Mountain Life drops the latest Blue Mountains issue.
The German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche first penned the words “What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger” in the late 19th century. While the well-worn aphorism may now be reminiscent of motivational posters, the sentiment is nonetheless apt for the human condition, whether in Nietzsche’s 1888 or modern-day 2024: Resilience is key to both our survival and our contentedness.
Tackling adversity head-on and emerging with lessons learned is a story we all want to hear; it’s the inspiration we need as we summit our challenges. In the Fall 2024 issue of Mountain Life Blue Mountains, we’re detailing stories of grit and endurance, of people coming to terms with how far they can push their limits and discovering just how strong they really are. –Kristin Schnelten, Editor
Resilience is key to both our survival and our contentedness.
Issue Highlights
THE EPIC WILDERNESS TRAVERSE
Every September, 250 masochistic beasts zip their phones and GPS units into tamper-proof bags and set out to canoe, trek and mountain bike across 150 kilometres of the Algonquin wilderness with nothing more than a paper map, compass and headlamp to guide them. The gruelling 24-hour (or more) event, organized by Collingwood local Bob Miller, has developed a reputation as one of the premier adventure races in Canada. Kristin Schnelten takes a deep dive into the stories of pain and perseverance behind the astounding effort of teamwork, navigation, athleticism and raw mental strength that is Wilderness Traverse. As Miller says to competitors: “You will love it. You will hate it. You will feel powerful. You will want it to end. Then, when it’s all over and you’re back to your regular day-to-day life, you will crave to do it again.”
THE PERSEVERANCE OF CHARLIE ADAMS
In September of 2022, the world of Charlie Adams—local character and pillar of the ski industry—changed in a split second, when a tree-trimming accident left him with a severe spinal cord injury. The outpouring of support from the community mirrored Charlie’s consummate positive attitude and helped to stoke the fire of his perseverance and gratitude. Contributing Editor Colin Field catches up with the indefatigable athlete as he adapts to his new life, tackling mountain biking, skiing and rehabilitation with charm, belly laughs—and bicep flexes.
POM POM FOR ALL
Pom Pom owners Rheanna Kish and Andrea Greyerbiehl have been scheming and smiling since the day they met. With their first ice cream hut in Thornbury, through their relocation just down the road and their expansion to neighbouring Meaford, Pom Pom is committed fuelling steamy days at the beach and keeping the summertime vibe going straight through winter. Their Meaford location is open year-round, and serves as ice cream central for their homemade plant-based options, which are available from local retailers around the province. ML Contributing Editor Allison Kennedy-Davies gets the behind-the-scenes scoop about the little ice cream shop that could.
THE EPICENTRE OF CANADIAN MOUNTAIN BIKING
When Colin Field says, “It was one of the raddest things I’ve ever seen,” you know it’s one for the books. Field and his family hit up Le Massif, QC, for a fast-and-furious downhill mountain bike adventure, then joined the throngs of supporters at the Mountain Bike World Cup Finals at Mont-Sainte-Anne. Cowbells, crashes and champagne showers abounded at this high-intensity all-out celebration of mountain biking and its contagious energy.
WORKING FROM HOME IN CEYLON
Dano Harris is a creative dynamo. The blacksmith and woodworker (and longtime snowboard instructor) defines himself as a craftsman, but the quality and heart in every piece he creates lands him squarely in the artisan category. He put his decades of experience to the test with his largest effort yet: his home studio in Ceylon. The cordwood-constructed workshop showcases his hand-forged steel cross pieces and precise attention to detail, and serves as the new home for his sculptural and functional work.
SILVERSTAR DELIVERS
Endless grins, deep pow and nonexistent lift lines: Does the perfect ski resort exist? ML Publisher Glen Harris packed up his crew and jetted off to SilverStar last season, bringing back positive confirmation: Yes, this fabled land is real. And it’s accessible, too. A mellow airport, sweet mid-mountain village and massive terrain sealed the deal. Harris lays out the details on this BC resort that boasts all the steeps, glades and après you’re dreaming of.
Check out the full issue here. Pick up a print issue at the usual rad spots throughout the Blue Mountains region.
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