Finally, something has happened that is worth writing about. Aside from my personal wrestling match with my ever-pressing lonely heart, there has been remarkably little of consequence happening during my stay here in Iceland's capital region.
It seems school is keeping me just busy enough that I can't go away, but not busy enough to keep the boredom at bay. At long last, the Westfjords have been conquered, and in a mellow but swift swoop, I was able to hit the reset button on my brain... until I flew back into Reykjavik on monday morning.
A reminder that the things we see every day can always be looked at in a different way. A square rotated 45 degrees looks quite different - in fact we call it a diamond. This blog is dedicated to adventure and the life-long learning initiative.
November 14, 2011
October 8, 2011
The Dream of a Boy
There’s no recipe for success. Nobody is waiting on the other end to tell you that you’re
doing a good job. You do the
things you do every day to try and find a place of belonging, destined for some
path unknown to you or anyone else, but happy just to be along for the ride,
and even happier when there’s snow on the ground to be skied. Like gravity, the little boy inside is
pulled to the snow because he knows there’s a certain amount of magic in it.
October 2, 2011
The places we go
Bow chicccc a chickkk
I dance my way to freedom every day.
I feel like every day is a battle here. There hasn't been any days when I haven't woken up and wondered what the hell I am doing here. Feeling a bit lost and hopeless I usually try and force myself out the door for a run. If I don't do it before breakfast the feeling will persist until I do, so might as well get it over with ASAP.
Never easy, though I slowly build up some resolve and tell myself that I'm gonna be stoked once I start running. This is the truth though, and invariably after a few minutes of pattering down to the ocean I get into a rhythm, and begin to question why I ever wanted to stay inside :D
Victory #1! Next obstacle: get some school work done. This is a tricky and elusive task. It always seems as though there's lots to do, but really my brain knows that it can wait till later. So I try in vain to be productive which never happens while I'm at home, so I eat something and make myself scarce...
The day goes on.
I dance my way to freedom every day.
I feel like every day is a battle here. There hasn't been any days when I haven't woken up and wondered what the hell I am doing here. Feeling a bit lost and hopeless I usually try and force myself out the door for a run. If I don't do it before breakfast the feeling will persist until I do, so might as well get it over with ASAP.
Never easy, though I slowly build up some resolve and tell myself that I'm gonna be stoked once I start running. This is the truth though, and invariably after a few minutes of pattering down to the ocean I get into a rhythm, and begin to question why I ever wanted to stay inside :D
Victory #1! Next obstacle: get some school work done. This is a tricky and elusive task. It always seems as though there's lots to do, but really my brain knows that it can wait till later. So I try in vain to be productive which never happens while I'm at home, so I eat something and make myself scarce...
The day goes on.
September 24, 2011
September 21, 2011
Don't Know...
Hey Everyone!
For those of you wondering about the IceFox, she's going strong! Installed a new shift cable a few days ago so I can actually use the rear derailleur that I salvaged! I took some pictures for y'all so you can see the beauty... Okay, so it is a tired bike, but it's running great. The best part: it comes with fenders. The rust is mostly superficial. I think. So I am hoping the handlebar doesn't snap in half one day when I'm dropping a curb or something...
 |
| Here she is |
September 12, 2011
As we smile...
There is an old saying that goes something like: If you're not smiling, then what the fuck is wrong with you??
Ok so I just made that up right now, but life has a plethora of amazing and awe inspiring moments every day that are always worth sharing. If you've learned nothing today, then I suggest you either try harder, or take more risks.
There's a lot to be said for taking the initiative, not being afraid to look like a shmuck, and actually getting something done. Every time you do this, you will learn something new and exciting about yourself, the world, or as is most often the case, what not to do next time.
I feel like I have been learning constantly since I arrived here. There is so much going on, so many places to explore, people to see, and things to do.
I spent the whole day yesterday resurrecting a bicycle from the dead. It had no chain, totally flogged brake pads, loose bearings, and a rear derailleur that looked as if it had been chewed and spat out by the great beast Ognar who lives under the mountain. I rebuilt an old derailleur, scavenged some brake pads, fixed the hubs, installed a chain, and was only stopped short because of a distinct lack of new shift cable and an inescapable desire to pee.
