tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67453391612890754092024-03-18T21:48:14.664-07:00Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing SchoolAcadia Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002875950784323756noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745339161289075409.post-38936217778040895482014-03-19T13:32:00.001-07:002014-03-19T13:32:23.377-07:00Stranded on a Cliff<a href="http://rocktalk.bangordailynews.com/2014/03/19/home/stranded-on-a-cliff/">Visit our Bangor Daily News Blog Called Rock Talk to read. </a><br />Jon Tierney, IFMGA Licensed Mountain Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10142096311383672406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745339161289075409.post-58419885478299910142014-03-19T13:29:00.002-07:002014-03-19T13:29:30.908-07:00Climbing and Risk<a href="http://rocktalk.bangordailynews.com/2014/01/27/home/climbing-and-risk/">Visit Rock Talk - our blog on the Bangor Daily News to read.</a><br />Jon Tierney, IFMGA Licensed Mountain Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10142096311383672406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745339161289075409.post-64013144323652604852014-03-19T13:25:00.000-07:002014-03-19T13:25:06.887-07:00Why I Climb? <a href="http://rocktalk.bangordailynews.com/2014/01/18/home/hello-readers-why-i-climb/">Why I Climb? - Bangor Daily News Blog</a>Jon Tierney, IFMGA Licensed Mountain Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10142096311383672406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745339161289075409.post-25725236886056706222012-11-01T08:40:00.003-07:002012-11-01T08:40:55.472-07:00Maryland, Wyoming, Red Rocks, Salt Lake City, back to Maine.<br />
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Been a busy month for us at Acadia Mountain Guides. PCIA courses and exams in Maryland, Wyoming and next week in Salt Lake City. The upcoming training in Salt Lake is part of the national AORE (Association for Outdoor Education and Recreation) Conference. We will be offering both a Single Pitch Course and an Instructor Provider course for those wishing to teach the PCIA climbing instructor courses.<br />
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This week we have been climbing and guiding in Red Rock outside of Las Vegas. Nice to get on the warm and friendly sandstone again. After some long climbs earlier in the week and a couple days of working on guide training skills we joined the masses and went sport climbing yesterday. Expected to see some costumes out there being Halloween and all. Saw some "varied" and "unusual" techniques and outfits but no costumes. Today we are heading out to climb either Tunnel Vision or Group Therapy - or maybe both. Great routes on Angel Food wall. Had a great trip out here. <br />
<br />It was great to reconnect with Kevin Slater (and his partner Polly) a couple weeks back. I did a WFA and WFR Recert course at their newly built Mahoosuc Mountain Lodge in Grafton Notch. Kevin and I go back to the beginnings of Maine Bound in the early eighties. They run <a href="http://www.mahoosuc.com/">Mahoosuc Guide Service</a> offering traditional dogsled trips, winter skills, canoe tripping and traditional bush skills courses. Check them out. A great spot for wilderness med courses with superb hospitality so were looking to do more in the future.<br />
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Next week at the AORE conference I will be presenting three workshops - one on spinal injury in the backcountry, a second on Learning Process, and a third entitled "Are We Safe? <br />
Particularly interested to hear people' opinions on the nuances of the question of "are we safe" with respect to outdoor instructional programs. Feel free to comment, send an email or call. <br />
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Gotta get out to the rock. Later. Jon T.Jon Tierney, IFMGA Licensed Mountain Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10142096311383672406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745339161289075409.post-5562388499653935082012-09-22T19:30:00.002-07:002012-09-22T19:31:21.192-07:00A Little Adventure ClimbingIt's been such a busy late summer that we really have not had time to post.<br />
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Just finished teaching a PCIA Climbing Wall Instructor Course for Princeton University this past week. Always a great group of students there and this year we didn't get washed out by a hurricane. It's so great to see schools and universities investing in their students.<br />
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<b>NEW FUN IN ACADIA</b><br />
Well the last couple days have been re-invigorating and quite fun. Dick Chasse and I set out to find and climb a bunch of routes in Acadia that are not in any guidebooks and are a bit off the beaten path. <br />
We began with some routes done by Butch and Jean K. - two climbers, who for the last 20+ years have been quietly exploring and putting up random traditional climbing routes throughout Acadia without much fanfare. Most of these routes require a little bushwacking to reach and a little wandering around to find the right line. None are in any current guidebooks.<br />
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We first explored a couple moderate routes named <u>And She Even Kept Her Clothes On</u> (5.7) and <u>I'm the Man, You the Mam</u> (5.6). The two routes cross each other and the latter finishes up some fine face and crack climbing. We followed this with a beautiful but strenuous 5.9 corner called <u>Smirk This</u> on the East Face of Champlain Mountain. Our fourth route of the day, <u>The Patron Mezcal Connection </u>began with some awkward bouldery moves which gave way to some nice crack and face climbing. All of these routes were roughly 25m each - so nice single pitch lines with tree rappels.<br />
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In the afternoon we headed over to nose around the Beehive.<br />
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After looking around a bit more and not finding the area we thought I spotted a nice corner line that looked like it was in need of a climber. It turned out to be a reasonably nice 5.6-7 line which I think we will call <u>Broken Glass</u>. We also did a couple 5.5 lines on some of the lower walls.<br />
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Yesterday we went back armed with wide crack protection and put up a nice 8 - 12" wide offwidth in the 5.7 range on the East Face (tentative name <u>Luebbenize It - </u>named for my friend Craig Luebben who invented to Big Bro to protect wide cracks and who was killed in an icefall accident a couple years back in the Cascades. We also did a sweet little 5.8 corner with a small overlap similar to Bartleby on the Central Slabs. The route then continues up through some geologically tender blocks to a tree ledge. Looking for a name if you have any ideas.<br />
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The third and fourth routes of the day turned out a little harder than we thought. We started on a nice face but the protection was pretty sketch and the moves in the solid 5.10 range so we left it for the future. A bolt would be nice - so might write up a park request to add a bolt. Then we turned our energy toward a 30' hand and finger crack on a slightly overhanging wall. Awkward jams and funky body tension were needed to get through the beastly thing - it was thankfully short. A possible name for this one may be <u>Shortcake Jam</u>, 5.10+. <br />
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We ended the day with a couple routes off the Pricipice Trail. All in all a great change of pace from the usual guiding days and a great reminder of this is why we climb. Jon Tierney, IFMGA Licensed Mountain Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10142096311383672406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745339161289075409.post-50890984481030511582012-07-16T17:35:00.000-07:002012-07-16T17:35:05.303-07:00Wedding BellsYesterday my clients Patrick and Eri joined me for a full day of climbing in Acadia National Park. We decided to start off at the South Wall and finish up at Otter Cliffs. Just before we left the shop, Patrick told of his intention to propose to Eri on one of the climbs that day. I suggested the top of the Story of O, a classic three pitch route with beautiful vistas. We set off. Near the top of Story of O I suggested to Patrick that he should wait until the end of the day, to have a nice cap stone to what was shaping up to be great day of climbing. He agreed. We climbed several more pitches at the South Wall and Central Slabs before heading off to Otter Cliffs. At some point during the day Eri told me she really liked climbs with stemming. I knew what climb we should end on, and would make a great stage for Patrick to propose, The Great Chimney. After a couple of classic routes at Otter, it was time to set Patrick's plan into motion. Eri rappelled down into the chimney, Patrick collected himself, and within minutes Eri was almost at the top. Patrick lowered a small bag with the ring just bellow the top of the climb. Eri was comfortably stemming on the last moves of the climb and opened the bag. Patrick proposed, Eri said yes, thus concluding an awesome day of climbing with an unforgettable top out. It was a first for me in my guiding career and I felt honored to be a part of such a special moment in two peoples lives.<br />
