1. The Escapist by Gabriel Filippi

Like a cat with nine lives, Gabriel's mountaineering career has been all about cheating death over and over. Each chapter recounts these stories but gives each story the full perspective not often included in mountaineering literature. Quebec-based Gabriel Filippi weaves the psychological impacts of leaving family, facing fear, and dealing with the aftermath of surviving tragedy that others didn't along with the mountaineering stories themselves. His openess and almost unbelievable stories is what made this among my favourite mountaineering books of all time.

2. Where the Mountain Casts Its Shadow: The Darkside of Extreme Adventure by Maria Coffey

Ever wonder what toll mountain adventure takes on spouses, siblings, parents and children? This book, written by Maria Coffey, spouse of mountaineer Joe Tasker, interviews many great climbers on what compels them to climb. It also investigates the impact of the families involved when mountaineers do not return home. I read this book over a decade ago and it still lingers with me as a fantastic read due to it's interesting perspective on mountain adventure.

3. The Calling: A Life Rocked by Mountains by Barry Blanchard

Canadian alpinist Barry Blanchard's book 'The Calling' describes a lifetime journey of alpine ascents mainly based out of the Canadian Rockies. I enjoyed this book for it's down to earth style writing, detailed accounts, and how it concluded with the greatest lesson of all learnt from the mountains. 

4. Mountain Rescue Doctor by Christopher Van Tilburg

An ER physician in the Mount Hood area, Dr Van Tillburg is part of a mountain rescue team called the Hood River Crag Rats. If you've ever wondered how rescue teams work and what sort of situations they encounter, this is an interesting collection of stories that is well-written and educational. What impacted me about this book is the countless hours of mainly volunteers who help rescue mountain adventurers at the drop of a hat.

5. Touching the Void by Joe Simpson

Joe Simpson is a British mountaineer that attempted the West Face of Siula Grande, Peru, in 1985. This near fatal story of him and his climbing partner Simon Yates sparked not only a documentary style video but huge controversy in the climbing community. If you enjoy this book, Joe has authored a few other books that are all good reads. 

6. Annapurna by Maurice Herzog

A classic must-read novel in mountaineering literature. Set back in 1950 Maurice and his team attempt a first ascent of Annapurna, now known as one of the most difficult of 8000+m peaks. The story has inspired generations of climbers and so it should- these pioneers made the impossible possible. A great read.

7. Mountains in My Heart: A Passion for Climbing by Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner

Gerlinde is an Austrian mountaineer and the first woman on earth to climb all 14 of the world's 8000m peaks without the use of supplementary oxygen. Small in stature but possessing enormous drive, Gerlinde recounts the numerous attempts and summit successes she encountered in her journey to complete her goal.  

8. Mountaineering, Freedom of the Hills by The Mountaineers

If you are a climber or aspiring climber, this instructional book has been the bible of mountaineering instruction for decades. It has been updated over the years with new additions as new technology, techniques, and equipment have emerged. A fantastic textbook resource for all.

9. Freedom Climbers by Bernadette McDonald

I always thought the Eastern European mountaineering community was tough, but it was confirmed when I read this book. Focused on Polish mountaineers who attempted many ascents during the Second World War, these guys were no stranger to sufferfests. I am a sucker for sufferfest books, and this one is a great one and gives some well-deserved attention to some under recognized mountaineering superstars.

10. Nanda Devi: The Tragic Expedition by John Roskelley

The 1976 Nanda Devi climbing expedition was lead by Willi Unsoeld, a legendary American mountaineer known for his successful first ascent of the West Ridge of Everest expedition in 1963. The story is about his daughter Nanda Unsoeld, named after the Nanda Devi the mountain, and their expedition to climb her namesake mountain. Told by John Roskelley, this critical account of mistakes and risk on this Indian mountain is a good one that shows how some expeditions can be disfunctional and result in tragedy.
 
Interested in more Mount Everest specific recommendations? Check out my list of of Top 10 Favourite Everest Books.

Have any books you'd recommend? I'd love to hear from you!

My second annual list of my top ten favourite pieces of women's gear is out! 2016 has been a busy year full of adventures far and wide from trekking in Nepal to canoeing near the Arctic Circle to rock climbing in New York State. Here is my list of 'go-to' gear:

1. Outdoor Research Iceline Jacket and Pants- Jam packed full of technical features, you rarely find a piece of clothing perfect for it's intended sport the first year it's out. I wore this outfit to ice climb all last winter and can't wait to use it again this year. Here's my full review for the jacket and the pants.