Ok so I just made that up right now, but life has a plethora of amazing and awe inspiring moments every day that are always worth sharing. If you've learned nothing today, then I suggest you either try harder, or take more risks.
There's a lot to be said for taking the initiative, not being afraid to look like a shmuck, and actually getting something done. Every time you do this, you will learn something new and exciting about yourself, the world, or as is most often the case, what not to do next time.
I feel like I have been learning constantly since I arrived here. There is so much going on, so many places to explore, people to see, and things to do.
I spent the whole day yesterday resurrecting a bicycle from the dead. It had no chain, totally flogged brake pads, loose bearings, and a rear derailleur that looked as if it had been chewed and spat out by the great beast Ognar who lives under the mountain. I rebuilt an old derailleur, scavenged some brake pads, fixed the hubs, installed a chain, and was only stopped short because of a distinct lack of new shift cable and an inescapable desire to pee.
August 23, 2011
Canada Guy
Hey folks!
Life has been pretty busy here in Iceland for the first week or so of classes!! Full tilt into academia. I feel like I got off on the wrong floor of the elevator and found a wicked party, a lot of confusion, and endless overcast on a really desolate but beautiful piece of volcanic rock.
Anyways, it's hard to remember what exactly has happened since I wrote last week. Lots of beer, early mornings, late nights, NOVA tents, fireworks, music, and about 12 hours of cumulative bus time.
So, there have maybe been 3 pretty noteworthy events that I should mention, none of which I have pictures for because I was too busy not hauling around my monster camera. Here are some generic pics for your enjoyment, then I will tell some stories =D
Life has been pretty busy here in Iceland for the first week or so of classes!! Full tilt into academia. I feel like I got off on the wrong floor of the elevator and found a wicked party, a lot of confusion, and endless overcast on a really desolate but beautiful piece of volcanic rock.
Anyways, it's hard to remember what exactly has happened since I wrote last week. Lots of beer, early mornings, late nights, NOVA tents, fireworks, music, and about 12 hours of cumulative bus time.
So, there have maybe been 3 pretty noteworthy events that I should mention, none of which I have pictures for because I was too busy not hauling around my monster camera. Here are some generic pics for your enjoyment, then I will tell some stories =D
August 15, 2011
Crash Landing
Well, I hope everyone is having a nice summer in Canada and elsewhere!
All photos are available here
It feels as though I have crash-landed into the icelandic experience. Upon arriving, I promptly visited the duty-free store for some cheap booze. This was of course done on instructions from my housing coordinator, Shishir. The other two things he mentioned in the "Icelandic Survival Guide" were to bring party clothes, and proper outdoor attire. Good advice.
Soon I was on the bus to Reykjavik. It is about 12:00 in the morning at this point, and I did not arrive in Reykjavik until forty minutes later, after passing miles of desolate landscape dominated by an almost-full moon shining brightly in the sky.
I arrived at the main bus station in Reykjavik and began my journey through the foreign land towards my bed for the night - A room in the basement of an average looking Icelandic house. There was however nothing ordinary about the inside of this house.
I was greeted by boisterous shouts and hugs from a throng of drunk Icelanders rounding up a birthday party to head into town for more drinking. Nothing like this moment to see a spot of priceless Icelandic culture! After a change of clothes we took a short walk into town, hopping from one bar to the next in a maze of chaos in the streets of downtown Reykjavik.
All photos are available here
It feels as though I have crash-landed into the icelandic experience. Upon arriving, I promptly visited the duty-free store for some cheap booze. This was of course done on instructions from my housing coordinator, Shishir. The other two things he mentioned in the "Icelandic Survival Guide" were to bring party clothes, and proper outdoor attire. Good advice.
Soon I was on the bus to Reykjavik. It is about 12:00 in the morning at this point, and I did not arrive in Reykjavik until forty minutes later, after passing miles of desolate landscape dominated by an almost-full moon shining brightly in the sky.
I arrived at the main bus station in Reykjavik and began my journey through the foreign land towards my bed for the night - A room in the basement of an average looking Icelandic house. There was however nothing ordinary about the inside of this house.
