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I don’t care that some politicians travelled over the holidays. Fretting over it is like wasting time stressing about what’s happening south of the border. I’ll continue to follow guidelines put in place to reduce the spread of covid. Let’s just chill out, read a book, play in the mountains, and help – not hurt – the fight against this deadly little virus.
This past weekend was busy in the mountains. Shovelled rinks were full, ice climbs had line-ups and skiable terrain was packed with those looking for fresh air. There’s been some sweet powder days lately, and it looks like there’s a lot more snow on the way. The new Canmore Climbing Gym is ready to go whenever restrictions are lifted and fitness facilities are allowed to open again. It looks awesome, congrats to the team who made it happen.
Did you know that an ice axe was left by Japanese climbers on the summit of Mount Alberta in 1925 after the first ascent? The team of six Japanese climbers and three Swiss guides, which was led by Yuko Maki, left the ice axe in a summit cairn.
The second ascent of the peak was 23 years later by Fred Ayres and John Oberlin. In that time, the legend of the axe grew into folklore that suggested it was made of pure silver and was given to the expedition by the Emperor of Japan. In 1948, Ayres and Oberlin discovered that the axe wasn’t silver, but a Swiss design with a wooden shaft and steel head. It dispelled the myth that it belonged to the Emperor of Japan.