Clemenceau Canoeski Part Four: Victory

May 7-16, 2011

View Part One: History and Access

View Part Two: Alpine Anticipation

View Part Three: Extrication

View the Web Album

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.

Clemenceau Canoeski Part Three: Extrication

May 7-16, 2011

View Part One: History and Access

View Part Two: Alpine Anticipation

View Part Four: Victory

View the Web Album

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.

Clemenceau Canoeski Part Two: Alpine Anticipation

May 7-16, 2011

View Part One: History and Access

View Part Three: Extrication

View Part Four: Victory

View the Web Album
Participants: Yuri Lortscher (22), John Acheson (26)

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...

Clemenceau Canoeski Part One: Access & History

May 7-16, 2011

View Part Two: Alpine Anticipation

View Part Three: Extrication

View Part Four: Victory

View Web Album

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.

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