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Thanks<br />
<br />
Dick ChasseJon Tierney, IFMGA Licensed Mountain Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10142096311383672406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745339161289075409.post-27263220113205856172012-07-15T07:50:00.002-07:002012-07-15T08:21:03.365-07:00Early Summer Happenings<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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Wow. It’s been a busy spring and early summer here at Acadia
Mountain Guides Climbing School. To catch you up, below is a quick rundown on a
few things we have been up to amid all the daily guiding.We hope to see you on the rock soon.</div>
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<b>Untamed NE Adventure Race.</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Untamed NE racer rappels into the night. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">280' Tyrolean rope traverse. What a pump!</td></tr>
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In mid June we were part of the Untamed New England
Adventure Race. The race spanned 3 + days and was held in the Forks area of
Maine. It featured well over 200 miles of running, mountain biking, paddling,
orienteering and mountain skills. Untamed NE was a qualifying race for the
world championships to be held in France later this year and was one of only
two races taking place in the US. The race was won by the current world
champions – Team Thule from Sweden. Kudos to all the athletes who crossed the
starting line. </div>
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We orchestrated a mountain skills segment as part of the
race. Participants started the segment with a rappel into the Dead River then
paddled, ferried, floated or otherwise survived to the opposite shore where the
ascended a cliff then ran to a tyrolean than spanned almost 300’ across the
river. It was quite a challenge for all involved. Great fun and we look forward
to doing it again. Thanks to Sterling Rope for providing financial support to this event. </div>
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<b>AMGCS Sponsors Acadia Climbing Rendezvous</b></div>
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Dozens of climbers joined us in late May for three days of climbing, clinics, movies, speakers and volunteer service. 12 participants took part in a 3 day Rock Climbing Intensive while others took part in bouldering tours, anchor clinics, women's clinics, etc. Demo shoes were available from La Sportiva and Evolv. On Saturday night, speaker Janet Bergman Wilkinson showed slides and spoke of recent climbs and on Sunday guests watched the Reel Rock Film series. The event wrapped up with an Access Fund Adopt-A-Crag clean-up project in Acadia National Park. Many thanks to La Sportiva, Evolv, Metolius and Sterling for helping to sponsor the event. </div>
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<b>Caltrans Scaler Course</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scalers in training.</td></tr>
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Spent five days at sunny Donner Summit teaching a course for
the CA Department of Transportation. The participants ranged for geotechnical
engineers to laborers and were the CALTRANS trainers who train their crews to
keep the highways open and safe from rockfall, etc. They are the crews that
scale off loose rock, put up nets, blow stuff up, etc. A unique field that
combines mountaineering skills with industrial rescue skills. This was the second course for them in
three years. They are psyched on the customized curriculum and through the PCIA
(Professional Climbing Instructors Association) we hope to develop a standard curriculum
that can be adopted by other states and internationally. </div>
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<b>2012 Guides</b></div>
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All of our guide staff this year are returning veterans from
the past season. We spent much of early June refreshing and tweaking skills to
keep everyone sharp out there and up to date on the latest and greatest ways to
do things. </div>
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<b>2012 Interns </b></div>
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We also welcomed seven new interns to Acadia Mountain Guides
who spent all of June in training in preparation for leading some of our summer
camps. Our interns are selected from university outdoor program leaders and
this year we had over 60 applicants. </div>
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<b>PCIA course continue to be strong. </b></div>
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This spring we instructed a Single Pitch course in Maryland
along with two in Maine for a total 18 participants. In addition, we offered a
Climbing Wall Instructor course too.
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<b>AMG guides assist in two rescues.</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon brings in Lifeflight 1 for a landing on the rocky coast.</td></tr>
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Jon, Dick and Wesley joined park rescue personnel and MDI Search and Rescue volunteers to treat and evacuate a solo climber who had fallen while climbing unroped. Jon coordinated the patient medical care and the landing zone set-up for Lifeflight to set down while Wesley and Dick assisted with the technical rigging. Jon is also a flight paramedic for Lifeflight. Earlier in the day, AMG guides also assisted in the evacuation of a climber who had a minor injury but could not be gotten down by their partner due to inexperience. You'll be happy to know that in over 40,000 guiding days, AMGCS has not had a serious accident or injury. </div>
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<b>AMGCS is reaccredited by the AMGA. </b></div>
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The climbing school was re-accredited by the AMGA this
spring. We have been a long-standing believer in the benefits
of accreditation and have been accredited every year since opening in 1993 –
long before it became a public expectation of a climbing school. AMGCS is also accredited by the Professional Climbing Instructors Association making us the only dually accredited local climbing service.</div>
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<b>Blind Climber climbs with AMGCS this week </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDf_Qg1etIXmWX1LQj2ONImPD76faedSG5J7LbPpa0whqt3U1Nxg1mwrm_0ccKkkpoiFYGh_az7fsTwLq2r5jwWzmDNqHeEeXD8kxNnW-2oDwBDQO6zAzcmEmd_q_pyYXjuJxpPTHnmow/s1600/P1020521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDf_Qg1etIXmWX1LQj2ONImPD76faedSG5J7LbPpa0whqt3U1Nxg1mwrm_0ccKkkpoiFYGh_az7fsTwLq2r5jwWzmDNqHeEeXD8kxNnW-2oDwBDQO6zAzcmEmd_q_pyYXjuJxpPTHnmow/s320/P1020521.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;">Ellie Weihenmayer on the seastack. Otter Cliffs.</span></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQQDTcX79dSK6oYsJ16i4OqR086QbiX6ZVZH7tfOhOJdZbCIaK104JbEVCw1Oh0QbIJZq8A_rV-XRWQ-352vQ02l6xAhjBqUriEq6p1iLQ_iSmaXMWG30ViqffLfAqbS4mVxurI9RC0o/s1600/P1020544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQQDTcX79dSK6oYsJ16i4OqR086QbiX6ZVZH7tfOhOJdZbCIaK104JbEVCw1Oh0QbIJZq8A_rV-XRWQ-352vQ02l6xAhjBqUriEq6p1iLQ_iSmaXMWG30ViqffLfAqbS4mVxurI9RC0o/s320/P1020544.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">I<span style="font-size: x-small;">FMGA gude Jon Tierney climbs with Erik Weihenmayer on Rock Lobster, 5.9 at Otter Cliffs in Acadia National Park</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Jon guided and climbed with Eric and Ellie Weihenmayer
earlier this week. Erik is blind adventurer and motivational speaker. Despite
losing his vision at the age of 13, Erik has become one of the most celebrated
and accomplished adventurers in the world. Re-defining what it means to be
blind, Erik has opened up the eyes and minds of people around the world. In
2001, Erik became the only blind climber in history to reach the summit of
Mount Everest. In 2008, he completed his quest to climb the Seven Summits – the
tallest peak on each of the seven continents. Since then, he continues to
inspire others through actions and deeds. Among many other accomplishments. He
has climbed the Nose of El Capitan and competed in the Primal Quest adventure
race. A number of guides came out to join us. It was super inspirational and
great learning for all of us to watch as Erik climbed some of the harder routes
at Otter Cliff. Here is a link to
his website</span> - <a href="http://www.touchthetop.com/index.aspx">http://www.touchthetop.com/index.aspx</a>.
