Monday, September 15, 2014

Work Hard, Play Later

At the beginning of the summer season, my head was filled with big dreams of climbing hard lines at Lion's Head. As the obsessive rock climber that I am, I had a really hard time transitioning back into the working world after the climbing trip of my life, and found myself frustrated with the lack of time and energy that I had to climb. I soon came to realize that I can't do everything. In my fantasy world, I want to be a full time climbing guide, run a business, plan a climbing festival, push my limits on the rocks and train twice a week with my coach at Active Life.
7 days in a week was just never enough.

On the Rocks really took off this year, I am so happy that people are really enjoying their experiences and climbing courses with me! Word of mouth has spread like wild fire and I was finding myself rather overwhelmed with interest in On the Rocks. I hired help, two amazing guides Mark Toma and Pam Paylor. They have been such a blessing for me, and their reviews have been amazing too. This step took On the Rocks to a new level, but I was finding the administrative/organizational side of running a business rather tiring. I was working full time as a guide, managing other guides, training at 7am before I went to work, guiding all day and coming home to catch up on administrative stuff, all while planning the second annual Beaver Valley Climbing Festival. When I finally had a day off, all I really wanted to do was nothing! I'd force myself to climb, but found myself frustrated & tired, juggling far too many things at once. I had to chose between my business and my climbing addiction and I happily chose On the Rocks this summer. Once I made this mental acceptance, the summer became a rest period from hard climbing. On the days I got out to climb, I wanted a relaxing day in nature with good friends and no agenda. After all, I only get to hang out with these wonderful people for half of the year.

So my memorable sends of 2014 were a little different then the unforgettable summer of 2013, the best summer/climb of my life Above the Clouds. This summer I "sent" On the Rocks, and I am so grateful for all of the support I have had from customers, friends and businesses that helped my business take off. I am so happy to have been able to create a full time job out of my passion. I count my blessings for this opportunity everyday! But my greatest send of the summer was the Beaver Valley Climbing Festival. It brought tears to my eyes to see this amazing climbing community come together to celebrate the beautiful Niagara Escarpment, while raising money and awareness for the Ontario Access Coalition. It was a perfect day.

I still got in some great climbing days, despite having the worst luck in the entire universe with weather on my days off. It rained every Tuesday this summer!!! But we'd go anyways, and have fun regardless. I bolted a couple new lines & helped establish the new Summer Residence area at Lion's Head. I also got my summer goal: the first ascent of the Sends of Anarchy T-Shirt. I had a lot of fun exploring new rock and hanging with my buddies up on the peninsula. I truly love Ontario summers, Lion's Head, and this beautiful area we are so lucky to live in. 






Sampling the fruits of the summer harvest, a stellar 5.11d called 45th Parallel. This is a classic new addition by Dave Zuly, just left of Man Over Board at Lions Head.
The official Sends of Anarchy hit list. First male ascent of Above the clouds is still up for grabs :P

Trevor Macdonald goes for a burn on Bob and Brians Bogus Adventure 5.11, Metcalf Rock.


Summer Residence is a cool new 5.12 in the new Summer Residence area. This spot was discovered by Dave Z and Trevy, with additions by myself and my hubby Kyle. Worth checking out!

Reaching for the perfect pocket on Summer Residence, 5.12b

T-Mac starts the train, and bangs off a beach classic at West Bluff.

Riding the train with Naomi on spot



Trevy sends harder then most of us, in his bare feet.

T-Mac sends the prized line, a proud traverse that finishes up a weird V notch high off the deck

Good times with such great friends. Trevy and Lily cheer on T-Mac, after his impressive send.

T-Mac, Lily and Naomi stand up paddle boarding with West Bluff in the distance

Kyle strongly prefers canoes and takes satisfaction in speeding ahead of the SUPers  ;)

DPM editor, Mikey Williams comes out for a week to sample the Lion's Head goods.

Mike Williams makes Couer de Lion, a historical 5.13a, look easy.

Everyday I get to meet and teach such great folks

Always a blast getting to take out the talented Team Boulderz

A pleasure to work with the staff at MEC Burlington, Barrie and Toronto stores

Another day at the office, guiding people of all ages in my climbing playground :)

I am so looking forward to fall. We have officially booked a place in the New River Gorge for part of October and all of November. It is time to take up the old addiction again, take off the guiding hat and push my personal limits on the rocks again. Stoke is high!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful summer season :)

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