I was greeted by boisterous shouts and hugs from a throng of drunk Icelanders rounding up a birthday party to head into town for more drinking. Nothing like this moment to see a spot of priceless Icelandic culture! After a change of clothes we took a short walk into town, hopping from one bar to the next in a maze of chaos in the streets of downtown Reykjavik.
August 12, 2011
They don't know you
Hey everyone!
I am genuinely having a hard time believing that I am sitting in the departures lounge on my way to Iceland...
It has been a while since I wrote, so lets play some catch up. After much mind-changing and lucky encounters, I landed myself a job at the prestigious Yamnuska Mountain Adventures in Canmore. Before that, I was working on a video project for the Western Sky Land Trust based in Calgary... See the completed product here.
My time at Yamnuska was quite more than I expected it to be. I was again surprised at the amount of learning and personal growth that can happen in two short months, and I leave with several fond memories of time spent with all the fabulous people in the office.
But the summer has come to a screeching halt. It was fast and furious, with lots of driving, cleaning, organizing, biking, slacklining, and generally existing as an enigma to the the vast majority of individuals that I came into contact with.
Sooner or later this life will catch up with me. I have a very strong desire to feel grounded right now. This is not what I am feeling, so I am going to try and enjoy the flight of adventure instead. I have 16 hours to get pumped and inspired and feel once again that I can and will do anything that my heart desires!
Wish me luck! More to come soon =D
~Yuri
I am genuinely having a hard time believing that I am sitting in the departures lounge on my way to Iceland...
It has been a while since I wrote, so lets play some catch up. After much mind-changing and lucky encounters, I landed myself a job at the prestigious Yamnuska Mountain Adventures in Canmore. Before that, I was working on a video project for the Western Sky Land Trust based in Calgary... See the completed product here.
My time at Yamnuska was quite more than I expected it to be. I was again surprised at the amount of learning and personal growth that can happen in two short months, and I leave with several fond memories of time spent with all the fabulous people in the office.
 |
| Some work was done |
But the summer has come to a screeching halt. It was fast and furious, with lots of driving, cleaning, organizing, biking, slacklining, and generally existing as an enigma to the the vast majority of individuals that I came into contact with.
Sooner or later this life will catch up with me. I have a very strong desire to feel grounded right now. This is not what I am feeling, so I am going to try and enjoy the flight of adventure instead. I have 16 hours to get pumped and inspired and feel once again that I can and will do anything that my heart desires!
Wish me luck! More to come soon =D
~Yuri
June 2, 2011
Clemenceau Canoeski Condensed
May 7-16, 2011
Participants: Yuri Lortscher, John Acheson
The trip started like any big expedition should: with a hangover, a coffee, and a massive pile of gear and food. A lengthy gear spew and checklist later, we methodically piled all of our gear into my tired, dilapidated MPV. We were on the road, bound for Kinbasket Lake
Arriving at Redrock Harbor, NE of Mica village, we loaded everything into the canoe and dragged it across the snow to the shore. It was no pleasant sight, inescapable mud everywhere, abandoned engine blocks, massive piles of logs, and discarded tires.
As happy as we were to get out of there, we both felt a bit dubious before putting in. All of our precious ski equipment, food, and supplies for the entire trip bundled in a tarp in the middle of the canoe. It was a surreal sight… Flipping was not an option.
Five hours, two beers, and an urgent pee stop later we made it to the end of the Wood Arm, completing our canoe journey. We were greeted by more super-mud, and an endless field of stumps left behind by the massive logging operations of the 60’s.
May 31, 2011
Clemenceau Canoeski Part Four: Victory
May 7-16, 2011
Participants: Yuri Lortscher (22), John Acheson (26)
It’s hard to believe that everything else happened in just one day. In hindsight we should have definitely gotten up earlier. A lot earlier…
The whole paddle of the Wood Arm took longer than it did on the way in because we were battling a slight headwind, and we stopped to talk with some fishermen, or schwarma chefs as we were hoping. Turned out they were closing up shop. Not much market for schwarma shops on the remote shores of Kinbasket Lake. We couldn’t believe it.