</div>Jon Tierney, IFMGA Licensed Mountain Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10142096311383672406noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745339161289075409.post-14327957845070114812011-09-12T10:01:00.000-07:002011-09-12T10:01:20.143-07:00Remember When We Used to Go Rock Climbing...?Fall is one of my favorite seasons. It has perfect temperatures, the trees are nice to look at, the breeze is perfect, and I actually have some downtime to climb. As I sit in the climbing shop in Bar Harbor, I look forward to my first afternoon off in a few months. The idea of rock climbing excites me more then I can describe here.<br />
<br />
On days like these all I can do is reflect on how amazing my life has been so far, and in no small part because of rock climbing. Now don't get me wrong, rock climbing is a fun activity (dare I say sport?). But what rock climbing has taught me, where it has taken me and the people I have met through it far out-weigh the simple act of grabbing a rock and pulling on it. <br />
<br />
Some of my best friends are people who I have met rock climbing. My first two climbing mentors, Ivan and Josh, are still to this day two people that I would drop anything to be around. The adventures and "Oh $#@T" moments with them helped cement my love of this sport. My fellow guides can all recount their own experiences with their mentors. <br />
<br />
Beyond recreational climbing I have found my way to yet another brotherhood; guiding. The guides I have met in my short three year career have all left a profound impression on me. I learned what it meant to be a professional, no matter what your employment. My mentors, Silas, Jon and Ian, have all taught me what it means to be a guide. I am constantly learning new skills, ways of teaching, patience and gaining confidence to go anywhere and do anything. <br />
<br />
Today, I'm not here to sell anything or promote a business. I am here to express my deep appreciation of those who have brought me to where I am, and brought rock climbing to where it is. My mentors, my friends, my fellow guides and all the professional rock climbers (new and old) have all helped shape my perception of life. Seeing the extremes to which the human mind and body can be taken is indeed amazing. More so, the humility that accompanies many life-time rock climbers makes me proud to be counted among them.<br />
<br />
Alright! Enough gushiness. Here are some rock/ice climbing photos: <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpO-QS3_VkDXGyNIxIKR25W4pwNNf9UzFvijzCTC2aNusNurCsrtUADyqWnYaB6tEBv7Tz5r4eS-Zly29ukMBYqppnDe6EzpQZ0f4mtZ_F07KVUVure4Pe4XGhl-qDVt5vAGHkfddJu-Q/s1600/100_0867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpO-QS3_VkDXGyNIxIKR25W4pwNNf9UzFvijzCTC2aNusNurCsrtUADyqWnYaB6tEBv7Tz5r4eS-Zly29ukMBYqppnDe6EzpQZ0f4mtZ_F07KVUVure4Pe4XGhl-qDVt5vAGHkfddJu-Q/s400/100_0867.JPG" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Triassic Sands </i>Red Rocks, NV.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1qHB5lBiLN8c5Q48unkwUcneCBOY6qBHpSf0ISF79ghrhSngOCYukpI_4wArnHEMpdN6D6fDcnrrX2aJCdp1xfAQtb7tUVu3mZENjTNMO3y6T8u8ss3u8BBcyOO3adJBnRQ-D7i630Y/s1600/100_0879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1qHB5lBiLN8c5Q48unkwUcneCBOY6qBHpSf0ISF79ghrhSngOCYukpI_4wArnHEMpdN6D6fDcnrrX2aJCdp1xfAQtb7tUVu3mZENjTNMO3y6T8u8ss3u8BBcyOO3adJBnRQ-D7i630Y/s400/100_0879.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Iron Messiah </i>Zion National Park, UT.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQp2jhTVn78ANq8eEtxzopISbLMtHdYiYQkpsCU2n1R-_pDVps36S3J34don-ncDKVgiIHUGeWpImrWvioGOstB6SbELV2mxbS1suqCQWKDbr4JwULVwdd8nRkm0rGwNz7FJuwt4hAg3w/s1600/183912_10150187208488712_109727158711_8818037_7968117_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQp2jhTVn78ANq8eEtxzopISbLMtHdYiYQkpsCU2n1R-_pDVps36S3J34don-ncDKVgiIHUGeWpImrWvioGOstB6SbELV2mxbS1suqCQWKDbr4JwULVwdd8nRkm0rGwNz7FJuwt4hAg3w/s400/183912_10150187208488712_109727158711_8818037_7968117_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jeff Slide </i>Smuggler's Notch, VT.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqofLgj3wtq4rUgVNwhwgvo9MMNv86qaszm1fDFUhtX_b3nRdzK_8_NsDLpvo279OefCl6u4MjYnm9506rYnNpGEENQG6jIF1imi80RKPAf1yLuXbgMUa6MaQRgUc-438FlljxfJGIrI/s1600/97ae08b678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqofLgj3wtq4rUgVNwhwgvo9MMNv86qaszm1fDFUhtX_b3nRdzK_8_NsDLpvo279OefCl6u4MjYnm9506rYnNpGEENQG6jIF1imi80RKPAf1yLuXbgMUa6MaQRgUc-438FlljxfJGIrI/s400/97ae08b678.jpg" width="344" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixed Climbing at Toko Crag, NH.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_KUJDR-Mum2NWq7FXZP0fm73tNLo768wJWW0sqZZdnS5Adc8kxI9TIo7hX7b7whAdVtvLatj_KK0kbhuDJfRUU2OYYtJnFLYu_KxJOsbYagUV5qfxpjtqYBLfl-Cd4YyHwpb47pVWL8/s1600/DSC03905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_KUJDR-Mum2NWq7FXZP0fm73tNLo768wJWW0sqZZdnS5Adc8kxI9TIo7hX7b7whAdVtvLatj_KK0kbhuDJfRUU2OYYtJnFLYu_KxJOsbYagUV5qfxpjtqYBLfl-Cd4YyHwpb47pVWL8/s400/DSC03905.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking toward Denver Eldorado Canyon, CO.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0D-jJmBEEh1E4j2XJBH4xg_QaElRSPdh_yWWI1mjtAWA0-v5MVp7JUySNRyQbDeTG-mib0xPgYVRLuF02GRhjAyGzC-_S7Q8HJP8egIhOZPJFIjIpQ8ZMqIawbc2e94j-hh40mTXyXU/s1600/DSC03907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0D-jJmBEEh1E4j2XJBH4xg_QaElRSPdh_yWWI1mjtAWA0-v5MVp7JUySNRyQbDeTG-mib0xPgYVRLuF02GRhjAyGzC-_S7Q8HJP8egIhOZPJFIjIpQ8ZMqIawbc2e94j-hh40mTXyXU/s400/DSC03907.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Beach Muscles" Kirk on top of the Red Garden Wall, Eldorado Canyon, CO.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPZ7ADTbFXjUl14zB-FZF98DRxsB5Uhs6ep2eMFb3Ja2QgUw8x735e20VkdfMqlDiPF6fC_VqRh-np8_ZH9S2rMfLwdi2yk48eYpTbFcMrd-bu8xlFRWYx9jrNHSstuqUd4qw8X6CDG0/s1600/261379_10150221171157093_541782092_7569487_3769341_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPZ7ADTbFXjUl14zB-FZF98DRxsB5Uhs6ep2eMFb3Ja2QgUw8x735e20VkdfMqlDiPF6fC_VqRh-np8_ZH9S2rMfLwdi2yk48eYpTbFcMrd-bu8xlFRWYx9jrNHSstuqUd4qw8X6CDG0/s400/261379_10150221171157093_541782092_7569487_3769341_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last pitch on <i>Armadillo</i> Katahdin, ME.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMenkOQ153Ew-54ByorPJxktCLedc6FAhwQE2pJgUfJ5brpISZnswQACfUtnvF_uoVLGHYGHdmsjgtOfXWTZzMa_ygTj4OBckcK-OXkUjecA8mwQoXqv2nLE2pIk3Umy5f6367NOBecJI/s1600/267510_10150216561202093_541782092_7523279_1148023_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMenkOQ153Ew-54ByorPJxktCLedc6FAhwQE2pJgUfJ5brpISZnswQACfUtnvF_uoVLGHYGHdmsjgtOfXWTZzMa_ygTj4OBckcK-OXkUjecA8mwQoXqv2nLE2pIk3Umy5f6367NOBecJI/s400/267510_10150216561202093_541782092_7523279_1148023_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Emigrant Crack</i> Acadia National Park, ME.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Get psyched for FALL folks!<br />
<br />
Try Hard,<br />
Ande KahoraAcadia Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002875950784323756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745339161289075409.post-3414742567483875202011-09-08T13:02:00.000-07:002011-09-08T13:02:08.899-07:00AMG Guides Do New York!A few weeks ago, Adam Butterfield and Ande Kahora were fortunate to be part of the University of Vermont's Climbing TREK program. The UVM Outing Club takes incoming freshman and sends them to various locations in the area to get first hand experience hiking, climbing, biking and paddling. It is a great opportunity to get to know the areas vast diversity of outdoor pursuits.<br />