2. Orbit Pole- The Orbit Pole is the ultimate selfie-stick for adventurers. It's a bomber camera boom that has a dial on it so you can rotate the camera's POV (point of view) as you are filming. It's accompanied me on almost all of my backcountry adventures this year and allowed me to catch amazing photos and videos. And it still looks brand new. Comes in two versions: Regular (carbon fiber and aluminum) and Trim.

3. Mountain Equipment Co-op Sandbagger Pants- These pants have been my favourite go-to pants for all adventures. I climb in them, hike in them, and canoe trip in them. I brought 2 pairs with me to trek in for 17 days in Nepal and 1 pair for a 15 day canoe trip in Northern Canada. They are stretchy, flattering, and functional. I love them.

4. Astral Green Jacket- I finally upgraded my personal floatation device in 2016 to the top-of-the-line Astral Green Jacket. After wearing it in whitewater for 20+ days this summer, I found it to be bomber.  It's outfitted well for whitewater rescue operations and protection of your core back and front. I am in love with the front pocket to store gloves/camera/snacks/etc. My only beef with this jacket is that you have to put it on over your head, but that also means it probably won't come off when you need it most. 

5. LaSportiva Sparkle Alpine Touring Boots- Ski boot fit is completely personal, but the LaSportiva Sparkle AT boots are a perfect fit for me. I have a long, narrow, low volume foot and found that all LaSportiva products (trail runners, climbing shoes, mountaineering boots) fit me well. The microadjustments of these boots are a bit tough to figure out at first, but allow the user to customize the fit better than standard buckles. These ski boots are the best fitting boots I have ever worn hands down and have taken my backcountry skiing to a new level. 

6. Woolx Base Camp Hoodie- Woolx make exceptional merino wool clothing. Super soft, not itchy, and made with feminine cuts and features. The Base Camp hoodie features a hood, thumb holes and a flattering hip length cut. This hoody I keep grabbing to wear as my favourite lightweight baselayer in cooler weather. See my full review on this hoodie here.

7. Steripen Adventurer Opti- After travelling to Nepal for a month this October, I purified over 100 Litres of drinking water with my Steripen Adventurer UV light. Convenient, lightweight, and user-friendly, and most importantly effective, I made it through without any intestinal ailments. For more tips on travelling to Nepal, check out my blog here.

8. Beal Dynaconnexion - Commerically made personal safety anchors have been around for a few years but this year was the first year I tried one. For years I used slings or hand-made anchor systems made out of cordelette but as soon as I tried the Beal Dynaconnexion, that was it. A staple on my ice and rock climbing harnesses, I find it super handy for clipping into anchors and rappelling off routes. Well made and functional.

9. Smith Pivlock Asana Sunglasses- The Smith Pivlock Asana sunglasses are my ultimate favourite glasses for any active adventure. I use these for teaching, cycling, paddling, hiking, climbing, etc. The fit well under a helmet or hat, are lightweight, and style-y. The come with 3 different lenses suitable for different light conditions. I have 3 pairs of them and love their coverage, high quality, and frameless design.

10. Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody- Last but not least is my favourite mid-layer, the Arcteryx Atom LT hoody. A popular crowd favourite, this jacket does not disappoint with it's synthetic insulation and fabric wrist gaskets. The hoody holds its own in fairweather, and acts as a great mid-layer under a shell in poor weather. I wear it all the time at home, but this year it really shined while trekking in Nepal. No wonder 5 out of 6 of our group members had one!

Need more ideas? Check out my list from 2015 here. 

 After a trekking trip to Nepal in October 2016, I've compiled a list of tips for future trekkers in the Everest region:

Trekking Agency: You should use one. Priority at the tea houses, translators, amazing knowledge of the area, culture, and logistical wizards. I have no regrets about using one, and giving the people of Nepal my money. I chose Nepal Vision Treks, who met or exceeded every expectation I had. Highly recommended. For our group of 6, we had 3 porters, 1 assistant guide and 1 head guide.

Money: Even if you've paid for a trekking company package, you'll still need to bring Nepalese Rupees with you. Paying for wifi (350-500 rupees per night), hot water (150-300 rupees), bottled water (150-350 rupees), battery charging (~350 rupees/hour), and other supplies (toilet paper, chocolate, pringles, coke, beer). There is an ATM in Namche, but it's better to have already exchanged money in Kathmandu. You will also need to have on hand your tips for your porters. Our 3 porters and 1 assistant guide stayed in Lukla preparing for their next trek and so we had to tip them before returning to Kathmandu.

SIM Card: Buying an NCell SIM card is cheapest at the airport. For $11, a 1 GB data plan was used almost every day on the trek. There were 3 places that the cell network didn't work and wifi had to be bought.

