Support the Rocky Mountain Adaptive Sports Centre

The Triple Crown

Last fall while sitting in the Georgetown Inn in Canmore, after sustaining one of those injuries that leave you wondering if your life would ever be the same, I looked across the hall wide eyed at the wall sized drawing of the Triple Crown. A challenge to summit three of the most beautiful peaks surrounding Canmore, Alberta; Ha Ling, Lady MacDonald and the East End of Rundle, a total of 25km with 2400m elevation gain and loss. Peaks I had already climbed before, which now seemed impossible, so I thought it best to take the challenge. Some super humans do this in a day, as I was recovering I set my mind to three consecutive days, by winter 2016.

Throughout the year smaller projects kept me recovering, driving home from British Columbia to Alberta, rest, physio, rest, physio, short walks, biking, longer walks, the idea of the Triple Crown, swimming, self-belays, night skating, climbing, an ice climb if I was lucky, easy ski tours, a climbing trip to El Potrero Chico Mexico (I could climb better than I could walk), climbing in Skaha, paddling the Bowron Lakes and its portages, backpacking the Rockwall, guiding day hikes in the Rocky Mountains, climbing in Squamish, sea kayaking, boulder hopping and climbing in Yosemite, you get the picture; the pursuit of recovery through recreation kept me going. It's been over a year of recovery, one that would have never happened without determination and support from a few good friends. Today I complete the Triple Crown, after scrambling the East End of Rundle. One thing that's crazy is imagining that those with disabilities struggle far more to adapt and succeed than any injury I've recovered from! The Georgetown Inn's Triple Crown challenge was partly designed to gain awareness of the Rocky Mountain Adaptive Sports Centre.

Help support the Rocky Mountain Adaptive Sports Centre by giving a donation to help others with disabilities enjoy recreational opportunities in the Canadian Rockies, every little bit helps! And next time you ask yourself what's next? There's always the Triple Crown! These peaks can be ascended by rock climbing or more challenging hikes. Be sure to pick up your brochure outlining the challenge at the Georgetown Inn, where upon completion one also gets crowned with a t-shirt and an ale mug, among other things!