<br />
As guides, Adam and Ande were charged with showing the new students around the cliffs of the Adirondack High Peaks of New York. As fellow UVM students Adam and Ande have spent a great deal of time in the Adirondacks lifetime supply of rocky crags.<br />
<br />
Some of the students had been rock climbing since a young age, and some had never touched rock before. We visited many spots known for their varied terrain and get setting. Mackenzie Pond boulders, the Beer Walls, Deadwater, Bark Eaters, Jewels and Gems are just a few placed the students climbed. This just scratches the surface but does give them a great taste of what is out there.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDkpk-rfx7ufs19OrKR2W9JtYsIhgrjWx7RCj6Ow0Tzyov6c8cY_4MTj53vW6Vhh_HRnVMzRUmTNZaRx6R_myQFh24QyDfgqviXPRaWG0ADeVLwDExPyUqwNB0J9RHAAsUwxtEmh9CBo/s1600/UVMTREK2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDkpk-rfx7ufs19OrKR2W9JtYsIhgrjWx7RCj6Ow0Tzyov6c8cY_4MTj53vW6Vhh_HRnVMzRUmTNZaRx6R_myQFh24QyDfgqviXPRaWG0ADeVLwDExPyUqwNB0J9RHAAsUwxtEmh9CBo/s400/UVMTREK2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UVM Student at Bark Eaters, NY</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Beyond the climbing, Adam and Ande decided it would be a great chance to make some TREK history and create a Tyrolean Traverse at our campsite in Wilmington Notch. The two guides scouted an area where they could create a 90ft. traverse over the most pronounced rapids of a close by river. Many of the students had never done a traverse like this before. Some were excited while others had a few more trepidations. Mostly all the students made the journey across and back. It was definitely a memorable experience for all!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQvilh8uabNDcKY_XDnwNnwrkWP8zUJaZpEDTJl52z1lEnKKIEIY80aAKVRQZnyGqtnif1MQFlw3SU3x9kMNSwbeAw2B7mI8U-kRI5hCCG6nqq17czakgmL2Dr5Mll5InneqMZmIECzE/s1600/UVMTREK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQvilh8uabNDcKY_XDnwNnwrkWP8zUJaZpEDTJl52z1lEnKKIEIY80aAKVRQZnyGqtnif1MQFlw3SU3x9kMNSwbeAw2B7mI8U-kRI5hCCG6nqq17czakgmL2Dr5Mll5InneqMZmIECzE/s640/UVMTREK.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UVM student dangles above the raging river.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Acadia Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002875950784323756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745339161289075409.post-36813742035462266492011-08-29T13:06:00.000-07:002011-08-29T13:06:10.532-07:00No Body Does a Hurricane like New Jersey Does a Hurricane!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1NUAzX7yZhChazl7SlxKbo4GN99IKeENtXQurQpOTe2YhL9yBqtTBZ6jS5t_Gd1_716uZmDDQ3b3B6r2GU7AyUCOzC8Qq8U5rW3iy-TBkDtveYxWEIZpntRwVSGuSSz6vZ3M9bzMxA0/s1600/NJ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1NUAzX7yZhChazl7SlxKbo4GN99IKeENtXQurQpOTe2YhL9yBqtTBZ6jS5t_Gd1_716uZmDDQ3b3B6r2GU7AyUCOzC8Qq8U5rW3iy-TBkDtveYxWEIZpntRwVSGuSSz6vZ3M9bzMxA0/s400/NJ" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Acadia Mountain guides is in Princeton, NJ this weekend facilitating a Professional Climbing Instructors Association (PCIA) course! That's right, hurricane or no hurricane you cannot stop the PCIA from training new guides in the way of the rope...<br />
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After two days of serious weather the PCIA Base Managed Top Rope Sight Manager Course pushes on. This course focuses on skills needed to set up top-rope climbs that are managed from below, and facilitate student involvement with belay techniques, rescue skills and team building initiatives. This is the second step of curriculum to gaining certification through the PCIA. <br />
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For more information on the PCIA visit: <a href="http://pcia.us/">Professional Climbing Instructors Association</a> or <a href="http://www.acadiamountainguides.com/">Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School</a><br />
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Skies may crack and rivers may swell, but there is no stopping the citizens of Princeton!<br />
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Wish us all luck and a safe return to Maine.<br />
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Ande KahoraAcadia Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002875950784323756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745339161289075409.post-88141548835389829912011-08-16T09:38:00.000-07:002011-08-16T09:38:21.316-07:00Only Downtime You Get...Well once again it is raining here in Bar Harbor. It seems the only time one can find to sit down and type is on a rainy day.<br />
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It has been a busy few weeks here on the island as Acadia Mountain Guides wrapped up our 2011 Summer Climbing Camps. Additionally, we have entered into the beginning of August, which tends to be our busiest time of summer. Everyone is trying to get in their last minute vacations before school and work start up again!<br />
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Our Rock Pro 4 camp spent the last week learning how to lead climb on traditional gear. Many of our campers come with little or no experience with traditional climbing, but by the end of the week they are crushing it! Traditional climbing combines the mental pressure of finding your route and placing good gear with the physical pressure of pushing what your body can handle. It is an amazing mix of skills with incredible pay-offs!<br />
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Our regular guiding season has been chock full of people looking to taste the unique climbing around Acadia National Park. Regular people are pushing their physical and mental boundaries on the rocky terrain of the islands coast. Some people experience the thrill of leaning backwards over a 60ft cliff as they start their first ever rappel. Other people experience the nervous unknown of stepping up to their first 5.10!<br />
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The climbing season here in Acadia is beginning to wind down. If you haven't made it out to visit and go climbing yet, do it soon! September is the best time of the year to climb in Acadia. No crowds, perfect temps, solid rock and great times await all you would-be climbing animals!<br />
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KEEP CLIMBING<br />
Ande<br />
<br />
<br />
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Acadia Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002875950784323756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745339161289075409.post-55854943459017169582011-08-06T15:48:00.000-07:002011-08-06T15:48:04.679-07:00When It Rains It Pours!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div>If it's not rain, it's heat. If it's not heat, it's people. When Bar Harbor is in full swing you can always bet on a ton of something!<br />
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It has been awhile since our last posting...but for good reason. Acadia Mountain Guides (AMG) is blowing up! Our guides have been working tirelessly to get people out on their first or latest climbing trips in Acadia and all over the North East. It has been hard to catch your breath these days.<br />