Diamox: Most people start taking Diamox in Namche, and I would recommend this. We had people in our group who waited until it was too late to start this medication and had altitude sickness. Preventing altitude sickness is never a bad thing! Count the number of pills before you go. We had people with 7 pills vs people with 28 pills on our 17 day trek. The more the better. Diamox can be used both prophylactically and as treatment for altitude sickness.

​Germs: Use hand sanitizer as much as possible. Shared dining areas, bathrooms and pillows are vectors for viruses. Our group came down with a nasty cold virus, despite all our preventative measures. One suggestion is to bring your own pillow case as you never know who has been coughing into it the night before.

Female Menstruation: Menstruating at altitude can complicate acclimitization and be a pain. If possible, use birth control methods to avoid having your period. If not possible, note that 2 of our group members started their menstruation cycle at 4400m and then it stopped over 4900m and then started again upon return to 4800m. Using a Diva Cup is recommneded compared to tampons as it produces less waste.

Gear: Make sure you buy good gear before you go and use it. Here is a list of gear our group thought was important/not important:

Don't bother: Thermos, gaiters, water bottle parka, selfie stick, SPOT satellite messenger, microspikes (used for 10mins), pee bottle.

Essential gear: Sunhat, Buff, thick down jacket, sunscreen, lip screen, sunglasses, energy bars, nuun tablets, hand sanitizer, medications, ear plugs, headlamp, travel lock, baby wipes, toilet paper, toque, light gloves, merino wool clothing, UV proof clothing, light softshell jacket, Osprey backpack, hiking poles and a -15C to -25C down sleeping bag.

Have any questions? Don't hesitate to ask below! Read my trip report for my trek to: Everest Base Camp and Cho-La pass.

Planning for 6 person canoe trip for a northern Yukon river isn't always easy. For our 6 person group we split up group gear and emergency gear, and had our own person and paddling gear. We planned for a 15 day trip with a limit of 2300lbs for our float plane ride in from Mayo. The 2300lb limit includes:

-The weight of all people
-The weight of all gear
-The weight of all canoes (and if strapped on the plane on the outside, count for double)

There is a scale at the float plane base to weigh all your gear and people beforehand but it's a good idea to know your weights before you go. I'll breakdown the gear into emergency gear, camp group gear, paddling gear, personal gear.

Emergency Gear:
-Communication devices: Satellite phone, SPOT devices, and pelicase(s)
-Field Hospital (first aid kit)
-Maps
-Compass and GPS
-Repair Kit for boats, duct tape, wrench and screwdriver for assembling/disassembling boats for nesting
-Bear Spray (we had 4)
-Bear Bangers

Camp Gear:
-Tarp
-Firebox
-Back up stove (like Coleman 2 burner)
-Large container of white gas 
-Pot sets
-Dutch Oven
-Gloves 
-Water filter
-Water bladders for storing filtered water
-Plates, Bowls and Cups
-Utensils for eating
-Utensils for cooking
-Strainer
-Sink for washing dishes
-Dish clothes, and scouring sponge, dish soap
-Lighter and matches
-Table
-Rehydrator containers (Vega type bottle)
-Wanagan
-Camp Chairs
-Barrels: 4 x 60L, 1 x 30L
-Staples: milk powder, oil, spices, etc
-Food
-Toilet paper and brown bags
-Trowel
-Small drybag for packaging lunch separate

Paddling Gear:
-Drypants and Drytop
-Neoprene gloves/mitts
-Paddle and spare
-Throwbag
-Bailer
-Rope for lashing
-Carabiners for clipping items into lash points
-Spray Deck (not necessary on this river but great if you have it)
-PFD
-River shoes
-River hat (no helmets this trip)
-Sunglasses
-Canoe
-Pin Kit

Personal Gear:
-Hiking boots
-Hiking poles
-Small hiking backpack
-Sleeping bag
-Sleeping mat
-Tent
-Pillow
-Camp shoes
-Rain pants
-Rain jacket
-Headlamp
-Books and cards for rainy days
-Journal or iPhone
-Camera and extra batteries and pelicase
-GoPro and extra batteries
​-Selfie stick with PFD like OrbitPole
-Clothing: 3 pairs of socks, 1 pair of pants, 1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of merino wool bottoms, 1 pair of fleece bottoms, 2 t-shirts, 1 longsleeve baselayer, 1 softshell jacket, 1 fleece jacket, 1 fleece base top, 1lightweight down jacket, 1 pair down pants, 1 bra, 5 pairs underwear.
-Toque and mitts/gloves
-Buff
-Bug jacket
-Toiletries
-Nalgene water bottle
-115L Drypack
-Fishing gear (flyrod and flies)

All personal gear for myself and my husband fit inside our 115L Drybag. Our paddling, group (our portion), emergency gear and food fit in two 60L barrels. If I were to do it again, I wouldn't bring extra batteries for my headlamp (never used it once!), would bring an MSR Dragonfly instead of a Coleman 2 burner Stove, and would bring a spray deck (for warmth!). Hopefully this list helps you out on your trip!