May 26, 2011
Clemenceau Canoeski Part Three: Extrication
May 7-16, 2011
Participants: Yuri Lortscher (22), John Acheson (26)
…And so begins the best part of the trip! A certain amount of chillin can be tolerated without negative effect, but I like to do things - lots of things. Sitting in the tent for two days got us itching to get a move on and do some skiing. Our late afternoon ski tour proved to be one of the most fun and exciting days I’ve had on skis all season. We picked a different route out of glacier country than the one we came in, and ended up traveling for a solid 5 or so hours before ending up at treeline on the other side of what I’m going to call wall ridge.
All I can really say is that I’m glad we didn’t decide to climb up that route! After navigating a steep slope rising from the SW end of Cummins Glacier we crossed a huge benched bowl and broke through a small cornice to find ourselves at the top of a very steep way down.
May 19, 2011
Clemenceau Canoeski Part Two: Alpine Anticipation
May 7-16, 2011
I have never carried a pack so heavy in my life. Ever. We hiked for about 5 km up a series of logging roads to the snowline where we gratefully traded our hiking boots for skis and began touring. Stash number three.
The easy-breezy goings of the drive and canoe trip were over, and there was no doubt about how hard we were working by the end of the day. I think we spent about 12 hours traveling in total in our excursion to the alpine.
Luckily we were expecting a long day, but I don’t think anything can ever prepare you for an endless bush slog. The alpine was a truly gorgeous sight when we got up above treeline. After making it to the nearby pass, be brewed up some much needed juice and both knocked back an entire liter of crystal light. The day wasn’t over...
May 18, 2011
Clemenceau Canoeski Part One: Access & History
May 7-16, 2011
Participants: Yuri Lortscher (22), John Acheson (26)
The two individuals involved have had extensive experience traveling in the mountains together, and have a very strong friendship grounded in professional and personal endeavors. From living in a tin can during the Vancouver Olympics, to romping around in avalanche terrain, these two have oft been referred to as “The Brothers” for their similar ways of thought, ambition, and big hearts.
Both leaders in the outdoors, when in a team setting, John and Yuri act as a democracy, constantly questioning each other and only taking action once they have both agreed on a safe course.
May 16, 2011
What are we doing here??
Hey everyone, sorry for the delay in postings! Haven't been up to much writing lately. Lots has happened since then... Job interviews, skiing, school, scholarships, events, travel, and way too much money spent on keeping up with life!
I am finding tome now in my schedule to take a while and write this because it is important. I just got back from a big canoeing/ski touring trip, and let me say that it was amazing. A revelation of magnificent proportions. Lots of decisions were made, and I think we were both surprised at the extent of the adventure that we were involved in. When I say we, I mean John and I.
I'd like to share a few of my fave photos from the trip! View the whole set here
I am finding tome now in my schedule to take a while and write this because it is important. I just got back from a big canoeing/ski touring trip, and let me say that it was amazing. A revelation of magnificent proportions. Lots of decisions were made, and I think we were both surprised at the extent of the adventure that we were involved in. When I say we, I mean John and I.
I'd like to share a few of my fave photos from the trip! View the whole set here
April 6, 2011
NDD
It is amazing how one event has the power to change your attitude completely... The semester winds down, and winds up at the same time, and I am here thinking of all the things coming in the near future. I don't really know what to say next, so let me leave you with this:
Nothing at all.
If you are wondering what just happened, your mind has just been blown...
Nothing at all.
If you are wondering what just happened, your mind has just been blown...
March 24, 2011
March Madness
As I sip my Lucky Lager in the student bar, I realize that there is a great deal of wisdom in myself, and I often forget about the introspection that goes on regularly. I think it is something I used to be very proud of. Now it is something that I see only when looking to the past. Maybe I took on too much this semester? It is possible that I don’t have time to pride myself, or possibly that I have truly learned the importance and the power of humility? Maybe. I like to think that the challenges in life are the things that make us grow as individuals, but I can’t stop thinking about my twitching eyelids!
