Posted By: Mark Therriault
This was supposed to be an easy warm up for my attempt at Mt Everest next year.
I was going in confident, I had just summited two much more technical 10,000 ft peaks in the last 2 weeks and my fitness was the best it had ever been! Bring it on I thought to myself! Continue reading
Posted By: Mark Therriault
It was about seven weeks ago that I went to the Wedge for my first apline experience to train for Everest. My trip was filled with fear, as well as excitment. The day before we were about to attempt the summit, I had a sick feeling in my stomach, all of these thoughts of death, the fact that if I died on the Glacier on my first alpine climb, how everyone would laugh at the fact that I was going to attempt Everest. Continue reading
Guest blogger: Steph Jhala (Brent’s girlfriend).
We pre-booked a three day trek in the mountains of Ladakh, India starting at the town of Stok, 12,000 ft in altitude. Still jet-lag from only being in India for a few days and only having two days to acclimatize, the trek started off with a bang. By bang I mean it was the hardest / easiest trek I’ve ever done. The incline was minimal and the path well-groomed, but the altitude hit me like a ton of bricks. I was swaying from side to side and Brent almost had to catch me from falling off a cliff. We decided to play it safe and set up camp halfway- the only problem is that our guide had to run ahead to catch our ponies and supplies before they got set up at camp. Unfortunately he was too late- everything was set up and the ponies were loose, climbing to the highest peaks of the mountain to graze the greenest grass. We stayed the night, acted delirious and enjoyed an amazing authentic meal. Next day- back home to acclimatize.
P.S. It wasn’t just me, hopefully Brent posts his Diarrhoea Diaries for this trek. Continue reading
The last time I hiked up to Garibaldi Lake I might have been 8 years old. I have to say, our BC parks have done an amazing job in maintaining the trails and preserving the park. From the parking lot you hike about 6K to a junction where you can either hike to Black Tusk or Garibaldi Lake. Due to our late departure we decide to just hit up the lake for a swim and leave the Tusk for another day. 3.5k later we arrived to the beautiful bright green/blue lake. If you are just starting to get into hiking and are looking for a challenge this is a great option. This was especially a great hike because my lovely girlfriend joined me. Hiking is not on the top of her list for fun things to do, so this made me happy to see her step into my world for the day. There is no doubt that hiking/climbing is challenging, but what you get to experience along the way is priceless. For more info on this hike visit Vancouver Trails. Continue reading
Over the past 10 year I have always wanted to climb Wedge Mountain. There is something about its beautiful shape and landscape that could not escape my mind. My good friend Mark Therriault also has a big dream that he shared with me 6 months back. This dream, that he is making a reality, is to climb the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. Over the next 9 months we will be documenting Mark’s journey to Everest. With no hesitation Mark replied to my invite to climb Wedge with a “YES”. Continue reading
Mark invited me up to one of our local mountains to train with him. As I am use to seeing Mark display amazing drive and passion with his training for Everest, one thing that really came clear was his peace in uncomfortable circumstances. Approaching mid way up the mountain we notice that we were climbing into the space where millions of mosquitos called home for thier short life. in large groups They would fly into your eyes, ears, nose & mouth and their Mark was, just relaxed and letting them be. Me on the other hand, was running around like my hair was on fire. Continue reading