Wednesday, March 31, 2010

We are movie stars.

A week of backcountry skiing at the ACC's Asulkan Cabin in Rogers Pass, BC. Three bluebird days, three deep powder days, and a super fun group of friends. Enjoy the video.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

The Pumpkin Traverse, Lake Louise

In January I dragged a bunch of my friends out on a ski touring/winter camping, just for fun weekend. We decided to do the Pumpkin Traverse, which starts at Lake Louise ski hill, goes over Lipalian Mtn, Purple Peak, and then Unity Peak, over to Boulder Pass (which is also used to get to Skoki Lodge), and then a long flat ski out for 20 km or so back to your car. We had so much fun diddling around in the mountains, and it just so happens that my friend Ewen was trying out his new helmet cam that weekend, so I have a video to show you!

That's me with the bright gold backpack, and blue snow suit. Very stylish, I know.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Climbing at Black Band, Banff

The weather has been pretty fine here in Canmore the past couple weeks, and so some friends came down to Canmore for a weekend of rock climbing. Saturday we went to Wasootch Slabs for some wonderful, sunny, 10 plus degree climbing. Since Saturday was so nice, we were all pumped for early season climbing and decided to head back out for another day! Sunday we found ourselves at Black Band in Banff. The approach is only 10 minutes of easy strolling, before a short 100m scree slope to get to the base of the climbs. Once you hit the river, you look up at the huge face and there is a big black band running across it, and all the climbs are below the band.
TL, Emily, and Barry ready for day 2 action. Notice the toques- later we had snow but I didn't get any pictures of it since I was unfortunately on the wall!


TL with the castle (Banff Springs Hotel), river, mountains and rock.


TL in the late afternoon sun, taking down an anchor.

I am super stoked for the climbing season, and considering it's only March and we've already been out a few days, it should be even better than last year. Living in Canmore for the season will certainly help in getting in more climbs. It's about a half an hour walk from my place to Cougar Creek climbing area, so it's my new goal to incorporate a climb or two into my morning run (which means Ian has to come with me, and we have to run with our gear!), but it still should be awesome. Let the climbing season begin!

Friday, March 5, 2010

Running the Skyline Trail

This video is from a while back, but my little sister who did this with me is as far away as she possibly could be and I miss her! So, I thought I would share this video with you. We ran the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park (yes, I know we're crazy), which starts at Maligne Lake (which is a great paddle by the way!). Sweet footage shot by our personal videographer... the one and only Ewen Clark!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Kaua'i, Hawai'i

A week in paradise. Bringing in 2010 with sunshine, surfing, and smiles.

My trip began with the usual lost luggage and stress, but the moment we arrived at our ocean view casa- all worries and stresses were long gone. We spent our days lazily strolling along different beaches, snorkeling, hiking the Na Pali coast and Phea Trail in the Waiamea Canyon, etc. The beaches were something only dreams are made of, and the fish were more colourful than the ones in Finding Nemo.

The Na Pali Coast trail, 22 miles roundtrip with no road access. This picture is looking down at Hanakapai'ai' Beach which has wicked tides that kill many tourists each year.

After a glorious day sailing along the coast with dolphins and whales swimming along side us, we went for a hike up on the top of Waiamea Canyon, on the Phea Trail. The earth was so red here, and it is incredibly different than the lush, jungle like North Shore we were at before. Both equally and indescribably beautiful.

Waiamea Canyon.

We finished the trip off with some surfing in Hanalei Bay. The days were long and each one more incredible than the next.

Ian & his papa heading out for another session.