What did I eat on the Wind River Trip? Click here to find out.
Click here for my Wind River Trip Report.

Multi-day canoe tripping menu planning while being gluten-free can be a challenge. Here are some of the ideas I've accumulated over the past couple of years canoe tripping. I canoe trip in different ways, and each has different options for food. Some trips are what I call 'canoe-camping' (ie, no portaging), others are flatwater canoe tripping with portages, and whitewater river tripping. A canoe-camping trip may include a cooler, heavy food, and many luxuries where as a canoe trip with portages might make you ditch the cooler and make you think more lightweight. I recently planned a menu for a 15 day wilderness whitewater trip, all gluten and dairy free that included mainly dehydrated meals.

My original post on gluten-free backpacking has many commercially prepared packaged food that contain no gluten and could all be used in a canoe tripping setting. The problem with commercially packaged dehydrated meals is that they can be expensive and don't offer much variety. 

No matter what the canoe trip, I always bring my MSR Dragonfly stove fueled with white gas. I have a MSR Base 2 Set and Quick Frying Pan and an small outback oven. With this cooking gear, one can create many excellent meals. Generally I pull out the stove for breakfast and dinners at the campsite, and tend to pack lunches that don't have to be cooked and can be eaten on the go.

I have found great options for GF canoe tripping at places like the Bulk Barn, Costco, Natural Food stores, Camping stores, and local grocery stores. I often have to go to all the places above if I'm going on an extended trip. 

Owning a dehydrator is advantageous when backcountry camping. I dehydrate my own food for the convenience of having healthy nutritious meals in a lightweight package that last a long time!

Here are my suggestions:

Breakfasts:
-Glutino Pop Tarts
-Bakery on Main Granola (variety of flavours)
-Bob's Mill Gluten-Free Pancake Mix (will work with just water mixed in)
-Glutenfreeda Instant Oatmeal
-Muffins (store bought or homemade)
-Bake Tea Biscuits/Scones (brand)
-Hash browns (either real potatoes or from dehydrated package)
-Gluten Free English Muffins and pre-cooked vacuum sealed bacon sandwich
-Gluten free Bagels 
-Eggs (real or powdered)

Lunches:
-Gluten free loaf (lemon poppy seed, banana, chocolate)
-Bagel sandwich (with spreads, etc)
-Promise Sandwich rolls 
-Costco Vacuum sealed Gluten Free bread (great for 2nd week of trip)
-Gluten free pepperettes or jerky
-Gluten Free Summer Sausage
-President's Choice Crispbread (large crackers in a variety of flavours)
-Rice crackers and Casbah Powdered Hummus 
-Mixed nuts or trail mix
-Apples
-Dehydrated fruit, fruit leather, banana chips
-Real Fruit Gummies, Fruitsource bars
-Jubejubes, swedish berries, gummies
-Yogurt covered raisins
-Corn nuts, roasted chickpeas
-Toasted Coconut slices
-Dark chocolate covered blueberries, cranberries, almonds, etc
-Energy bars (Clif, Kind, Solo, Larabar, Kronobar, EatNakd, GoMacro, Probar,etc)

Dinners:
-Passage Foods Pad Thai Sauce with rice noodles, chicken, veg
-Stirfry: Uncle Ben's Bistro Express Rice, steak, veg, VH sauce?
-Pasta: Catelli gluten-free pasta, with tomato sauce, with pepperettes
-Fajitas:GF tortillas, pre-cooked and vacuum sealed chicken, veg
-Tacos: Dehydrated ground beef, taco seasoning, shells, toppings
-Burritos: Tortillas, refried beans, ground beef, tex mex rice, seasoning, toppings
-Quinoa-beans, veg, pepperettes, spices
-GF Pasta with Pesto Sauce (brand), deydrated chicken
-Gluten Free macaroni and cheese
-Chili- Made at home and dehydrated
-Jambalaya-Rice, Dehydrated tomato sauce, spicy chirzo GF sausage, veggies
-Shepherd's Pie- Dehydrated ground beef, dehydrated veg, potato flakes
-Sweet Pototoes-Dehydrated
-Soup-Dehydrated Miso soup, lentil soup
-Bake corn bread 
-Pizza (premade gluten-free crust or tortilla, sauce, peperettes, veg, cheese)
-Pre cooked chicken and steak strips in vacuum-sealed packages often last up to Day 3 for me.

