Climbing Archives - Island Mountain Ramblers

May 9, 2025May 9, 2025

Mount Arrowsmith via Lost Gully

April 27, 2025

~ submitted by Evan Martin

The group met in Nanaimo before driving to the Cameron Main gate. The drive gave us a chance to get to know each other, review group safety gear, and align expectations before hitting the trailhead. We arrived at the gate at 8:20 a.m. and found two other cars waiting. From a past trip, I knew the gate is “unlocked” rather than “opened” at 8:00, so we pulled around and Evan hopped out to open it — earning some surprised looks from the other drivers.

April 29, 2025May 9, 2025

Canoe Peak

April 12, 2025

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

I’ve been up Canoe Peak a few times now, and this marks my third successful summit of this rugged beauty. Every time I go, I’m reminded that it’s probably more grueling than I remembered. Yet somehow, I forget all the bushwhacking, steep gullies, and exposed slopes. There’s just something magical about the view that keeps me coming back.

June 3, 2024June 3, 2024

Mountain Improv with Island Alpine Guides

June 1, 2024

~ submitted by Su Castle

7 of us met Jan Neuspiel, owner of Island Alpine Guides at the Comox Lake crags for our day of instruction.

He ensured we all got what the course promised to deliver at a follow-able pace. Additional knowledge was shared as response to our many questions! Jan was friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. We had a mix of theory and hands on practice. The instructor was able to deliver to the different levels of experience within the group.

Minimizing risk in the mountains was emphasized with many relevant examples and stories. Participants were actively involved and I think we all got what we wanted/needed from the course. It was a lot of information and we were encouraged to practice and contact IAG with any questions in the future. So worthwhile!

August 10, 2023August 10, 2023

Splendor Mountain, member trip report.

–originally published by Eryn on her Facebook Account

What follows are Eryn’s words reporting her recent ascent of Splendor. Her final peak needed to complete her Lifetime Climbing Objective.

Splendor! How lovely. I headed into the backcountry for 5 days with Barry Hansen out of gold river, canoed across Matchlee Bay and up the Burman river until we could go no further, hiked logging roads for another 12ish km then unto the unforgiving bush filled with ground wasps and thick bush. People often ask me if i’m scared of wildlife such as bears and cougars, but really is those stinging tiny little *ssholes underfoot that truly terrify me. Within ten minutes of the end of the logging road Barry had stirred up a wasp nest and I suffered two stings, on my elbow (that turned into an arm with no elbow definition) and my butt (which resulted in half a brazilian butt lift.) The redeeming factor of the bush (and the subsequent bush on the next few days) was the overabundance of huckleberries and blueberries.

Continue reading “Splendor Mountain, member trip report.”

August 9, 2023October 17, 2023

Rappel Workshop

June 25th, 2023

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

Two members joined me for a half day of hanging out on the rope.

We all learned to tie a few knots, and put themself onto the rappel device. By day’s end each of us was able to get on rappel, set the backup Prussic and rappel down the 30 foot cliff safely.

October 25, 2021October 25, 2021

Cragging at Darkside

August 22, 2021

~ submitted by Quinn Park

Quick trip cragging, 5 of us playing on some of the classic routes at Darkside, and trying some new ones!

It was fun to get out and play on the ropes. Even in the hot August weather, it was good conditions thanks to the shade and being so close to the river.

Photos by Jes Garceau

September 14, 2020September 14, 2020

Climbing at Sansum Narrows

August 19, 2020

~ submitted by Quinn Park

A quiet Wednesday evening led to us check out the crags. Most folks did not climb and were just there to check out the scenery.

With not a tonne of time (and a healthy portion of it spent on showing folks the tour of my favourite conglomerate crag on the south island) we only were able to get ropes on “The Roof Is On Fire 5.10a” and “Salamander 5.7.” Both were fun routes.

January 6, 2020January 6, 2020

The Hordelski 2020 – Mount Benson

January 1st, 2020

~ submitted by Ken Warren

Twelve of us started up Benson on our annual new year’s day hike. We took the new trail from the parking lot. The weather forecast was not favourable, but it was dry if a bit windy.

Half way up another member met us and we continued through the area the club worked on last year. At the summit the sky was relatively clear and the wind died so we had some lunch and enjoyed the views. I remember well standing there in the wind and snow with Mike Hordelski only long enough to take a photograph. As the weather was good, the summit was quite busy with hikers, runners, and quadders.

We made our way down without incident along the increasingly busy trail. Another successful summit, a tip of the hat to Mike, and a good start to 2020. All the best for this year to all club members.

September 16, 2019

Rappel Workshop

September 11, 2019

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

That moment when you stand on the end of a cliff, a rope both ahead of you and dangling over the cliff, when you make the conscious decision to step over the edge is the hardest. If it’s your first time or the 100th time rappelling down a rock face, it’s a thrilling feeling.