Hardwear Sessions

By William Meinen

With a new year came many new challenges. My first challenge was learning to walk again. My second challenge was learning to climb again. The physio was going well, and I was starting to hobble around sans crutches. Bob (my physiotherapist) was impressed with my progress. I asked him if it would be alright for me to start climbing again.

"Whoa there tiger. I wouldn't push things too quickly." Bob replied. "You'll want to ease yourself back into things very slowly."

"Can I go skiing?" I asked, knowing very well what he would say.

"That's even worse. Try swimming some laps at the pool first."

"What about some XC skiing?" I was getting desperate.

"Hmm. I suppose you could try it and see how it goes."

My partner Brandon Pullan always has something up his sleeve. When I told him of my physical status, he quickly set a plan in motion for the weekend. His web savvy skills helped him find a new area with supposed 'great potential for mixed climbing'. The report also said the approach was a bit on the long side but do-able via skis.

"Let's just ski in and take a look to see if it's worth while. It'll be good for you to get some exercise." Brandon said convincingly. He also convinced a mutual friend, Danny, to join us. With our bags packed with some ice climbing gear (just in case) we headed into the Evan Thomas Creek area.

I've been on several scouting missions with Brandon before. Most of the time they just end up in a wild goose chase that results in nothing but a frustrating bushwhack. Every once in a while we stumble across a magical area.