Friday, April 19, 2013

Glacier Ski Camp, Wahoo Tower Area - Day -2

LOC: Coudre Point, Nairn Falls PP, 15°C
Sky Broken, Elev. 230M, Wind Calm, No Precip.

Arrived in Whistler yesterday, to prepare for a ski trip to the Wahoo Tower area in the Powell River Forest District. Wahoo Tower is a moderately high peak (2800m) surrounded by massive glaciers and other adjacent high points. The Manatee Glacier is to the south and Sirenia Glacier is to the north. The western flanks of this high plateau drain into the East Toba River and subsequently into the Toba River and Inlet.

My partners on this adventure are Kat and Martina Halik, and Sam a friend of Martina's. I work with Kat on Mt. Washington Ski Patrol and have toured with her before. Martina I met last Spring when she came to work at Mt. Washington for a short time. She is working towards becoming an ACMG ski guide and this trip is part of her preparation. Sam is an Australian who has been in BC for three years. He works sometimes as a chef.

Sam and Martina have been friendly so far. Martina is staying temporarily in the apartment of a friend who is away traveling. This has been useful, giving us a place to prepare for for the trip. The friend's roommate is there, so the rest of us must stay away so as to not upset him. Martina has not accepted any help with the food preparation which must have been a lot of work.

I am optimistic about the trip, though it's success is very weather dependent. I think the group has sufficient experience, strength, and knowledge for success. This is the greatest winter adventure I have participated in yet and matches in length any kayak trip I have done. I see this as taking the next step in my life journey. I am reminded of how I felt when I went for my SKGABC Level II exam on Saltspring Island: excitement and anxiety over the future I am making for myself.

Here however, the test will be to make no bad mistakes and to come back safe and happy. There is no examiner except myself. These are the important steps to take in life, in order to be actively in control rather than swept along. I hope to take many more.

This is also my first adventure off of Vancouver Island. My comfort zone, mentally and physically is expanding.

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