weekend for three weeks, and another climbing trip has been planned for this weekend. Being that this is only my second serious year climbing outdoors, I have to say that I am happy with my progress and I am also happy to be able to be a representative of and for some new climbers out there that are looking to get outside on some real rock. I have been thinking long and hard lately about how I can help out in all realms when it comes to this sport that I love so much, and the conclusion that I have drawn is that what I can due is do my best to help establish new climbing areas, as well as be an honest ambassador to all the new climbers out their that are trying to get over that sharp learning curve that can come with learning to advance in a sport that in many cases is dangerous if practiced incorrectly.  So here is how I have been contributing to lately as well as what I have been sending in the last few weeks!

    I will enclose three posts in the next few days, can't commit to logging them all in one sitting when there is climbing to be done. The first week out their we headed to Bear Mountain, our new close to home spot. Prior to this planned day of climbing the weather had been amazing but this particular monday the weather would take a drastic change. Record setting winds as well as a spring blizzard would put a damper on our sends but we were still pumped just to get out their and brush some holds in preparation of the summer season. Our second trip would be to Jasper National Park to check out the infamous Tonquin Boulder, as well as take the Sharp end for the first time outside, at Jaspers Juno Wall. Our third trip would be back to Bear Mountain, to finally get our mitts on some warm dry rock that we had been waiting on all winter long.

At The Tonquin Boulder        A little peak of what's to Come in the next few posts.

The Seasons First Ascents = Cold Toes and Smelly Clothes

Now that the snow has begun to melt most of northern Alberta, the local GP climbers are starting to salivate at the thought of getting outside. Even more so this spring, because of the newly discovered Bear Mountain Bouldering area, an area so close to home and so full of potential. Also factor in a mid winter scouting trip in January and the anticipation becomes unbearable. During our trip in January we were pumped to find more potential boulders down in the valley. As the day passed and we trudged through waist high snow we came to the realization that there is even more potential at Bear Mountain than we had originally anticipated. After a long cold day we had covered about one square kilometre, and still the boulders in the distance distracted our gaze. It could take years to unlock the areas full potential! My good pal's Julian, Tyler, and myself discovered a few great new spots that we were excited to get back to once the spring melt had finished.

Fast forward to March and a warm spell and off we go. We ready our gear in the traditional overkill fashion and head west. We all had our sites set on a hard problem that Julian had discovered in January, potential V9,  Upon arrival we started here and set up a top rope to clean it up. Julian soon discovered that many of the holds were week and flaky. Not that this completely destroyed the project, I would say it just upped the grade a couple. No big deal right, ha! While a couple of the crew worked on that problem, myself and another went our separate ways to try to clean off a couple more. I set up shop on the same boulder to the left and cleaned a tough project that will need more time and a dry ice free top out to send. My guess would be around a grade of V5. A layback start to a high awkward knife-blade crimp, moving on to a dynamic top-out.

Dyno Knife blade project, potential V5

Another problem was cleaned by Edey and sent by another member of the GP crew it was determined to be a V1 a fun little arette problem. 

V1

After a cold frustrating start to the day that included the disappointment of some broken holds, and me staring a fire that was left to smoke directly under the problem Julian was working on, my bad, we decided to venture to The Tower of Death to see if we could salvage the afternoon. The Tower of Death is another huge boulder that was discovered last year by another local GP climber Trent Hoover. Trent also did all of us the favour of putting together the first guidebook on Bear Mountain Bouldering Area. you can check that out on his blog The Climbing Life. This boulder has endless potential for problems, ranging from V easy and up. I established two new easier but seriously fun problems. I have to mention that this would not have been possible without Julians work of sweeping off a literal truck load of sand from the top out area. Nice Work Julian! The two problems I established on The Tower of Death were close to each other and took advantage of beautiful hueco's. Both of these border on high ball problems but they are easy enough to eliminate the fear factor. 