I am stoked! There is a myriad of possibilities evolving in my life, and they are all promising. I hope they work out. I am going to throw structure out the window here and just say what pops into my mind first.
I am stoked! There is a myriad of possibilities evolving in my life, and they are all promising. I hope they work out. I am going to throw structure out the window here and just say what pops into my mind first.
March 4, 2011
...Now we wait.
A couple of days can be eye opening, revealing, and revalating. I sit here humbled, because again I find myself unable to understand the way that my mind and heart works... Why do we dwell on such things as thoughts and feelings?
I feel fragile, vulnerable, and remarkably, well-rested. School is starting to take its toll on my soul. I can feel the system pressing down on me, and I have to be thankful that there are only 6 weeks left of this chaos before I get to go live a real life for the summer. Adventure is calling, and again I am exceedingly grateful to be fleeing from this familiar place for a few months. Only in new environments can we gain the necessary perspective to grow and live.
For me, adventure is living, which makes any sort of normally acceptable life very challenging. Never fulfilled completely, I am surrounded by people of a similar ideal, and we all seek challenge, adventure, and the abnormal to keep ourselves from suffocating - or poking ourselves in the eye with the blunt end of the pencil we're trying to write another paper with.
Who knows, eh? All I hope for is the understanding and acceptance of my friends and family as I seek out the things that make me happy. No news is good news. Sorry if I don't stay in touch - it's probably because I don't think I have anything important to communicate... Doesn't mean I don't want to listen though!
Play safe,
~Yuri
I feel fragile, vulnerable, and remarkably, well-rested. School is starting to take its toll on my soul. I can feel the system pressing down on me, and I have to be thankful that there are only 6 weeks left of this chaos before I get to go live a real life for the summer. Adventure is calling, and again I am exceedingly grateful to be fleeing from this familiar place for a few months. Only in new environments can we gain the necessary perspective to grow and live.
For me, adventure is living, which makes any sort of normally acceptable life very challenging. Never fulfilled completely, I am surrounded by people of a similar ideal, and we all seek challenge, adventure, and the abnormal to keep ourselves from suffocating - or poking ourselves in the eye with the blunt end of the pencil we're trying to write another paper with.
Who knows, eh? All I hope for is the understanding and acceptance of my friends and family as I seek out the things that make me happy. No news is good news. Sorry if I don't stay in touch - it's probably because I don't think I have anything important to communicate... Doesn't mean I don't want to listen though!
Play safe,
~Yuri
March 2, 2011
Red Rocks, Rodeo, Randonee, Really, Really Racy
There is a direct connection between the amount of climbing that gets done and the people that you climb with. While the last couple of weeks have been incredibly swift, racy, stressful, and eye opening, I have to stop and wonder exactly what's been done.
How do we quantify the things we do? What is success? If you've had fun is that all that matters? Maybe, if you get to go again next year.
This trip saw some of the most interesting group dynamics that I think I have ever witnessed on a climbing trip. A myriad of skills and objectives in each car means what? Nothing gets done!! Why? Because climbers are a selfish lot. We spend our last pennies getting to the places of our dreams and think little of what our activities mean to others. Whether or not they mean anything to us above and beyond the fact that we want to feel freedom is irrelevant, and the fact is that as we develop as climbers, the extraordinary becomes ordinary, and pretty soon you want more, more, more.
How do we quantify the things we do? What is success? If you've had fun is that all that matters? Maybe, if you get to go again next year.
This trip saw some of the most interesting group dynamics that I think I have ever witnessed on a climbing trip. A myriad of skills and objectives in each car means what? Nothing gets done!! Why? Because climbers are a selfish lot. We spend our last pennies getting to the places of our dreams and think little of what our activities mean to others. Whether or not they mean anything to us above and beyond the fact that we want to feel freedom is irrelevant, and the fact is that as we develop as climbers, the extraordinary becomes ordinary, and pretty soon you want more, more, more.
February 8, 2011
Teaching and Preaching
On a lighter note, I had a very good weekend with the 2nd year ETOL students. I've always loved sharing my passions with others, promoting change, and otherwise making a difference. How lucky am I that I get paid to teach people about how to play safe in the snow? Ha!