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Acadia Mountain Guides offers Half Day (4hrs) and Full Day (8hrs) trips into Acadia National Park on a daily basis. Visitors to Bar Harbor have been taking full advantage of our beautiful island and park all summer long.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://acadiamountainguides.com/images/WonderWall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://acadiamountainguides.com/images/WonderWall.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing Wonder Wall at Otter Cliffs</td></tr>
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Not only daily trips, but AMG offers week long camps for kids starting at the age of six. Our camps primarily focus on rock climbing but also provide campers with exciting adventures like rafting, camping, hiking, swimming and sometimes GO-KARTS! With all this excitement it's no wonder we have so many return campers every year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWml_KBdj3EJ6OI6RIC5Yi8vXYZ47FgqPF-GLhFae6qE3O6JQl4C1K1F9THCAPJeYT-EcxDI8tmS439p2ES9_Qv2vI4qmtgTPj8RZq4vfDXVKowECWVE0U5VCPHaW3I9lbVZ6m8sY2xfA/s400/262480_10150264656864757_42599874756_7237973_1024550_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campers showing AMG pride at Chimney Pond in Baxter State Park, ME</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As the summer days roll on think about booking your next trip. September is right around the corner and is, in one guides opinion, the best time of the summer to go out climbing. There are no people. The weather is cool. Lastly, there is little to no traffic in town.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Enjoy the rest of your summer!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ande Kahora</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimT6iZjWMJP5mc9jqAv0SNwbfJNRC8npkVl3H8J0I_eMgrp6Ih66jw_yfoCZhMQOtGovHINAAylxa0-Hk8pbkVmc-c-yyypSE0EqqA9-PawCWgFA3BIKtX7qS8_yA31sds14-1AOMgWes/s1600/183885_10150264656754757_42599874756_7237972_2379527_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimT6iZjWMJP5mc9jqAv0SNwbfJNRC8npkVl3H8J0I_eMgrp6Ih66jw_yfoCZhMQOtGovHINAAylxa0-Hk8pbkVmc-c-yyypSE0EqqA9-PawCWgFA3BIKtX7qS8_yA31sds14-1AOMgWes/s1600/183885_10150264656754757_42599874756_7237972_2379527_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a></div>Acadia Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002875950784323756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745339161289075409.post-67437992969368882232011-06-18T17:55:00.000-07:002011-06-18T17:55:05.260-07:00Tayloe and John's Excellent Adventure!A tremendous break in the weather was celebrated yesterday with a full day of climbing with Tayloe and John. Tayloe (like J-lo!) is a surf instructor from California and John is...well...an Irishman. They have been up in Maine visiting for a few weeks. Like most folks who come to MDI and climb, they decided they needed to check out the cliffs in Acadia National Park. And what better way then to have your own private tour guide?!<br />
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Now, Tayloe has a bit of outdoor sport climbing experience and John is relatively new to outdoor climbing. That being said both of these would-be Canadians could crush and it made for great exposure to some of the best climbs on the South Wall of Champlain Mountain!<br />
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We started out warming up at the Central Slabs area on <i>Wafer Step</i> and <i>Recollections of Pacifica</i>. These two climbs are great introductions to the cliff. Slabby, footwork specific routes that really help one learn about friction and granite! After the warm-up we got right after it and headed over to the main section of the cliff. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpKTD7ZO416hUQY5PP5hurBo86ARM43riSj6eWMWa2Z2QNx51m6cXGi8BsIsvVFPusitCFIuk5YYFKIt44ejOHDMH-lsmFItNGngXlGQuPK-SURBXcRRGR2akXnKyOhMJrqLDGsyDjcQ/s1600/P1000137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpKTD7ZO416hUQY5PP5hurBo86ARM43riSj6eWMWa2Z2QNx51m6cXGi8BsIsvVFPusitCFIuk5YYFKIt44ejOHDMH-lsmFItNGngXlGQuPK-SURBXcRRGR2akXnKyOhMJrqLDGsyDjcQ/s320/P1000137.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from atop Story of O on the South Wall </td></tr>
</tbody></table>There are a few climbs that are required of all climbers to complete when they come to the park. <i>Story of O</i> is one of the best three pitch climbs the island has to offer. It is awesome! One pitch of easy gully climbing, followed by one of the best 5.6 corners in the east. The last pitch is a "ski track" system of parallel hand cracks that lead into a huge hallway, then onto a big ledge with an amazing view.<br />
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From the top of <i>Story of O</i>, Tayloe and John were able to grapple some other classics on the cliff. The two pitch <i>Gunklandia</i> has a great upper pitch. Stem, squeeze and grunt your way up the awkward chimney/corner through a bulge to the anchors.<br />
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Our next stop on the cliff was a route called <i>Return to Forever</i>. Imagine if you will a corner. This corner is unlike anything you have ever seen. Slippery feet, holds large enough for only the tips of ones fingers, a rusty piton and a "praise jah" hold finish help to outline one stellar pitch of 5.9.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SuivqEbOSTZhTGZR4ClmcccrUOqAxVGJm02HFGW8EHdm4lrbKitUnvDvVFfUc9jH_4NvOYLkM1QqrFA0DqDG2nP1mk0RZ2IaRhJ2d4j7f2Tn_4tO-23iK1owvo-u04LzCTf1yZsAdZ8/s1600/P1000135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SuivqEbOSTZhTGZR4ClmcccrUOqAxVGJm02HFGW8EHdm4lrbKitUnvDvVFfUc9jH_4NvOYLkM1QqrFA0DqDG2nP1mk0RZ2IaRhJ2d4j7f2Tn_4tO-23iK1owvo-u04LzCTf1yZsAdZ8/s320/P1000135.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tayloe finding her own way up Return to Forever.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJP1uzMnCPHNjd3r6w0hFIpE3T7LW5uxn2vepfLI_n7sYIYbUc40SQPbL3tgSm_yz4cmUMU0lHNXV8i4tSLcV006ZJShtg5PCQIV0z63yj7zE6233wH-oxiQM2MmEdCwOjvJ3tIc_msE/s1600/P1000142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJP1uzMnCPHNjd3r6w0hFIpE3T7LW5uxn2vepfLI_n7sYIYbUc40SQPbL3tgSm_yz4cmUMU0lHNXV8i4tSLcV006ZJShtg5PCQIV0z63yj7zE6233wH-oxiQM2MmEdCwOjvJ3tIc_msE/s320/P1000142.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John feeling the pump with a power lay back on Return to Forever.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>After two short rappels to the ground we were in the car and off to Otter Cliffs. The day was winding down but the sun was still out. After a relaxing lunch of humus and carrots, apples and scones we were off to finish up our day with a bang.<br />
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Tayloe and John floated <i>Easy Corner</i>. They hiked <i>The Flake. </i>They were in need of a serious challenge. Luckily, <i>Adair by the Sea</i> was two climbs over. A tips crack and steep jug haul, <i>Adair by the Sea</i> is one of the most fun 5.10s at Otter Cliffs. Tayloe gave it all she had and put in a great effort. John decided to save it for another day.<br />
