Expanding our Climbing Repertoire in Squamish and… Rain

On August 2nd, we took the bus to Squamish, the climber’s paradise in Canada. When the massive Chief comes in sight, you can already imagine why it’s so popular. We also got excited to climb that huge wall of granite. However, on our first day, we took it slowly to get to know the area. So, we did some easy graded routes in the Smoke Bluffs in the evening. And we have to admit, it’s quite a distinct way of climbing you have to adapt to at first. Mostly, it’s pure crack climbing or friction climbing on smooth slabs. It’s definitely a different type of granite than we know from areas in Germany. Plus, almost everything is trad (though there are a few bolts). So, it’s somehow comparable to being the first time in the Elbsandstein area, because it feels a bit like you have to learn climbing again in a new way, only with different kind of rock (and more, longer cracks). On the other hand, you can place tons of perfect cams and nuts in Squamish, so it’s very secure. This was also the case for the first two nice hand cracks we did that day, and another face climb also had some bolts. Afterwards, we had dinner at an Indian place which was so yummy!

Unfortunately, it rained the next days, so we had to exercise patience before the next climbing routes. We went to the public library to work and plan. They even had the climbing guidebook there. Also, we had to go shopping again, as Philipp’s hiking shoes were starting to fall apart and my climbing shoes had holes in the front. We were successful. Further, we switched to the Stawamus Chief campground. Because it’s first come, first serve, we were very lucky to score a perfect campsite, close to the kitchen shelter and bear lockers. Two weeks just camping ahead of us!

On August 5th, we went to the Smoke Bluffs again and top-roped many routes at the Neat & Cool sector. It was great to test our skills including finger cracks and to try my new shoes, with which I‘m very satisfied. I’m still surprised on what tiny rock crystals you can stand on.