Julian on the second ascent "Overdressed V0"

Myself and the FA of "A Boot Full V0"

After spending some time at the Tower of Death we decided to take a look at a ships prow that we had spotted in January. After some collaboration we decided it needed to be sent. Although short and relatively easy,  it was a dynamic problem that demanded full commitment due to a swing that could have led to a nasty fall down a cliff that sloped away from the boulder. 

Julian gets the second accent of "Walk the Plank V1"

After all said and done, I would say this trip was worth it. Even if it was a little too cold for the constant switching from winter boots to sock-less La Sportiva solutions. We put up a hand-full of new problems, and got to take another good look at what's to come out there. Now all we can do is pray for warm weather. Come on summer!

Bouldering is Fun

Rappelling @ Bear Mountain Bouldering Area

So, it's been a long while since I have posted. The combination of laziness, the lack of recent adventure, and college studies have kept me away. Recently though, I have managed to get out and explore the outdoor world. A recent trip to the newly discovered Bear Mountain Bouldering Area was definitely a good reason to post. After a couple of trips over the last summer it has been clearly established, that the place is a bouldering mecca and may even have some potential for some short powerful sport or trad climbing. Because the rock is just off the beaten trailing has caused us to foam at the mouth and cease our deep exploration of the area, so a few friends and I though it necessary to take a winter recon trip to the area. After a rolled ankle and a some cold toes the mission was deemed a success. The endless potential for boulder problems in the area is just that. The broad range of problems at Bear Mountain can facilitate any level of climber, potential grades range from V easy to a V9 (if the holds are secure), and that is only from what we found! We combed a small area of this bouldering paradise in about a four our time frame and we hardly touched the place. Bear Mountain is located in an unlikely location approximately 20 minutes from Dawson Creek British Columbia. With no clear sign of mountain or rock until Dawson Creek the area is for certain a diamond in the rough. Because I was constantly drooling over all potential boulders, feeling holds, and brushing, I took very few photos. I will share one that a friend took hoping that he's cool with it. This place is incredible and I look forward to further exploration and some first accents come summer. There has already been a very good guide book established by another local climber of the area, but it only documents a fraction of the potential that is at Bear Mountain. So here is my promise, "more photos and documented sends to come" and hopefully a hugely updated guidebook by fall!

Good Friends, Great Hike.

So I am still playing catch up with my summer adventures. Now that the wedding is over and the routine of real life is setting in, I have had some time to reflect on the summers past events. One adventure that took place that I am excited to blog about was my bachelor hike. Just me and my best buds Matt Baik and Mackenzie Caron hiking the mountains of Jasper National Park. Because the two of them had never hiked backcountry before I was excited to show them the ways of the wilderness.  So when the trail I had chosen for the hike was deemed "un-hikable" by the parks office employee, I though "perfect, now we could really get into some rough country!" I want to mention that the reason I decided to go for it was based on the guides assessment. I wasn't just leading two rookie hikers blindly into the wilderness. Also, if things would have gotten to rough I would have most definitely turned the bus around. Her assessment was that some trees were down, their was snow at higher elevations, and also that the bridge to the campsite was washed out. My thoughts on this were; downed trees were nothing we couldn't handle and because I had hiked this pass once before I had already dealt with the snow, so I knew what we were getting ourselves into. I also knew the bridge was right outside the campsite so at worst we could set up camp outside the actual campsite if the water was too high. At best we cross the quick moving stream bare ass, then light the stove and warm our tootsies.

The name of the hike was Geraldine Lakes, a 9Km elevation gaining beast located in Jasper National Park. This hike offered  a lot of rock hoping and due to the high water level usually wet feet. The reason I chose this hike was the payoff and sheer beauty the entire experience. Gaining elevation at such a rapid pace and experiencing so much beauty simultaneously is rarely attained in such a short hike. I knew the boys would love it! We set out about ten am and made great time. We encountered the fallen trees the guide spoke of within the first twenty minutes of the hike. But after some careful footwork and strategizing we were through. We got to the first lake in just over an hour. 