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It was a great time climbing with Tayloe and John and I look forward to getting out with them again. When you combine the South Wall and Otter Cliffs, there is a lifetime of amazing climbs to do.<br />
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Thanks again guys!<br />
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Until next time...Climb Hard and have FUN!<br />
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Ande KahoraAcadia Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002875950784323756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745339161289075409.post-3455807518927366752011-06-12T12:16:00.000-07:002011-06-12T12:16:27.797-07:00Soñando de Mexico<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3g-H5ZxRGqiQELOmK2omOIiLJkBM_qIIdNxDjdt5CJ0mtkq31xw5o3ia5yIXnLgYzXx8RqofMlBpT-ZX7uslR7lSCihF_KdMemIPgY5Hes_DIcQfGLkyGjFE0of94HNxr1dkZIN-3zzg/s1600/IMG_1844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3g-H5ZxRGqiQELOmK2omOIiLJkBM_qIIdNxDjdt5CJ0mtkq31xw5o3ia5yIXnLgYzXx8RqofMlBpT-ZX7uslR7lSCihF_KdMemIPgY5Hes_DIcQfGLkyGjFE0of94HNxr1dkZIN-3zzg/s400/IMG_1844.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">El Toro. The summit marks the top of Time Wave Zero 5.12.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sitting in the guide shop taking inventory of all the wet, cold gear hanging all over the room, I can't help be allow my mind to drift to WARMER days. Days filled with DRY desert air in the beautiful town of Hidalgo, Mexico.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPEpScCKguVQOSgUBls1CHcmH1mcLnO1vl6NATYMe_u2zi1pntfjTmWdLVm5h1vROFQwn76OmwYJQmNwZbE8mF_QBMSudGvPLnUqv3ZFtbu6didB4PU2rfUBUD6r_LTZ47fkXom2HIeQ/s1600/181816_1584715377428_1222050168_31335335_3181250_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPEpScCKguVQOSgUBls1CHcmH1mcLnO1vl6NATYMe_u2zi1pntfjTmWdLVm5h1vROFQwn76OmwYJQmNwZbE8mF_QBMSudGvPLnUqv3ZFtbu6didB4PU2rfUBUD6r_LTZ47fkXom2HIeQ/s400/181816_1584715377428_1222050168_31335335_3181250_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AMG Guide Ande Kahora atop Time Wave Zero (5.12)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> This past winter I was lucky enough to spend three months in El Potrero Chico climbing endless limestone cliffs. Located 40 minutes from the large city of Monterrey, Potrero has become an international destination for aspiring multi-pitch climbers. It is a vast limestone sport climbing paradise with the second longest sport climb in the world: TIME WAVE ZERO, clocking in at approximately 2300ft high with a difficulty rating of 5.12. That's 23 pitches of clipping bolts!<br />
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If multi-pitch climbing isn't your thing then try the thousands of single pitch routes. Whether you are psyched on slab, vertical techy edging or thuggish overhanging jug hauls, Potrero has what you need. One can go to a different spot everyday for weeks and still not touch it all. All approaches are between 5 to 20 minutes. It is truly a sport climbing paradise.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhom4GKQ23VNFutkU8VrnHOR0__NRhwC80dmVZAFRwDibB3jytbph5scoVf4gEV2Mds3WIA-wh8h0Opki_5xnUJwCFEngj8f1QW4JYikVtZD3h2djq2YidWwCzgTLG1f1p5q75e5SbEwmQ/s1600/P1010752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhom4GKQ23VNFutkU8VrnHOR0__NRhwC80dmVZAFRwDibB3jytbph5scoVf4gEV2Mds3WIA-wh8h0Opki_5xnUJwCFEngj8f1QW4JYikVtZD3h2djq2YidWwCzgTLG1f1p5q75e5SbEwmQ/s400/P1010752.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AMG Guide Ande Kahora gunning for a red point on Guppy (5.12), Surf Bowl.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJAPmqH0QKOyfL_dh6CT_V3HbcyYKWvt6wsMwZ5A-6uHX7JELv6u8HHyfKguFqCxPM2PDI09_fA8cIaCJ_2DW6a1LGNrNGIXGazPU4-HO5Ox4GWmlZsjJN4cc7esdrUj1RMXWcZx-2aE/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJAPmqH0QKOyfL_dh6CT_V3HbcyYKWvt6wsMwZ5A-6uHX7JELv6u8HHyfKguFqCxPM2PDI09_fA8cIaCJ_2DW6a1LGNrNGIXGazPU4-HO5Ox4GWmlZsjJN4cc7esdrUj1RMXWcZx-2aE/s400/DSC_0028.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AMG Guide Ande Kahora shaking out before the business on Don Quixote (5.11), Virgin Canyon.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Acadia Mountain Guides will be traveling to Mexico in the winter of 2012. El Potrero Chico is one of the destinations we will be guiding. We are currently accepting enrollments on a regular basis and hope to be filled out by the fall. As you sit and watch the rain today, dream about clipping bolts and long warm days climbing in Mexico. And be sure to call Acadia Mountain Guides at 207 288 8186 when you are ready for your Mexican adventure.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwDKE_hopY4Qu1JB9wP9R6uxSXfQpkCeViwJ98_jMQDE0x-4V-ToduN_RRZo0S3Wr90LGs4o0LUHot3IJGfS1UepOu-R2aG6viy4JbOO3yfT2Ps8wEjMaI-RuF2gps1mk1SAK2jnkTXY/s1600/7724_524168755048_59702557_31234260_8269509_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwDKE_hopY4Qu1JB9wP9R6uxSXfQpkCeViwJ98_jMQDE0x-4V-ToduN_RRZo0S3Wr90LGs4o0LUHot3IJGfS1UepOu-R2aG6viy4JbOO3yfT2Ps8wEjMaI-RuF2gps1mk1SAK2jnkTXY/s400/7724_524168755048_59702557_31234260_8269509_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AMG Guide Ian Kirk descending the Crescent Moon Buttress.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
See you on the TOP!<br />
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ANDE KAHORAAcadia Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002875950784323756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745339161289075409.post-70540452267762237512011-06-08T13:20:00.000-07:002011-06-08T13:20:35.078-07:00Hello June, So Good to See You Again!Holy Cow, it's been a few days since our last installment! We have been really busy here at Acadia Mountain Guides. Our guides have been showing clients a good time hanging off the end of a rope, and we just completed a Professional Climbing Instructors Association (PCIA) Top Rope Site Manager and Single Pitch Instructor course. The season has begun and we here at AMG are psyched for a great summer. <br />
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Every June AMG provides a PCIA Top Rope Site Manager and Single Pitch Instructor course. The purpose of the courses is to teach new methods of rock climbing instruction and solidify existing skills.<br />
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At four days long, this course starts at the basics. What is a belay device, what is a rope, what is a harness? Now, most climbers new and old can answer at least one of these questions. The idea is to start simple. Most climbers know what a belay device is, but could most climbers effectively teach a person what a belay device is and how to properly use it? Maybe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLpDTNu1LGv9D5irU0UKL2IWN4r4SkUA7k0QlIJv3_jni4DKOzqsnpSlr1zNy5Ljbs02VashpU5DfL4tYBmWjJFnx0VdVrOsNuYSQx4-2Du07NPgoALoC91BDQ-OGXqWOTTmo5ESDERY/s1600/P1060219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLpDTNu1LGv9D5irU0UKL2IWN4r4SkUA7k0QlIJv3_jni4DKOzqsnpSlr1zNy5Ljbs02VashpU5DfL4tYBmWjJFnx0VdVrOsNuYSQx4-2Du07NPgoALoC91BDQ-OGXqWOTTmo5ESDERY/s400/P1060219.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at all the different belay devices! Being a good instructor means being able to explain how they are different and why you might choose one device over another.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As the course goes on we start to shift gears to understanding knots, placement of protection and the construction of climbing anchors. Believe it or not there are only a few basic knots a climber needs to know to be proficient. However, an instructor should know more and be able to explain how the knots are constructed.<br />