Drinks:
-Nuun electrolyte tablets
-Country Time Lemonade or Crystal Lite single serve juice crystals
-Tea or coffee
-Purest Hot Chocolate

Snacks:
-Smores with Kininikinick Gluten Free Graham Crackers,marshmallows, chocolate
-Bob's Mill Black Bean Dip and rice crackers
-Alpine Aire Nachos and Guac
-GF Baking from home
-Rice Krispie Squares (GF rice krispies)
-Popcorn (bring kernals and oil, not jiffy pop)
-Apple Crisp

Resources: 
1. Lipsmackin' Backpackin' by Christine and Tim Connors
2. Backpacker Backcountry Cooking by Dorcas Miller
3. The New Trailside Cookbook By Kevin Callan and Margaret Howard
4. Wanapitei Canoe Tripper's Cookbook by Carol Hodgins

Have any other suggestions or questions? I would love to hear from you! Leave me a reply below. :)

 So Krista, what's in your pack? Friends new to hiking often ask me what to bring and why I carry what I do. I hike in a 4 seasons, normally in Ontario and Upper New York State. My hiking normally takes me up 1000ft (300m) to 7000ft (2100m) per day, and hikes can be as long as 33km (21miles).

Most hikes I do go out of cellphone range, so I carry a SPOT device on me always. I have summitted almost 100 peaks in this area of the world, in every month of the year, and have gained some insight on what to bring in order to be prepared.

I like to strike a balance between keeping my pack weight down and bringing extras to keep my prepared IF I ever needed to stay out overnight in an emergency. This has never happened thankfully!

Each time we approach a new season, it's time to swap out some items out of my hiking pack. Here is my day hiking gear list for the different seasons:


Summer                           Fall/Spring                                          Winter
​Small 15-30L pack           Medium 25-30L sized pack                Large 40L pack
2-3L water/Gatorade      2-3L water/Gatorade                          2-3L water and bottleparka
Short gaiters                    Short gaiters &/or Long Gaiters        Short and Long Gaiters together
Boots (snowsealed)        Boots (snowsealed)                             Boots (snowsealed)
Socks                                 Socks and extra socks                        Socks and extra socks
Shorts                               Pants or shorts                                    Shell jacket and softshell pants
T-shirt                               T-shirt, LS base, vest/softshell jkt     Long baselayer and thin fleece
SPF/bugspray                  SPF                                                         SPF? Hand/foot warmers
Hat                                    Hat and Toque                                     Light and Heavy Toque
Sunglasses                       Sunglasses                                           Sunglasses
Poles                                 Poles (bring baskets)                          Poles with baskets, Ice Axe?
Survival kit &First aid     Survival kit & first aid                          Survival kit, First Aid, full bivy
Compass and map         Compass and map                              Compass and map
GPS & extra batteries     GPS and extra batteries                     GPS and extra batteries
Headlamp &batteries     Headlamp & extra batteries              Headlamp & extra batteries
Rainjacket and pants      Rainjacket and pants                          Down jacket,downpants, & booty
Extra Layer-longsleeve   Down jkt, extra base/fleece               Extra baselayer, extra mittens
Bottle of Gatorade          Gatorade or Thermos of tea             Thermos of tea
Camera                             Gloves and Mittens                             Gloves and Mittens and extras
Cellphone                         Snowshoes? Microspikes?                 Snowshoes, crampons, or spikes 
                                           Camera                                                  Camera
                                           Cellphone                                              Cellphone (keep battery warm)
Blue foam square            Foam square to sit on                        Large foam piece to sit/lie on
Plastic bags to line pack, Plastic bags to line pack,                   Plastic bags to line pack,
waterproof items,            waterproof items,                              waterproof items, emergency 
emergency wet boots      emergency line wet boots                emergency line wet boots
Stuff sacks                         Stuff sacks                                            Stuff sacks
PLB or SPOT                     PLB or SPOT                                         PLB or SPOT
Rain cover for pack         Rain cover for pack                             Toilet Paper&Hand Sanitizer
Toilet Paper& HS             Toilet Paper& Hand Sanitizer

Survival kit contents include things like: Small firestarters, water tablets, extra food, extra batteries, emergency blankets, large orange garbage bags, swiss army knife with saw, 24hr hand/foot warmers, whistle, electrolyte tablets, matches, etc.

First Aid Kit contents include things like: Athletic tape, triangular bandage, antiseptic swabs, gauze, pain meds, blister bandages, etc.

To print a copy of my list click here. If you have any questions comment below, I'd love to hear from you!

Happy Hiking!
Krista

For the past few years, I have taken up the sport of ice climbing. With these El Nino type winters, we can't rely on snow in the Ottawa Valley but we can rely on ice. Why not take up a sport that is guaranteed to be reliable, and only a 20 minute drive and 5 minute walk in from your house?!

