Squamish 2008: Part I

Saturday August 9th

Somewhere on I-5

Road Trip! This time heading to Squamish. Usually I'm lucky to have Lyn's great companionship on these long drives, but this time I was meeting her in Seattle so I had to drive the quick 12 hour jaunt solo. Thank god for podcasts; I downloaded about 14 hours worth before I left and I'm darn glad I did. Tim Medina was driving up as well but was on the ball and left pretty early in the morning. We met up with Steve Temple at a friend's house and crashed out.

Sunday August 10th

Picking up Lyn & Patti at the Seattle airport



Since it was raining we took our time on the drive to Seattle, stopping in Ambleside (in West Vancouver) to get some breakfast and check out the Farmers Market and Artisan's Fair.


Patti on Cutting Edge, v4

Once we got into Squamish, we headed to the driest boulders we could find. We warmed up @ the Apron Boulders and Patti got the sending going by doing the ever-so-classic Cutting Edge, v4.


Tim Medina on This Monkey's Gone to Heaven, v7

We headed up the hill to try another classic, This Monkey's Gone to Heaven, that is often compared to 'Snatch' at Indian Rock. Some say it's easier, some say harder - you be the judge...


Tim Medina on Tatonka, v8

Another Apron classic is Tatonka. Interesting moves on pretty good holds. Tim's send capped off a good first day.

Monday August 11th

Squamish Adventure Centre

As with most of our vacations, securing easy and free internet access is our top priority (other than bouldering, of course). The new Adventure Centre (information center) provides free WiFi and great views. Built recently for the upcoming Winter Olympics.


Hey Scott, this is just for you!

The rock stack that looks like a man is the mascot or symbol of the upcoming 2010 olympics in Vancouver.


Lyn Verinsky on Squealing Pork, v7

After our Adventure Centre session, we headed out to an area in the North Walls called the Farm. Classic problems in a shady, enchanted forest.

Tuesday August 12th

Andrew on Phat Slab, v5

Lyn had the good sense to take a rest day, but since I was feeling pretty spry, I went out with Andrew and gave him a tour of the classic v4's and v5's. Of course I had to stick him on the only problem with no holds!


Our Campsite

After a few nights at Cat Lake, we finally got settled into the Chief campground.

Wednesday August 13th

Lyn Verinsky on ATD, v7

Now on my fourth day on, we headed out for another day! Patti sent Superfly, v4 and Lyn sent Baba Hari Dass, v7 and I was doing everything just to keep it together. Not feeling so spry anymore!

Thursday August 14th

WiFi @ the Adventure Centre


Hello Cameron!

Today was a rest day and the day that Cam arrives. Picking him up turned out to be more epic than anticipated since the airport security didn't know what to do with a 12-year-old boy without a note! Just like Junior High!


Daiso store in Vancouver - a cornucopia of cheap


Where else could you buy a square monkey??


Relaxing at Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver




Menu and aftermath of our fantastic dinner at Rangoli


Figuring out what to order at the dessert cafe Death By Chocolate

Friday August 15th

Lyn Verinsky on Phat Slab, v5


Siemay on unnamed v6

The weather is getting hotter. Easy problems are feeling like Sharma-beaters. But even on this hottest of days, Thomasina daughter Cedar did her first boudler problem ever - at 21 months!


Cedar on her first boulder problem!