The boys have been experiencing some delays in travel, initially stemming from mechanical issues with our first ferry, and now inclement weather in the Atlantic. We are currently killing time in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, as we wait for our boat. Our 7:00pm-last-night ferry turned into a 11:00am-this-morning ferry, to a 5:00pm-this-evening ferry. This also means that we will miss the second ferry tomorrow and will have to wait until Friday afternoon to get to Francois. Unfortunate, but not much we can do. These delays will allow us plenty of time to supply with plenty of food and spend some time exploring other parts of Newfoundland. Thus far the trip has been fairly uneventful, an easy border crossing in Calais, and lots of driving. More to come, and we will update as internet is available.
Latest
And They’re Off!
In approximately twelve hours we depart. Fifty hours of travel by mini-van, ferry and fishing boat separate myself and Joel from endless unclimbed Newfoundland granite. Our only mode of communication after leaving the United States will be via satellite phone, so communication back home will be infrequent at best. We will climb for a little less than a month, weather dependent, of course. Upon returning, I will post photos and stories, so be sure to check back in mid-October. Once again we’d like to thank our friends at the American Alpine Club, Atlantic Climbing School, Sterling Rope and Cadillac Mountain Sports for all their support and helping make this trip possible!
Laying the Ground Work
As our date of departure (September 6th) rapidly approaches, Joel (Rico) and I have been doing our best to balance busy guiding schedules with trip preparation. A morning off for the three of us meant sorting gear and discussing logistical information. Hauls bags and plastic bins were filled. Ferry tickets were ordered. Further preparation duties were divvied up. Excellent energy abounds as we await our departure. Rico “will be bringing the fire.”
Enter the Newfoundland
Earlier this year, in the spring, myself and Joel Enrico (Rico) were awarded a Mountain Fellowship Grant through the American Alpine Club for an expedition to Newfoundland where we will attempt to put up new routes on unclimbed sea cliffs. As our planned departure date of early September approaches, we are working through the final logistics of our trip, and have received more key support from two Maine companies, Cadillac Mountain Sports and Sterling Rope. Also, Pete Fastold and Eli Simon of the Atlantic Climbing School have shared their vast knowledge of the region, which has been very helpful. Without all the support we have received, this trip would never have been able to happen, and we are very grateful!
