Grant 'Axe' Rawlinson

Climbing the Chief’s Apron, Squamish

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Grant ‘Axe’ Rawlinson
in ,

In 2014 I found myself with one day to spare in the outdoor adventurer’s paradise city of Vancouver.  After some short research on google for a possible microadventure, there I was in a rental car, driving on the wrong side of the road out of town – destination Squamish.  Squamish is a town around a 1 – 2 hour drive depending on traffic north of Vancouver on the way to the popular ski resort of Whistler.  Squamish is a world class rock climbing destination – mainly because of a 700m massive granite wall located a few hundred metres from the centre of the town, knows as ‘The Chief’.  The lower part of the wall is known as the ‘Chiefs Apron’ and consists of lower angled slabs which lead about halfway up the main wall.

I broke two of my normal rules for adventuring – I hired a guide and secondly coupled with the cost of the rental car,  spent much more money than I would have liked (I have Scottish ancestry).  However I was a long way from home and was not sure if I would ever have the opportunity again so I went for it.  Below are some photo’s of the climb but the main summary was:

–  Jason my guide was a friendly chap

–  It rained like hell a few hours before and hence the rock was very slippery – making a normally strait forward climb feel rather hairy

–  Afterwards I was very glad for the opportunity to climb here and that I made the effort and spent the money – when you have the opportunity to try something unique and special take it, even it means breaking a few of your own rules!

 

Driving out of Squamish with the full view of the 700m high ‘Chief’ in the distance
Jason gearing up in the carpark
On belay was we wait for another team to pass us – they were baling out after finding it too wet and slippery
Rock climbing and tree climbing skills were called for
No comment
Jason checking out the view of Squamish
Jason leading as we near the top and some water runnels
Having a breather on a flat spot
The rock was low angled but with very little holds and wet and slippery made it interesting
The rain held off for just enough time for our climb
Sitting on top with Squamish town in the distance behind me.

 

 

 

Comments

4 responses to “Climbing the Chief’s Apron, Squamish”

  1. Kate E Smith Avatar
    Kate E Smith

    Hi Axe I’m still here and still following you. I am still cross with myself that you passed by 20miles away from my home and I missed you. Life has been hectic with boring things lately but on reading your last email re Squamish I had to tell you that I have been there, seen it, bought the T shirt although I must confess it was many moons ago. It was back in 1982 when I was young and fit. The place is much more commercialised than it was back then. Then it had a very back of beyond sleepy atmosphere of a run down desolate fishing village. which of course it was in those days. Now it caters for the wealthy city guys who have holiday villas there.I am sure some of the original villagers will have made a mint if they played their cards right. I have a friend who was an ace ice hockey player and is now the manager of the ice hockey team for Victoria Island ( can’t remember the name).He is one of the rich guys who has a holiday home in Squamish. He made his money playing for Calgary and has a fantastic family home there and his four kids are following in dad’s footsteps. I am just about to follow the Everest season as I have a couple of friends who missed out last year. You may remember Ellis who I told to contact you re ways of raising the cash. I know he did contact you and you did respond so thanks. I have been busy following Alan and his K2 climb, are you tempted?. He is one great man with inners made of steel. With all the various ups and downs Everest has lost some of its appeal. I expect it will come back when things settle down but even then climbing Everest has lost the challenge of the 50’s and 60’s and is a different propersition now.. Cheers and good wishes for 2015 Kate (UK)

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  2. Kate E Smith Avatar
    Kate E Smith

    I am pleased to see you are still standing on your head. You should do it more often. I still play your compilation of head standing accompanied by Hayley, I just love it and it reminds me you are ‘ one of a kind ‘ Cheers Kate

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    1. Grant Rawlinson (Axe) Avatar
      Grant Rawlinson (Axe)

      Hi Kate, always lovely to hear from you and thanks for the news. Glad you like the video and it gives you some pleasure also 🙂

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  3. Derek George Mitchell Avatar
    Derek George Mitchell

    On Sun, 18 Jan 2015 03:50:11 +0800, Grant ‘Axe’ Rawlinson wrote: >

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