Driving down Hwy 508, park at the parking pullout across from the Manitou Hiking Trailhead near the Calabogie Peaks ski hill. Walking in on the trail, if you want to access the bottom of the cliffs keep right at the junction. If you want to head to the top, head left at the junction and begin your ascent immediately. The cliffs are only a short 5-10 minute walk in. Please be mindful of safety around the top of ice cliffs and encourage others to do the same. A popular hiking trail follows the ridge and hikers frequently want to check out the ice climbers in action.

I will highlight the regular and most reliable ice on the main cliff. As ice formation varies from year to year, it is difficult to predict what the climbs will looks like each year and as the season progresses. 

1) The first climb you'll see is Nameless One WI 3+, 15m. This short but steep climb is hard early season with a single pillar, but late season fills in with a vertical wall. This climb seems to always be dripping off on the left. This photo is from mid-season. It is reliably in every year.

2) The next area is called Green Fang and offers some of the longest vertical sections in the main cliff. This area can handle up to 3  top ropes and is generally considered a WI4. This photo is from mid-season 2015 and this ice is reliable.

3) The next climb to the right of the Green Fang is a large steep tongue that eases out towards the top. If ice falls off this climb, watch out as a belayer-all the ice funnels right to your stance! The ice here can be so steep at the bottom it can be almost oververtical. Watch for horizontal fracture lines on this climb on the most convex surface. This climb I call the Tongue and would rate it a WI3+. This photo is from late season 2016 and the ice is always in.

4) To the right of the Tongue in the photo above, is a gully that sometimes forms ice. You can see a thin vertical line of ice in the picture. In 2015 it was fully in but in 2016 (photo above) it wasn't. Watch out for the tree branch near the top! This climb can often be a mixed climb as well if conditions present themselves properly. As a pure ice climb like in 2015, it would be a WI3.

5) Next up is this late arriving section that has a variety of routes up. This section is a W3 18 metre high wall with some sections that could be a 3+. The 2016 photo below is from mid-season.

6) Immediately to the right of the wall, is the easiest climb on the cliff called Nameless Too. This WI2 18m is the most popular climb- suitable for beginners, first-time leaders, or a fun easy day. It's easily identified by blotchy rock wall on the right. It is one of the first lines to form in the early season. These 2 photos are from 2016.

7) There is some thin ice that reliably forms over the rock climb 'Flaky Flake'. It's more mixed terrain in my mind but if the area is busy it maybe the only place left! Easily identifiable with large horizontal cracks in the area and a big boulder at the base. Just to the left of climb #8.

​8) Over the rock climb 'Cool but Concerned', is a climb called Unknown WI 4-, 15m. This climb is not always in,  and offers different lines up the main right line or thin left line.

9) To the right of the Unknown, is an interesting climb called Nautilus WI 3+ 15m.  Normally this climb forms with a difficult starting pourover pillar, then narrows at the top through a slot to the top. Thin ice is often found at the top, as is water spray. This ice is always in and very reliable. Most people like to bring long pieces of anchor gear for the top of this one.

For more information on learning how to ice climb, contact the Alpine Club of Canada-Ottawa Section. They have beginner clinics frequently at different ice climbing areas in the Ottawa area. Please don't try this sport without the proper gear and safety instruction first!

I've had success climbing at Calabogie and then venturing on to other ice climbing destinations in the Ottawa Valley and Adirondacks as well as winter mountaineering objectives. Ice climbing is also a great way to stay in shape for rock climbing as well.

And finally, please be respectful of the environment. Please take your garbage home with you and dispose of human waste discreetly far away from the base of the climbs and off the main trails.

So there you have it! The main ice lines at my local ice spot: Calabogie. Stay tuned for another blog post on mixed climbs and more of my local training segments. Catch up with my Local Training Part 1: Ski Touring Training at Calabogie Peaks.

​Please comment below if you have any questions. I would love to hear from you!

I have been wanting to do some blogging about how I train for all my adventures featured in the trip reports section of my website. Fitness training for climbing, paddling, backpacking, and ski trips are all very different so I'd like to do a blog for each. Backcountry ski touring has been a passion of mine for for the past few years. This involves skiing up a mountain using Alpine Touring gear (skins, specialized ski boots and bindings,etc) and then skiing back down all in one day or over the course of a few days. The sport's popularity and growth has steadily increased over the past decade, in both Eastern and Western parts of North America.

​Training involves climbing 2000-3000ft per day and being able to ski down with a pack on.
My favourite training spot is at my local ski hill Calabogie Peaks. It has a 700ft drop and is home to the longest green run in Ontario. This run, called the "Ole K&P", named after the old Kingston-Pembroke railline nearby, is 2 kilometers in length and has the perfect grade for ski touring training.  It takes us about an hour to do one lap: 45 minute walk up on skis with skins on the bottom for traction, transition to downhill mode at the top, and ski down back to the bottom of the hill. We generally do 3 laps for training, for a total ascent of 2100ft (6km) which is good training for a day out touring.

