MOUNTAIN LIFE - Coast Mountains | Summer 2018

90 MLCM SUMMER 2018 LEFT Cunning gem-hunters can find a variety of solid routes along the Green River, south of Pemberton. Jonathan Siegrist pans for a nugget on the Klarafied Boulder. JIMMY MARTINELLO Or digging in. One particular mission to Anvil Island stands out. Guarded by a 10-kilometre approach of open ocean, the southwest side of Anvil offers sun-soaked golden granite, steep climbing right out of the ocean floor. On a sunny day in February, two buddies and I launched our paddleboards and pushed off into the winter wind and cold. Arriving at the rock, we promptly punctured an inflatable paddleboard, but our minds and spirits were drawn towards the rock rather than the problem of having three people and two boards. Climbing and exploring new routes took us right to sunset, and with temperatures dropping and cool winds rising we decided to lash together a sweet raft using our (two good and one deflated) boards, three driftwood cross braces, and rope, lots and lots of climbing rope. The Cheakamus Canyon contains a fistful of riverside classics. Naomi Allard uncovers a good one. PHIL TIFO