Mackenzie at the first lake.

During our short break at the first lake we took a look up and got our first peek of what was to come.  The guys got really pumped to reach the top, and so they suggested we carry on. Upon reaching the second lake we decided we had better stop to make a little lunch. It was here I found myself reflecting upon our friendships and how much these two guys meant to me. It was here, as we blurted our mindless anecdotes and laughed until our hungover guts hurt that we reconnected. 

Me and the boys! Matt (middle) and Mack (right).

Upon completion of lunch it began to rain, we threw on our rain gear and decided we had better make a push toward the campsite. We moved on and in no time at all we were at the steepest and most difficult section of the hike. A steep shaley scramble, with a considerable amount of elevation gain. At the top of the scramble we were confronted with the snow field that had to be crossed. 

It took some coaxing on my part to assure the boys that they were in good hands and finally after a few minutes of hesitation they followed me across. One phrase I specifically remember being murmured on more that a few occasions was "This is fucking crazy, this is fucking crazy." And although I was laughing inside I made sure to keep a calm voice as I said "you guys are doing great, almost there". In a situation like this where a person is a little unnerved by the terrain they are confronted with the best thing you can do for them is to just send them your positive energy. After that was over and the boys calmed down a little we found ourselves atop the snowbound ridge that would lead us to our final destination of the day, camp.

I knew their would be one more obstacle to overcome before the day was done, the washed out bridge. After tip toeing around a flooded lake trail and enjoying a few more relaxed laughs, we finally made it to the river crossing. Here we found exactly what the guide had adamantly informed us about, a creek crossing with no bridge to be found. We knew what we had to do. After all, we had expected it, and had even gone as far as to discuss how it would be done as we hiked the trail throughout the day. The creek looked fast but not very deep, we estimated around three to four feet. There was also a shallow area directly in the middle that would serve as our rest point if need be. The strategy was set in place and it seemed all that was left  was to do execute! Mack manned up quickly striping down to his fruit of the looms. He charged in full throttle but came screaming back as quick as he had entered! "To cold! to cold!" he Yelped. I knew I would have to give this a go in order to calm the minds of my comrades. So I got nearly naked and took the plunge. I moved out slowly into the fast moving water keeping a wide stance, trying to prevent myself from being swept off my feet and into the cold lake down stream. As I reached the middle of the loud quick rushing water I felt a presence over my shoulder, it Was Mack and he was coming fast and furious! Almost knocking me over as I took my rest at the shallow waypoint he bellowed, "Out of the way this shit is cold!" I laughed and followed his lead, fearing that the big Matt might be right behind me and knock me off my shallow perch. As Mack and I left the water I turned to find Matt, he was right on my heels. He had a smile on from ear to ear even thought the water was bitterly cold. I could tell he was enjoying the adventure. We reached the waters edge to find the carved out trail that led to the campsite was completely submerged in water, so we kept on moving bare foot and nearly bare ass. 

The incredible view from our campsite. 

That night after the tent was pitched and we had our fill of the finest dehydrated cuisine the laughs and good times continued, until we all laughed ourselves to sleep. The morning came early and once again we were forced to make the hasty river crossing of yesterday. It was still cold and a little higher than when we crossed the night before. But we were eager to hit the trail and get home. So we crossed with conviction making the rushing creek feel more like a mere puddle jump. After reaching dry land we put our pants and boots back on, dropped our heads and aimed for home. 

These guys were incredible to hike with and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so. My only question to Mack and Matt now is what's next!