Before heading out, make sure if your local ski hill has any 'uphill' policies. We always skin on the side of the trail, in single file, as a tight group. We also pick a wide green run to skin up so that downhill traffic has room to move. We have never had any issues. 

Everytime we go out, we often get cheered on by others, having people stop and ask questions, or get yelled at: "You're going the wrong way!". The most common questions we get are about the specialized equipment, and what we are training for. There are several fantastic backcountry ski destinations in Quebec, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. To read more about some of the backcountry ski trips we've done in the Eastern and Western parts of North America click here.

AT ski touring is a great aerobic workout. The rhythm of moving the skis up hill is almost hypnotic. When reaching the summit the feeling of earning your turns makes the downhill ride that much sweeter. Transitioning into downhill mode involves removing skins from your skis, adjusting your bindings so you can lock your boots in, donning a helmet and adjusting your boots into ski mode. Skiing with a pack on and with lightweight skis is different than regular skiing. Refining your equipment and systems and adapting your skiing technique are what these training days are all about.

When it's time for a break, Calabogie has a Top Hut that has a fireplace, tables and benches. A perfect place to stop and warm up, or to eat lunch and enjoy the view.

No backcountry ski training is complete without spending ample time going down hill.  It's no secret that winter arrived late in the east this year so my legs are behind schedule with being 'ski-fit'. The second half of #MyDayAtCalabogie was spent riding the chair and getting as many turns in as possible while swapping out my touring skis for carving skis.

Calabogie has 25 unique interesting runs, 2 quad chairlifts, and 1 carpet lift for the beginner area. It has some of the steepest terrain in the region and 1 terrain park.

Calabogie is also a fantastic destination if you are a snowboarder (yes I do that too!). The variety of runs makes boarding interesting, and the terrain changes make both your mind and body engaged from top to bottom. 

No day on the hill is complete without enjoying the après-ski. Black Donald's Pub in the Calabogie base lodge hosts live music every Saturday. A great way to unwind with friends after a day on the slopes, especially when going UP and DOWN!

All in all, Calabogie is a fantastic ski destination in the Eastern Ontario-Western Quebec region no matter if you board, ski, or tour!

The following is a list of my 'go-to' women's items used the most over the past year:

1.Outdoor Research Deviator Hoody- My number one most read gear review in 2015, the Outdoor Research Deviator Hoody has become one of my favourite pieces of clothing. Warm when you need it, cool when you don't, this hoody is a one-piece wonder. 

2. Columbia Titan Ridge Pant- These pants are my new favourite active winter pant. The Omni-heat reflective inner-lining reduces the cold butt phenomenon associated with women who recreate outdoors in the winter. These pants are my 'go-to' for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

3. Outdoor Research Lucent Heated Gloves- These heated gloves have revolutionized my winters. Not able to wear gloves ever in the winter without freezing digits, these babies allow me to ice climb, ski, and winter camp in comfort. I never had the feeling of 'thawing fingers' ever last winter. They worked so well I went and bought myself the thinner Stormtrackers for this winter.

4. Arcteryx Bora Mid GTX boots- These boots are the bomb. Comfortable right out of the box, these boots are the most waterproof and breathable boots I have ever owned. The best part about these boots is that they are light, reducing leg fatigue and energy over long multi-day trips. See my full review here.

5. Outdoor Research Melody Beanie (toque)- Over the past couple months this toque has been on my head more than any other piece of headwear I own. A fantastic cold-weather active toque that snugs around the ears and has feminine details. The brushed fabric feels soft against your skin all day long.

6. Mountain Equipment Co-op T3 Baselayers- The 2014-2015 winter in Eastern North America was bitterly cold. My favourite baselayers were the Mountain Equipment Coop T3 Hoodie and T3 Long Johns. More breathable then competitors, I found the T3's the best warm baselayer, even for high intensity aerobic pursuits.

7. Osprey Ariel 75 Backpack- This pack is full of amazing features aimed for the multi-day backpacker or mountaineer. This pack is hands down the most comfortable and functional pack I have ever owned. I did a 9 day trip out of the pack this summer, and love it more now than before the trip.

8. Columbia Women's Trail Summit Running Glove- These thin activewear gloves have a very grippy silicon compound on the palm, enabling users to grip items like poles, very well. They also come with a touch-screen compatible finger tip which is handy in today's tech-world, and are great if you're using them as a liner glove.

9. Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Crew Socks- My new 'go-to' socks for hiking over the past year have changed to the Smartwool PhD Light Crews. I have used and abused these socks over the past year, including a 9 day backpacking trip where I only wore one pair. I am sold on the feel and durability of this sock.

10. Patagonia Active Hipster Underwear-Throw out all your other pairs of underwear! You will love these activewear undies from Patagonia. Thin enough to wear under leggings and extremely comfortable. I keep buying more and more pairs.

As the world prepares for the release of the latest Hollywood blockbuster film entitled "Everest" this week (September 2015), I reflected on the events of the 1996 disaster on which this film is based.  This one event has created more controversy and different perspectives than I thought possible. The 8 climbers that perished over May 10-11th, 1996 on a south side attempt at the mountain made many mistakes that we can all learn from.  I am not certain the Hollywood version of this story will be conveyed like the personal accounts described in books so here are my Top 10 Everest books as recommended by an avid reader of Everest survival stories:

1. Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. If you must read one off this list, you might as well read this one. It is the most well known, and possibly the most controversial book. Recently the author admitted that he should never have attempted to climb Mt Everest as he has suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder since the 1996 events. Jon was a client on the Adventure Consultants team.

2. The Climb by Anatoli Boukreev. After reading Into Thin Air, your next book should be The Climb. This version of the account attempts to address some of the issues and finger pointing that was instigated in Into Thin Air. Unfortunately, the author Anatoli Boukreev was killed in a avalanche a year and a half after the 1996 disaster. He was guiding for Mountain Madness on Everest in 1996.

3. High Exposure by David Brashears. David is a high altitude climber and filmmaker and was on Everest in 1996 guiding and working on an IMAX film on Everest. His team was on a slightly different timeline than other expeditions and ended up playing a major part in the rescue effort from the mid to lower levels of the mountain. David's account is worth reading as the events unfolded he made some astute observations.

4. Left for Dead by Beck Weathers. A client on the Adventure Consultants team, Beck attempted Everest and had some major medical complications, leaving him stranded for hours at 27,000 feet during that ill fated storm. This survivor's story is another must read.

5. Climbing High by Lene Gammelgard. Lene was a client on the Mountain Madness team. She was the first person to pen her account of the events but I read this book last in my order. She has one of the best level-headed accounts of the tragedy as other accounts may have been skewed by different levels of altitude sickness.

6. Within Reach-My Everest Story by Mark Pfetzer and Jack Galvin. Mark Pfetzer was a 16 year old in 1996 and was at Camp 4 when the storm hit. His teenage account from Camp 4, the aftermath, and his own plans having to be abandoned is another good read.

7. Dead Lucky by Lincoln Hall. Ten years after the 1996 disaster, Australian climber Lincoln Hall attemped Everest from the North (Tibetan) side and suffered a epic survival story of his own. News of his death spread all over the world but that was based on an assumption; the underestimation of the will to live. Lincoln's tale of survival is almost unfathomable. A book that is hard to put down.

8. No Shortcuts to the Top by Ed Veisturs. This is Ed's account of his journey to summit all 14 of the 8000m+ peaks in the world without supplemental oxygen. He was on the Everest IMAX expedition in 1996 and has summited Everest 7 times. I really enjoyed reading about how this mountaineer makes smart decisions at altitude.

9. Touching My Father's Soul by Jamling Tenzing Norgay, Broughton Coburn, and Jon Krakauer. Jamling was a climber on  1996 IMAX expedition. He offers his story of the events tied in with reflecting on his father Tenzing's journey with Sir Edmund Hillary in the first ascent of Everest in 1953. A very cool book from the Sherpa's perspective from that timeframe.

10. Dark Summit by Nick Heil. 2006 was a deadly year (11 deaths, 1 less than 1996) on Everest and this book attempts to explain the deadly circus that is Everest and why commercial expeditions can be risky business.  The question: Why do climbers climb Everest? is attempted to be answered in this book.

Many of these selections I haven't laid eyes on in over a decade but some part of the story has stayed with me over the years and that's why I feel the list above is a worthy one. 

Unfortunately the two worst years in Everest history have occured in 2014 (16 deaths) and 2015 (18 deaths) and I'm sure there will be some interesting literature published surrounding those horrific natural disasters in the coming years.  

I follow coverage of the spring expeditions every year via Alan Arnette's blog that is a comprehensive overview of the expedition teams on the mountain each spring as well as insight into mountaineer's routines and Everest culture. Excellent blog from an experienced mountaineer.

So the big question is: Will I go see Everest in the theatre?! YES! Of course I will! It will be another interesting version of the accounts from 1996. I hope the acting is good and the scenery is even better. 

Stay tuned for an upcoming blog on my Top 10 Mountaineering books from other mountains. Happy reading!