of Backpacks and Beards

The Apprentice Rock Guide’s Exam (Rockies)

The post provides a comprehensive guide to preparing for the ARG Exam (Rockies). It discusses the multiple facets of training effectively, including role playing, climbing, rescue scenarios, and training with various partners and in different weather conditions. It underscores the importance of enjoyment, learning, adaptability, and overcoming stress as key components of the training process. Additionally, it offers tips for the exam week and insights into the marking process. The author encourages learners to embrace the experience as an opportunity for growth in their climbing/guiding career.

The Push.

The Push. Two bolts off the ground, body feels good. The climb is right at the grade, an enjoyable right hand jug… perfect for making this next clip. Tons of options for feet. Confidence. Next move is a slight reach, decent. one more move, a smaller crimp, not ideal but fine. You look up and…

Powder Rush

Powder Rush Awake. It’s 6:30am, I immediately look out the window and see what I’ve been hoping for since I began following the low pressure weather forecast a few days ago – a calm sea of white doused on top of everything. Every detail, from the entirety of my old Ford Escape to the centimeter-thick…

To The Man I Picked Up Outside Regina

To The man I Picked up Outside Regina: There you were, arm outstretched, thumb pointing straight up the blue skies that canopied the long flat wheat plains of Saskatchewan. I’d been on the road for the last 3 days, trying to keep my mind occupied with extended phone calls to family and friends, podcasts, some…

Climbing where you’d least expect it – Sudbury, ON

Climbing where you’d least expect it – Sudbury, ON If you search ‘Sudbury’ into google, it’s likely that you’ll find hits pertaining to mining, education, and perhaps the local hockey team, the Sudbury Wolves. What you’ll likely not come across or be looking for is the blossoming rock climbing scene that has slowly been growing…

Unprepared, Unplanned, and Weather Permitting – How When Nothing works, Everything Works Out

Unprepared, Unplanned, and Weather Permitting – How When Nothing Works, Everything Works Out When you’re out and about on the road traveling you’re constantly faced with unknown circumstances, unfamiliar regions, and typically this leads to a great story of being unprepared and learning along the way. However, it’s rare that these occurrences can happen at…

Of Volcanoes and Midnight Ascents

It began as a simple idea. A clear Monday night, and a sunny Tuesday morning. To us, this was the perfect opportunity for a midnight tour. The days rolled by and after some last-minute planning a group of 8 were ready and willing to give Mt. Yotei a go. We got our gear together, picked…

Sapporo Saturdays – Part 1: Moving

Cuidad Perdida – Everything You Need to Know About the “Lost City”

After feeling a soft shake on the mosquito netting surrounding my bed I realize it’s time to get up. Looking around I notice the other 7 in my group starting to stir, small creaks in the wood and rustling of plastic bags ensures that no one really has a solid chance to go back to…

What’s in Your Backpack: Cole’s Antibiotics

The What’s in Your Backpack series has always been quite interesting to me. Despite the small number of posts I’ve found that people generally love or can’t leave home without similar things. The big ones tend to be headphones, speakers, and a journal. As any traveller will tell you these things are fairly necessary when…

of Backpacks and Beards

The Apprentice Rock Guide’s Exam (Rockies)

A Rescue in Rogers Pass

Labour & Love – An Ascent of Mt. Sir Donald – NW Route (5.4)

Zen and The Art of Ski Touring

How to Avoid Staring at Your Feet