Weekends

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So I need to tell you all about the last two weekends here in Canada. I have got myself a nice cushy 8.30-4.30 reception job so for the first time ever I have the weekends off. And man have we been making the most of them!

Last night we got back to Toronto at 1am after a great weekend rock climbing at a beautiful place called Bon Echo. But more about that in a moment. Fist I need to tell you about the long weekend before that.

I managed to get myself invited along on a great canoeing trip with Adam, Peggy and four of their friends. We went to a lovely lake in Massasaugua and set up camp on a remote little camp site. The canoeing was a nice way to travel but with three people and gear in the Canoe I was glad to get to our camp site. We had a lovely couple of nights there playing cards (wizard is now my favorite card game), reading, swimming and eating. It was great. There was a slight worry about bears coming into the camp ground so I went to sleep with a canoe paddle and whistle right next to me in the tent. No Bear was going to get me without a fight. On Sunday night we watched the most amazing lightning storm which was happening on the other side of the lake. I have never seen such great lightning ever. It was huge fork lightning spreading across the sky like big angry hands…we sat out watching it was ages. The next day we quickly packed up camp and tried to get to the dock before the rain came down….we weren’t fast enough and got absolutely soaked. Thankfully it was warm and I really enjoyed being out in the big fat rain drops.

Now on to last weekend and Rock Climbing…..

Man it was a weekend of extremes.

First I was happy to be out of the city camping on the lake front with a great bunch of people. Then I was in awe by the sight of the cliffs rising hundreds of feet up from the lake. Then I was a little nervous when I started my first climb. Then I was scared repelling down after the climb. Then Saturday night I was having fun as we ate and drank and swam and went in the sauna and watched the stars. Then I reached my emotional peak half way through our climb on Sunday….I WAS PETRIFIED!!!!

I have to admit to being so scared that little tear’s kept squeezing out the corners of my eyes and my nose wouldn’t stop running. Though to my credit I didn’t have a big paddy and demand to be lowered down I bit my bottom lip and asked for some help. With a lot of coaching and squealing (more like grunting) from me I finally made it up the last 60m pitch to see the most amazing views from the top. Yhaaaaaa! That was the best feeling ever. Adam, Peggy and I finally got back to the dock about 6-7hours after leaving that morning. We were tired, hungry, dehydrated and sun burnt but I was the happiest I have been in ages!

Time for some pics
Much love
Jo

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Photos

the trusty Tarn 3
Setting up the tent all by myself at Massasugua

Poo Rock
We were going to swim from this rock but it was covered in s*#t from these guys. So it got tittled poo rock.

fire
Adam and his fire

Quick smart clean up
This is Andy, Paddy and I try to get the dishes washed befre the rain came down in Massasaugua

Go the $14 poncho
yeh it's raining but I'm still having a good time:)

Birthday ridge
First step of my first out door climb. Don't I look good?????

Yep so I got that far
This is half way up Birthday ridge. Not to sure about this whole idea really.

And up we go
"Don't talk to me I'm concentrating"

Nice repelle down.....
I think that is a forced smile on my face but it actually wasn't that bad once I was going. Sitting back over the top of the cliff wasn't a natural thing for me to do, considering my history with cliffs and all!

This is the life
Back at the Dock after a well deserved swim and a beer with my new friends Dave and Shawn.

This is the life take 2
We just sat around drinking and having fun. When it got a bit hot we would just roll back into the water to cool off. Just remember to take your hat and sunnies off next time Jo!

Sunday morning
Adam setting up a Belye station at the bottom of one pine.

Waiting my turn
I was really not to sure about this climb from the start.

Adam
Placing saftey pieces.

Nice butt shot
I had just gone over the flat bit of rock on the right when the left would have been much easier. Oh well next time I know which way to go.

Smiley Jo
Needed to put this one in because it is a natural smile and shows that I really did enjoy myself over all.

Comments

[tish]

hello
hey jo, long time no hear, don't u just luv the lighting storms here.. good to see ur still loving canada.

[Barb]

Love it
Go Jo... errrr... just keep on going...what more adventures are there? Lucky you!!! Barb