Part XIV: Via Ferrata

Hello dear readers? Did you miss me? Were you outraged on Friday when you checked in with your favourite blog only to find no new posts? I apologize but I am very busy and important you know and my time is very valuable and in high demand.
The excuse for the lack of posting was an apres-work 5 a 7 that required my attendance. Afterwards Tanya, Rosemary and I (the three summer students) stayed after and partook in some genteel discussion accompanied by lite beverages (some more than others).

Back to the real reason of my post. I took full advantage of Friday's beautiful weather to have an adventure. I went rock climbing. Yes people, welcome to my life.

The climbing took place at Cap Jaseux, about an hour away from Tadoussac. It is an adventure camp for kids and adults alike. During my visit about 150 elementary school aged children suddenly appeared from the bush from their camping area. It offers rustic camping, cabins and most interestingly tree houses. Like entire houses (space for 5) held about 20 feet in the air by posts.

I jumped at the chance to do the Via Ferrata, Italian for Iron Way, with the head of the camps Jerome Gouron. We had a nice little interview on the beach beside the Saguenay. The entire time a loon was calling in the background, I hope it doesn't screw up post-production. After the talking we set out on the adventure. Suited up in a very fashionable Dior harness with matching orange safety helmet (I predict a trend for autumn 2010) we set out on a hike to the cliffside. Along the way we discussed everything from the French Alps to Stephen Harper's new energy policies to my distinct preference for cake over pie.

Once at the cliffs it was all business however. To stay alive and not plunge into the freezing cold (four degree) Saguenay river you have to be hooked onto a cable at all times. Then while climbing over rocks and up mountain faces you have to stop and re-clip yourself when a new cable starts. Sound alright but try doing it with a movie camera. Yup, I was trying to do this thing one handed. A challenge indeed.

Fortunately Jerome understood my plight of trying to film with no tripod (couldn't set it up anywhere), climb and talk. We traded off filming each other and his stuff wasn't bad, a little shaky but overall I am surprised at how useable it is.

On the downside I totally forgot to put on sunscreen and now have a nice red face. It is reminiscent of my high school basketball days where my red face would provide a lovely compliment to my blue and white uniform.

Here are some photos of the awesome.

Climber extra-ordinare


Jerome scaling some rocks