MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Spring 2018

SPRING 2018 ML BLUE 49 Soon after moving to the area, I heard there was a “new” cliff called The Swamp and it was like we had stumbled across Area 51 when we found it— super top secret. We climbed not knowing route grades/names, and added a few of our own. I lived in the area for two years before hearing about Devil’s Glen (arguably one of the best cliffs in the Beaver Valley region) and had to scrape my jaw off the trail when I walked that cliff line for the first time. It’s a different story today; since the release of two updated climbing guidebooks, the Valley has become a very easy-to-navigate climbers’ playground. I knew this incredible area wouldn’t be quiet for long, as I slowly brainwashed climbing friends and even my parents to move here. As climbing grew in popularity, so did the demand for climbing courses along the Escarpment. This motivated me to get accredited as a certified Lead Guide with PCGI and soon after I opened On the Rocks Climbing Guides. Little did I know that the sport of climbing would grow so fast, I would work full time as a guide and provide work opportunities for other certified guides. The negative side of growing popularity is the increasing environmental impact on these fragile places, from climbers and hikers alike. A community of guides and organizations is now working closely with the MNR to create a sustainability plan for Metcalfe Rock, including bathrooms and regeneration signs. It is imperative that everyone follows “Leave No Trace” practices while enjoying these environmentally sensitive areas. It is also imperative that we educate others to do the same. Leslie Timms is a professional climber and owner of On the Rocks Climbing Guides. Leslie is also an Arc'teryx Athlete. She resides in Thornbury, Ontario. The Beaver Valley has become a very easy-to-navigate climbers’ playground. Timms climbing Nutcracker, 5.8, Devil’s Glen. COLIN FIELD