Everything that happened on the trip was a learning experience, watching people interact, watching people learn, watching people improve their skills, watching people smile, laugh, and grow. Several events are of particular merit.
The first night during beacon practice I found myself put on the spot to remember and regurgitate 15 names in rapid succession, after which we went directly into transceiver practice. As I made my rounds to the different groups, I realized just how much I was able to offer these people, and deliver it in a way that not only makes sense, but is easy to understand.
Everything that happened on the trip was a learning experience, watching people interact, watching people learn, watching people improve their skills, watching people smile, laugh, and grow. Several events are of particular merit.
The first night during beacon practice I found myself put on the spot to remember and regurgitate 15 names in rapid succession, after which we went directly into transceiver practice. As I made my rounds to the different groups, I realized just how much I was able to offer these people, and deliver it in a way that not only makes sense, but is easy to understand.
Bureaucracy wins this round
Well after a long winded battle with the clubs coordinator and the SA of MRU, it has been deemed inappropriate for the Outdoor Adventure Club to donate money to a cause that the board deems fit. The reason, or so they say, is that it would be an inappropriate use of club money to donate to a non-club event, even though numerous members are involved. It is anyone's guess as to what is really going on here, and if it were in fact a liability concern, then I might be able to understand the blatant nonsensical nature of how the bureaucracy of the Student's Association operates.
If these are student run clubs, with students raising the money, and students doing the work, is it unreasonable to assume that we should have the responsibility to decide how to spend that money? I hate to say this, but as with most matters, the way this club has to be run is limited by the party who controls the monetary resources. Some would claim that the way it is run is for trust and security reasons, and that the purpose of facilitating a club is to gain experience in real world leadership experiences. If that is the case, then what better way to let us learn money management than to let us make some mistakes?
What else are we going to use the money for? Suddenly we are fundraising for nothing, looking for a place to dump the funds that we don't really need. Maybe we could spend a couple hundred dollars on paper decorations? Or get into money laundering, coming up with fake receipts for club supplies that mysteriously add up to the exact amount that we needed? We go on trips, and it is too onerous a task to organize a real club event, so we do it independently and find some other way to pay for it.
Needless to say the group campsite in Red Rocks will not be sponsored by the OAC this year. If there is an ETOL cause that we can donate some money to, please let me know! The only idea I've got is to donate the party earnings to the Peru field school.
If these are student run clubs, with students raising the money, and students doing the work, is it unreasonable to assume that we should have the responsibility to decide how to spend that money? I hate to say this, but as with most matters, the way this club has to be run is limited by the party who controls the monetary resources. Some would claim that the way it is run is for trust and security reasons, and that the purpose of facilitating a club is to gain experience in real world leadership experiences. If that is the case, then what better way to let us learn money management than to let us make some mistakes?
What else are we going to use the money for? Suddenly we are fundraising for nothing, looking for a place to dump the funds that we don't really need. Maybe we could spend a couple hundred dollars on paper decorations? Or get into money laundering, coming up with fake receipts for club supplies that mysteriously add up to the exact amount that we needed? We go on trips, and it is too onerous a task to organize a real club event, so we do it independently and find some other way to pay for it.
Needless to say the group campsite in Red Rocks will not be sponsored by the OAC this year. If there is an ETOL cause that we can donate some money to, please let me know! The only idea I've got is to donate the party earnings to the Peru field school.
January 26, 2011
Morning Glory
7:45
I wake up, surprised to be thinking about how good I slept that night. I went to bed with the snuffles, took some nyquil and hoped for the best. Once the drowsiness set in I was lost in dreamland... Caught in one of the most dreamy vivid sleeps I can remember having in a long time.
So here I am, lying in bed 15 minutes before I have to get up , so I ponder the usual things that my mind wanders to when I get up normally: What am I going to eat for breakfast? What class do I have first? What do I need to bring to school? But mostly I just sit there thinking of how nice it is to be snuggled up under the sheets of my bed.
7:59
I have to poop. I get up, shut off my alarm so it doesn't wake my brother in a minute, and venture to the bathroom.
8:06
Bread is in the toaster so I go pack my bags and decide what clothes I want to wear at school. I can tell this is going to be an efficient day...