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Think about the movie Jaws. Remember Hooper trying to tie a bowline around a barrel before Quint shoots the shark with a harpoon? Well, if Hooper had taken a PCIA course he would have been able to tie that bowline with a bit more confidence and wouldn't have almost kill Chief Brody in the process.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPUVMgy8BcorJSUBs8FvyWmuv5zl2r2uzO81ypdjwnGMPhkPFc-ntBHRJWfKTMz6YeFk5ucFr8_-g9oV2qH8QFlX6DlswvzhJsjZ-FDfWBPTFF_LuRblox259njI2wC-DZrDg463nn8U/s1600/P1060220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPUVMgy8BcorJSUBs8FvyWmuv5zl2r2uzO81ypdjwnGMPhkPFc-ntBHRJWfKTMz6YeFk5ucFr8_-g9oV2qH8QFlX6DlswvzhJsjZ-FDfWBPTFF_LuRblox259njI2wC-DZrDg463nn8U/s320/P1060220.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> There are many different ways to tie specific knots. What's important is the end product. A bowline should be a bowline no matter how you decide to tie it.<br />
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So is there a difference between any of these knots? They all look like bowlines...<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Okay, so now you know some knots. How are you going to use them to create an anchor strong enough to climb on? What is strong enough anyway? Should I use trees, boulders, artificial protection, or my mother-in-law's leg? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The concept of anchor building is often times described using ACRONYMS. You know, like SCUBA. The most common climbing anchor acronym being SERNE.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiru5MGfeJXVIWz1QpkK6x0IeJu0p0b7neZCNE06OVDchgpqrRiXX83BtafcL6xluNqqLnZT_BwJ0aezxNUINryRby05yB-MK1rrbi2G7q77vmzrIeXi9S5c6zmJ9l776Rg4wSxgnSWr-c/s1600/P1060226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiru5MGfeJXVIWz1QpkK6x0IeJu0p0b7neZCNE06OVDchgpqrRiXX83BtafcL6xluNqqLnZT_BwJ0aezxNUINryRby05yB-MK1rrbi2G7q77vmzrIeXi9S5c6zmJ9l776Rg4wSxgnSWr-c/s320/P1060226.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>OLID/SIMPLE</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">E</span>QUALIZED</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">R</span>EDUNDANT</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">N</span>O</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">E</span>XTENSIONS</b></span><br />
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The anchor you build should fit into each criteria. However, the important thing to remember is that all parts of a good anchor are built on each other. You can't limit your Extensions without thinking about Equalization. You wouldn't have anything to Equalize without thinking about Redundancy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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The Top Rope Site Manager course moves past anchors and next focuses on how to create your climbing systems. You will be managing many kids, and aside from stopping them jumping into the ocean or beating on each other, you have to set up top-rope climbs that will keep them moving and happy. The skills required to set up top-rope climbs quickly and manage the fun and safely of a large group are major focuses of PCIA courses.<br />
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Unfortunately, there is so much more to say about the PCIA course and Acadia Mountain Guides in general but, alas, there is only so much time say it.<br />
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I will leave you with this: <br />
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If you haven't made it to Acadia National Park yet this year, get here FAST! The weather is warm and sunny with cool ocean breezes. The rock is dry and begging to be climbed! Take a week off from work, finish up school and come out here! You won't regret it!<br />
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Be sure to stop in atour Bar Harbor shop at 228 Main St. and say hello!<br />
<br />
ANDE KAHORA <br />
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</div>Acadia Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002875950784323756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745339161289075409.post-49763645448583480192011-06-02T15:25:00.000-07:002011-06-02T15:25:53.464-07:00On Short Notice...This afternoon, as I battled my way through Bar Harbor traffic/construction (which only seems to intensify as the years go on) I was ripped from my rage-filled daze by a phone call from our General Manager/Guide, Ian. He explained to me that someone had just arrived on the island and within minutes of finding a place to park decided to go rock climbing for the first time in his life. <br />
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"Do you want to work this afternoon?" Ian asked me.<br />
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Would I like to be on the edge of a cliff, dangling over the ocean or stuck in Bar Harbor traffic? I would hope the decision for most people would be easy...<br />
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An hour later and I am shaking hands with Tristan. From Michigan, he had just arrived on the island after a short stay in Portland, ME. We quickly got through the legal mumbo-jumbo, gathered up some gear and were in the car on our way into the park.<br />
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This time of year the park is a little slow so we had the whole one-way road to ourselves. We drove to Otter Cliff parking lot without any hassles, and we were geared up and ready to climb in a matter of minutes. As is common in Acadia, visitors like to look at people carrying ropes and wearing helmets as a little strange. However, once you start rappelling over a cliffs edge their confusion turns to wonderment. Tristan had a mixed crowd as he made is way over to the edge of the rock and began his first ever rappel! As a guide you start to develop a sense for when people are really uncomfortable, so when I informed Tristan as to what rappelling was and how he was going to be leaning backwards over the cliff all I could do was smile and tell him not to worry because I was holding onto the rope. Sometimes you just have to trust your guide.<br />
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After making it to the bottom of the cliff Tristan and I warmed up on a few climbs. The goal was to familiarize him with the equipment and processes involved with climbing.<br />
