Comments on: Under 25 Climbing Camp!

By: Sonnie

Sonnie — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:14:33 +0000

Thanks for all the comments everyone, great to hear from all of you. Elk, I’m not sure, but I know Beth is way stronger than I am for sure, Nancy, I’d be down for another climbing camp absolutely. Let me see what I can arrange, he he, I’ll keep you posted. Jcobb, so cool, I had a very similar experience with a couple lady’s in Mexico, sending everything, great smiles.

By: jcobb

jcobb — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:35:33 +0000

Hey Sonnie,

Great blog, great pics, even better attitude! I love it. Reminds of one of the best aphorisms from the late great Alex Lowe: “Whoever is having the most fun, wins.”

Also, on the topic of age: I continue to marvel at the youthfulness and vigor I see when I meet people who are passionate about what they are doing in their lives, across all fields of endeavour and regardless of what stage of life they are at. It’s like they are doing something right.

Finally, a quick little story: I was working as an amateur leader at the Trident-Neptune GMC last year and had the privilege of spending a fair bit of time with a lovely lady by the name of Margaret. At 76, she put many of us to shame with her stamina and sheer enthusiasm. She clearly wasn’t at her peak, and she knew it, but we didn’t let that stop us from having a great trip and getting to the top of a few peaks. But, one of the best moments I’ve EVER had in the mountains was belaying her on a tricky slab top-rope that she positively glided up (in far better style than many of us much younger folk.) She had the biggest smile on her face when she got down, full of nothing but enthusiasm and gratitude. I’ll never forget her smile.

By: Chris Fen-Mac

Chris Fen-Mac — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:26:20 +0000

Hey Sonnie,

Awesome comments and pics!

Thanks for all the hard work.

Keep on, keeping-on!

CFM

By: Julia

Julia — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:22:29 +0000

Hey Sonnie! Just lookin’ at this post with fond memories of last year’s camp! Great to see so many girls hittin’ it Glad to see you had slightly better weather than last year too!

Best,
Julia

By: Nancy

Nancy — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:41:40 +0000

Hey, El Dub!

Sounds great! Unfortunately, I’ll be back in the classroom August 19, so this will have to wait until I retire, I guess. In the meantime, I’ll get some glacier and rope experience to qualify…I have some friends planning a trip up Ranier; maybe they’ll let me tag along!

How about a rock climbing camp for us mid-century folks? Couldn’t Sonnie lead that? Sure, he could!

By: el Dub

el Dub — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:29:10 +0000

The ACC does do over 50 camps! Check out http://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/activities/trips10/summer/55plus.html
Course Sonnie is a few years from being allowed to participate….

By: Laurel

Laurel — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:33:01 +0000

So is there going to be an over 25 climbing camp for us old people?

By: Nancy

Nancy — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 20:08:31 +0000

It’s not that common to find beginning climbers at 50+; the older climbers I know, for the most part, have been doing it since they were youngsters like yourself, Sonnie. Not that the “kids” aren’t welcoming and helpful, they are, but the truth of the matter is that for older bodies, slow and steady is the way, and many younger people don’t get that. They want to “crush it,” as you say, and we like to “massage the rock” if you get my drift. Climbing is an amazing metaphor for life, and there’s no reason older folks can’t learn to climb; we just need guidance and encouragement, like anyone else!

Maybe you should have an Over 50 Camp, Sonnie! I’d sign up for sure!

By: Elk

Elk — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 08:42:53 +0000

Hello, I am happy to check your web-site. How strong you are!
I saw Beth Rodden climbing the Meltdown in the video. Super difficult route, 5.14c. Do you try it?