I wake up, surprised to be thinking about how good I slept that night. I went to bed with the snuffles, took some nyquil and hoped for the best. Once the drowsiness set in I was lost in dreamland... Caught in one of the most dreamy vivid sleeps I can remember having in a long time.
So here I am, lying in bed 15 minutes before I have to get up , so I ponder the usual things that my mind wanders to when I get up normally: What am I going to eat for breakfast? What class do I have first? What do I need to bring to school? But mostly I just sit there thinking of how nice it is to be snuggled up under the sheets of my bed.
7:59
I have to poop. I get up, shut off my alarm so it doesn't wake my brother in a minute, and venture to the bathroom.
8:06
Bread is in the toaster so I go pack my bags and decide what clothes I want to wear at school. I can tell this is going to be an efficient day...
January 25, 2011
Retrospective Perspective
I feel like I have been immersed in the activities of school for the last couple of weeks. I really haven't got much news. Luckily, I can almost always think of something to say!
Here at the uni we've been working hard to make this trip to RedRocks a great success. We're throwing a big party at the Liberty Lounge with live music and some fun games, so we're gonna try and pack as many people into that tiny bar as possible, right before we leave for the 21 hour drive to Redrocks. Exciting!! There is a possibility of some door prizes etc. $5, starting at 8:00pm if any of you are interested!
Other than that, all kinds of climbing going on, doing classes all week, and trying to build up some stoke for the Outdoor Adventure Club that we have going here. Avalanche hazzard is insane right now, so we're taking it easy instead of doing shitty ski runs in the facets of Kananaskis.
I got a job assisting on two backcountry ski classes, this time for pay, the weather is warm so I can ride my bike to school, and I am ever increasing my music and movie library. I also got a phone interview for Backroads, which happens this Friday! If I do good I get to go to a day long training interview in Canmore in May.
Some of the biggest lessons continue to be the ones of the heart. How to decide where and what to spend your energy on, and what exactly is this love thing, anyways? I have imposed a rule on myself that I am not allowed to pursue romantic interests beyond friendship, because this will inevitably end in disaster for me, but I am happy because simply having made a decision gives my mind some direction!
One long memory. People, places, and ponderings.
Until next time,
~Yuri
Here at the uni we've been working hard to make this trip to RedRocks a great success. We're throwing a big party at the Liberty Lounge with live music and some fun games, so we're gonna try and pack as many people into that tiny bar as possible, right before we leave for the 21 hour drive to Redrocks. Exciting!! There is a possibility of some door prizes etc. $5, starting at 8:00pm if any of you are interested!
Other than that, all kinds of climbing going on, doing classes all week, and trying to build up some stoke for the Outdoor Adventure Club that we have going here. Avalanche hazzard is insane right now, so we're taking it easy instead of doing shitty ski runs in the facets of Kananaskis.
I got a job assisting on two backcountry ski classes, this time for pay, the weather is warm so I can ride my bike to school, and I am ever increasing my music and movie library. I also got a phone interview for Backroads, which happens this Friday! If I do good I get to go to a day long training interview in Canmore in May.
Some of the biggest lessons continue to be the ones of the heart. How to decide where and what to spend your energy on, and what exactly is this love thing, anyways? I have imposed a rule on myself that I am not allowed to pursue romantic interests beyond friendship, because this will inevitably end in disaster for me, but I am happy because simply having made a decision gives my mind some direction!
One long memory. People, places, and ponderings.
Until next time,
~Yuri
January 12, 2011
A New Direction
Here it begins, a new journey through the labyrinth of hallways, staircases, classrooms, and minds that is a semester of University. Mount Royal has become my home in the last three years, from the 60 steps that I climb countless times a day to get to the third floor, or the couches beside the climbing wall where I can almost always find someone I know. It is a place of comfort, familiarity and balance. I have so many good friends that I know, love, and respect, all of whom are on personal journeys of their own.