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Tristan took to rock climbing like it was second nature. Sometimes all you need is a person telling you that you're doing the right thing and just keep going. Pretty soon we moved to rappelling over the ocean so Tristan could experience what it was like to climb with the sea splashing below you.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWB0tp3osE_Zk8iewp1l7rcoKacvSThTyLayG4XRhGKUaGhuEJrxvottsaeOmKJrZXo0Dq58vk4tIvo7yjYQ1GyjrHOJR2ymq8K-Uu3anT2ynyg_KkGxT2fK4n0eX7NGiufMOzYjJPh0/s1600/downsize2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWB0tp3osE_Zk8iewp1l7rcoKacvSThTyLayG4XRhGKUaGhuEJrxvottsaeOmKJrZXo0Dq58vk4tIvo7yjYQ1GyjrHOJR2ymq8K-Uu3anT2ynyg_KkGxT2fK4n0eX7NGiufMOzYjJPh0/s400/downsize2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tristan on his way up at South Otter Cliffs</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"> Tristan was doing so well for his first time <span style="background-color: black; color: white;">we decided to climb up and out of South Otter Cliffs and head over to the main event, Otter Cliffs.</span></div><div style="background-color: black; color: white; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: black; color: white; text-align: left;">Otter Cliffs is the iconic seaside cliff of Acadia National Park. Climbers from all over the world have come to Bar Harbor just to climb here.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflyZqGkjpRzJcKwW4Y32rGz_GyaVXEP3APxQmyFt-n9-igGjAcPVR1gkB0QLLHSe88Psmp8Lr32l6EjKvl1ST4kC6Q4Gyog8Hbp7ahL208aKM09zOPZVlI-vurVoJr_DKnf_O-dwyDqo/s1600/otter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflyZqGkjpRzJcKwW4Y32rGz_GyaVXEP3APxQmyFt-n9-igGjAcPVR1gkB0QLLHSe88Psmp8Lr32l6EjKvl1ST4kC6Q4Gyog8Hbp7ahL208aKM09zOPZVlI-vurVoJr_DKnf_O-dwyDqo/s400/otter.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span>Tristan and I had to whole cliff to ourselves. We chose to climb a route called <i>IN THE GROOVE</i>. This is a great climb that starts from a big scoop inside the wall, and follows a crack between the main rock face and a huge flake sticking out from it. It is definitely one of my favorites.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Tristan once again was climbing like he had been doing it for years. Needing no guidance from me he found his way up with no problem.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sadly, we decided to end our day there. Tristan and his wife had one more day to spend in Acadia and I didn't want to make him too tired so he could enjoy the park tomorrow.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">A good tip for Otter Cliffs for anyone thinking about traveling there this summer:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Learn to create a system that allows you to belay from the anchor rather then your waist. If you have experience climbing multi-pitch routes this type of belay set-up can be easy. If not, it can look a little wacky. Here is an example:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYh64u5xFIywr1SVRg9Df17cp-ZzaA1UfmDoGGPOrT8iX-Y7mfYDURZQuNqa_0CNe8-zGBP_0zI8LaqenYRasB-0Kkdpq-SyI0l3PgG0HqIz31oosN30yX0HCmfCU-32wHeudQQNmXkCo/s1600/downsize3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYh64u5xFIywr1SVRg9Df17cp-ZzaA1UfmDoGGPOrT8iX-Y7mfYDURZQuNqa_0CNe8-zGBP_0zI8LaqenYRasB-0Kkdpq-SyI0l3PgG0HqIz31oosN30yX0HCmfCU-32wHeudQQNmXkCo/s400/downsize3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Belaying with a Gri-Gri directly off the master point can save you a ton of grief! If you have never seen this or done it, feel free to stop into the Acadia Mountain Guides shop at 228 Main St. in Bar Harbor, ME. Any of our staff would be happy to explain this system. And if that isn't enough help think about hiring a guide to take you out for the day. Acadia Mountain Guides offers half and full day trips all summer long! Give us a call at 207 288 8186.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks again to Tristan for a great time out on the rocks today!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ande Kahora</div>Acadia Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002875950784323756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745339161289075409.post-86062371056025578572011-06-01T16:37:00.000-07:002011-06-01T17:04:47.115-07:00In the Beginning...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Welcome to Acadia Mountain Guides!</b></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKZnGNV0w4DDaNoCjfkAafcoc7Vspa_3bH0dXPtI6CHR0rHC9DsUuC7dlWIw0lXPM_dUp6TESzLhDZ6xsDD3jCKP-vP_RFhyxBgdhnTISY97DCuf1IIomIevCNrYGURso7OXZNThSdhI/s1600/188037_42599874756_2363984_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKZnGNV0w4DDaNoCjfkAafcoc7Vspa_3bH0dXPtI6CHR0rHC9DsUuC7dlWIw0lXPM_dUp6TESzLhDZ6xsDD3jCKP-vP_RFhyxBgdhnTISY97DCuf1IIomIevCNrYGURso7OXZNThSdhI/s1600/188037_42599874756_2363984_n.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b> </b></u></span><br />
With the start to our 2011 summer season just around the corner, we are celebrating by creating our first ever BLOG.<br />
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There is so much happening with Acadia Mountain Guides this year! First and foremost, we have re-opened our Bar Harbor shop and we are now ready to offer folks an early chance to climb on the iconic Acadia Sea Cliffs before it gets really crowded. We offer exciting half and full day climbing trips inside Acadia National Park. Whether you are looking to try out rock climbing for the first time or you want to dust off the old climbing rack and get some classic pitches in, Acadia Mountain Guides can promise a memorable experience. Please call for rates and availability, 207 288 8186.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIws39_Zfxp1auAIKeTyYq-BF-iBQuuaPhzxwJoq8fpM-npdAk7TwzY3gEr1LiK1NB2SdM6OnFqBWQ7GIwcNMdWpMZCgOIBDxiIJU5lFGE5yaIoqTphMXoqXA4NUXmLmXpHjwqVfdkic/s1600/Photo+on+2011-06-01+at+18.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIws39_Zfxp1auAIKeTyYq-BF-iBQuuaPhzxwJoq8fpM-npdAk7TwzY3gEr1LiK1NB2SdM6OnFqBWQ7GIwcNMdWpMZCgOIBDxiIJU5lFGE5yaIoqTphMXoqXA4NUXmLmXpHjwqVfdkic/s320/Photo+on+2011-06-01+at+18.54.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Starting the weekend of June 3rd, Acadia Mountain Guides will be providing a four day Single Pitch & Top Rope Site Manager course for the Professional Climbing Instructors Association (PCIA). This course will focus on the fundamental skills of anchor building, learning how to manage a top rope climbing site from the ground and from the top of the cliff, and how these skills relate to single pitch lead climbs. These skills are crucial for anyone who wants to facilitate rock climbing for colleges clubs or camp leaders. Additionally, this course is open to the public and will give any recreational climber the skills and confidence to climb anywhere. There are only a few spots left! To sign up, give us a call at 207 288 8186.<br />
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Be ready to deal with any emergency mother nature can throw at you with the Wilderness First Aid course! On June 14-15th, Acadia Mountain Guides will also be hosting a Wilderness First Aid course provided by Wilderness Medical Association (WMA). WMA instructor and AMG owner Jon Tierney will be teaching the course. This is a bare minimum course requirement for most camp or college outdoor leaders. Spots are still available. Call to guarantee your place 207 288 8186!<br />
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Be sure to keep checking in to stay up-to-date with how our 2011 season is going. We hope to have some more exciting photos and stories to tell as the days press on.<br />
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Thanks for stopping in!<br />
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CLIMB ON!Acadia Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002875950784323756noreply@blogger.com2