Squamish, BC, was the double apogee of our trip to the Northwest -- the furthest point north and the prettiest surprise. We went because we'd seen it in a documentary, The Alpinist. Supposedly it's the most popular climbing spot in Canada. I hoped to get a feel for the lifestyle of the climbing community. It didn't disappoint.
This granite massif is Stawamus Chief, or simply The Chief. It's where the advanced climbers play.
We strolled the trails of Smoke Bluffs watching beginners-to-advanced folks practicing. In this photo I count nine people. These kids, many of whom live in their vehicles, walk around with an attractive air of relaxation, camaraderie and fun. A lovely woman asked us what we were doing as we stood in the parking lot looking around. An enjoyable conversation ensued about her/their life style and sense of community. I whined with envy about being too old to start. Later, when I was insisting she really had to go to Utah, she said, with a sly smile, "I just haven't lived long enough yet to have had the time to do all that." A sweet touche.
Best seats in the house!
Squamish is at the north end of Howe Sound, an inlet that eventually winds out to the Pacific. That's Mt. Garibaldi in the distance. The famous ski area, Whistler, is just up the road.
In the evenings, the climbing community gathers in the Howe Sound Brewery (and Inn, where we stayed) to share stories of the day's accomplishments...a very lively scene.
And then there was this, a dental office on the main street:
Apparently it’s not all fun…sometimes they kiss the rock hard!
Everywhere we hiked was beautiful. But don't go! It's already on the verge of being taken over by people like me. A 600 square foot condo in the old, nice part of town is over $600,000! We were told people finding Whistler too expensive were moving south. Indeed!
Shannon Falls
Brandywine Falls
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