I have been in class for 3 days. 3 days and I feel like it should have been at least a week. Aside from the seven courses I am taking this semester, a lot goes on when I am at school. So much so that, while I find my classes very interesting, I learn almost as much outside of the time that I am sitting behind a desk taking notes. I have to look at it as a full time job, with serious time commitment and management skills. One of my most important commitments outside of class time is the role of student representative for the 3rd year students. Part of what makes this program so great is the relationships and the mentoring that goes on throughout the semester, and I like to take it upon myself to get to know as many of my peers as I can. Each year has it's own respective student representative, and together we try to be the voice for these people where it really counts.
I have been in class for 3 days. 3 days and I feel like it should have been at least a week. Aside from the seven courses I am taking this semester, a lot goes on when I am at school. So much so that, while I find my classes very interesting, I learn almost as much outside of the time that I am sitting behind a desk taking notes. I have to look at it as a full time job, with serious time commitment and management skills. One of my most important commitments outside of class time is the role of student representative for the 3rd year students. Part of what makes this program so great is the relationships and the mentoring that goes on throughout the semester, and I like to take it upon myself to get to know as many of my peers as I can. Each year has it's own respective student representative, and together we try to be the voice for these people where it really counts.
January 7, 2011
In Search of a Ridge
Well I'm back in Calgary and I am happy to say that our three day trip to Fernie was not a disappointment! I left off at the end of our second day, with plans to go for a big ridgeline that we were eyeing up for a couple of days.
We got off to a bit of a slow start on day three, mostly due to Ruben's absentmindedness and his need for premium bean. After getting a coffee, we managed to make it all the way to the parking lot before he realized that his skins were still hanging on the bedpost. Back to town. I blame myself a bit for this next mixup because after we got back to the parking lot, we got dressed at an alarming rate. After five minutes up the trail I had a feeling something was amiss. I was going to ask if he was wearing his transceiver, but we stopped to take off our jackets and the answer became apparent with a complete lack of anything strapped around the chest area.
I suppose it was just not meant to be a fast start that day. We still managed an amazing amount of high quality skiing. We had gotten to know this fire road particularly well, and I don't know what either of us was thinking, but we laid down an aggressive assaulting pace to the base of the ski terrain. Making good time with no stops (1.5h), we got to the top of our first run right around lunch time, skied a couple of runs, and then went exploring.
We got off to a bit of a slow start on day three, mostly due to Ruben's absentmindedness and his need for premium bean. After getting a coffee, we managed to make it all the way to the parking lot before he realized that his skins were still hanging on the bedpost. Back to town. I blame myself a bit for this next mixup because after we got back to the parking lot, we got dressed at an alarming rate. After five minutes up the trail I had a feeling something was amiss. I was going to ask if he was wearing his transceiver, but we stopped to take off our jackets and the answer became apparent with a complete lack of anything strapped around the chest area.
I suppose it was just not meant to be a fast start that day. We still managed an amazing amount of high quality skiing. We had gotten to know this fire road particularly well, and I don't know what either of us was thinking, but we laid down an aggressive assaulting pace to the base of the ski terrain. Making good time with no stops (1.5h), we got to the top of our first run right around lunch time, skied a couple of runs, and then went exploring.
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| Skinning up below one of our runs |
January 4, 2011
Fernie Frivolity
I woke up this morning fully clothed. Last night was downright dangerous at the hostel in Fernie. $3.50 pints of quality beer, and a whole lot of nothing to talk about, we soon found ourselves 8 deep in this liquid gold. I was quite frankly amazed that I managed to remove my contact lenses without dropping them on the floor. My bed was a different story and I had no initiative to actually put the sheets on at this point, so I must have concluded in my stupor that it was a good idea to sleep with my clothes on.
Upon awaking it became quickly apparent that this was going to be an epic ski day.
Upon awaking it became quickly apparent that this was going to be an epic ski day.
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| Downtown Fernie Tuesday Morning |
January 2, 2011
Ridiculous Kananaskis Views
I have to say that I never thought Kananaskis had views like this to offer. Ruben and I took a tour up to Fortress on a cold, beautiful Thursday last. After a long slog up the fortress mountain access road, we gained access to the hills. Trail breaking was ridiculous in a word, with ski penetration going right through all of the facets and depth hoar to ground.
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