Overnighter Rating:  5 out of 5 Stars

Payoff:                    5 Stars

Scenery:                  5 Stars

Overall Experience   5 Stars

Geraldine lakes has been and remains to be my favourite overnight backcountry hike. With its incredible views and endless potential for exploration it continues to hold a special place within my heart. The first time I hiked it was with my wife a few years back. This is when I initially fell in love with it. I would like to make another trip to Geraldine and stay two nights in the backcountry, in order to explore the ridge that you view to your right while hiking the lake side approaching the campsite. I believe that by summiting this ridge a view of Mount Edith Cavell may be possible. 

Hiking Mount Stearn

Today my wife Kate and I hiked Mount Stearn. It is an easy little day hike that is located near Grande Cache, Alberta, Canada. The Mount Stearn hike is part of the "Passport to the Peaks" program, a program that Grande Cache tourism has put in place that enables hikers to track and record the completion of their hikes within the area. Personally I find the program also gives the hiker a greater sense of achievement upon reaching the many regions summits. I will elaborate further on the program in a later post.  Basically how it works is you summit a peak you get a stamp in your "passport", get all the stamps, and your awesome!

Mount stearn trail head is located a few km's up the sulphur gates road which is an easy road to find, only a short distance north of Grande Cache. Look for the small gravel pit directly across from the sulphur gates turnoff, and the distinct blue sign that marks the "Sulphur Gates" road. When you get to another small gravel pit slow down because the trail head is coming up. Park in the parking area to your left and you will see the distinctly cut trail traversing the side of the hill directly across the road.

The length of the hike is apparently debatable, due to the fact that the sign at the trail head states 6.5 km's one way while the Passport to the Peaks book declares it as 8.5 km's one way. My opinion on this is that because the approach to the summit is a scramble a variety of routes can be chosen, therefore the actual distance could definitely vary. For about the first 5 km's of the hike you are below tree line. It's also worth mentioning that you pass two small camp areas that look great for a winter camp! Although you are in the trees for just about two hours you gain elevation relatively quickly, making for a great payoff once you get up and out of the trees. Once up and out you hike a beautiful meadow that is periodically marked with pink survey tape. After a short trek through the meadow you will notice the tape will mark the turning of the trail. Follow the tape left, this is where the trail and tape disappear. Stay right and begin the accent up a wide ridge. Follow this ridge to the top where it will dip and then begin to rise again. From here if you look to your right you will notice a knoby summit. Look hard and you will spot a small figure that is the mailbox that holds the passport stamp. This is your final destination. After dipping down the ridge and back up you will come to a short rock face. Find an easy spot to scramble up, (their are a few), and then its a short walk to the left to reach the top. Boom! your done.

Using this route our ascent took us, and our border collie Jasper, just over three hours.  I would say that it could defiantly be done a little quicker, we had some intense wind and the initial stages of a storm that slowed us up just before reaching the summit. Coming down took an hour and forty five minutes. In total this hike took just under six hours, that includes the half hour lunch and Jaspers numerous squirrel chasing tangents that I had to intervene upon.

                                                         Getting the Passport Stamped on the Summit!

When all is said and done I give this day hike 3.5 out of 5 stars on my day hiking scale. The payoffs are always great on these Grande Cache for the simple that you always summit. Also the excitement of the peaks program always gets me pumped to hike in the Grande Cache area. But because the Rocky Mountains are only just beginning in this area of Alberta, spectacles that up the payoff and overall experience such as towering mountains and glaciers are absent from the experience. These are the factors that drop the hikes grade for me As for a return trip, I would probably do this again with someone who hasn't done it before or like I said earlier, as a short winter overnighter. In the end I would have to to say, "I got my passport stamped and I am moving on to bigger and better things".

I will be posting more hikes that I have done throughout the past in later posts, so check back for more info! Also a Mountain Addict website is in the works! This site will go into greater detail on my adventures, so stay tuned because that should be up and running soon!

Here is a link to trail peak a credible websites that I use and consider valuable resource during the planning phase of my hikes. This is there review of the Mount Stearn hike.

http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-Mount-Stearn-near-Grande-Cache-AB-6112