Highline Summer 2012 Issue by Highline Magazine

summer 2012 VOL. 4, ISSUE 2

FREE

FOR ALL

Dazed & Concussed \\ women gone wild \\ guy on a buffalo \\ hiking berg lake

Explore the beauty of Canada’s West O ne e x

p e r i en c e a t a t i m e

NEW EVENT

September 8th, 2012

GranFondo Canada, the producers of the epic RBC GranFondo Whistler and RBC GranFondo Kelowna,

August 25th, 2012

RBC Blue - cmyk (100/60/0/6) RBC Yellow - cmyk (0/10/100/0)

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has now expanded the “Big Ride” cycling experience into the Rockies. July 14th, 2012

Set your sights and build your calendar. Three GranFondo

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Canada events in 2012 will provide cyclists with the opportunity to ride majestic and challenging routes

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��

grit in your teeth?® shoulda brought a buff!

Summer 2012 Volume 4 | Issue 2

Founding Publisher | Photo Editor: Kristy Davison · kristy@highlineonline.ca

Editor: Meghan J. Ward · meghan@highlineonline.ca

Creative Director: Brita Thomas

Lead Graphic Designer: Julie McArthur · Wild Ginger Design

Copy Editor: Paul Davison

Advertising Sales: Stefan Grecu · stefan@highlineonline.ca Nicole Larson · nicole@highlineonline.ca

Events Camara Boomer Miller · events@highlineonline.ca

Contributors Brita Thomas, Elaine Thomas, Geoffrey Hunter, Kamil Bialous, Andrew Dawson, Peter Dettling, Dawn Green, Craig Hall, Marko Stavric, Reuben Krabbe, Joanna Croston, John Reid, Chloe Vance, Niki Wilson and Mark Zanetti

Special Thanks Barry Blanchard, Siri Bright, Allan Buckingham, John Coleman, Andrew Dawson, Stefan Kuhn, Camara Miller, Rick Guinn, Sarah Pearson, The Robertsons, Jeff Thom, Tom Thompson and Harvest Moon Acoustics, communitea café, Avalanche Movie Co., Mark Unrau, Chloe Vance and Paul Zizka Email · info@highlineonline.ca Web · www.highlineonline.ca Facebook · Highline Magazine Twitter · @HighlineMag

Find us in the Valley at: Valhalla Pure • Trail Sports Inc. • Wapiti Sports and Outfitters • Banff Ski Hub • Doncath Holdings Ltd • Ski Banff Lake Louise Sunshine • Ultimate Ski & Ride • Summit Motor Sports and Tours • Ultimate Fit Center • Wilson Mountain Sports • Two Wolves Trading Co. • Monod Sports • Sports Experts

www.buffcanada.com BUFF ® is a registered trademark of Original BUFF S.A. (Spain)

Highline Magazine is a free, semi-annual publication. Printed in Canada on FSC ® Certified Paper.

Cover photo: Isabelle Filion dropping into the pool above “Widow Maker” rapid on the Kananaskis River, AB. Photo by Kamil Bialous. dedicated to the memories of carlyle norman and adam yauch.

letter from us 6 whats up with 8 highline chatter 10 Gone a-spray 14 peyto cabin 16 women gone wild 20 STILL LIFE 23 berg lake 30 spider dogs 33 dazed & 34 concussed brown bagginâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in 40 the backcountry Photo by Kristy Davison

guy on a buffalo 42 grit, grime & 44 greatness locally grown 45 snapshot 50 HIGHLINE

since 1973, patagonia has been committed to building the best quality outdoor gear.

LETTER FROM us

designed to endure

Gather ‘round the fire... We’re smelling like a campfire these days after digging into the raw, rustic and restorative nature of the articles in this issue. Walking in the footsteps of our alpine ancestors, we tackled some gritty issues, got lost in the woods, bonked our heads, rode a buffalo, ate a few spiders and got maced...all for an inside look at some of your outdoorsy antics. It’s no walk in the park, but it’s worth it. We’re madly in love with you, dear mountain people, and we live to bring your best stories forward. With the hardiness of a larch tree, we pledge to honour our earthy roots and inspire our community with the stories we tell. Truly looking forward to picking more dirt out from under our nails with you this summer. If you’re lookin’ for us, we’ll be huddled up to the campfire, enjoying a delicious, greasy dog and a few marshmallows...and by “a few,” of course we mean a baker’s dozen.

The only Thing we can’T do is proTecT you from yourself... Typewriter keys represent the keys of life... get a taste of what our typewriter went through to bring you this issue: bit.ly/typewriterteam

was approaching a climb with the safety off of my bear spray, thinking that if anything were to happen, i would want to be as ready as possible. on the way, i bent down and my elbow hit the loaded bear spray canister. i’m telling you, you’ve never felt a burn like that on your skin. i tried to wash it off but it just made it worse so when i got home i actually called the poison control centre and they told me to put yogurt on it, which helped the burn but not my pride. it took multiple washes to get the burning pepper out of my shirt but eventually it came out. the shirt stood up to that napalm burn better than i did, that’s for sure. - Barry Blanchard, world-class mountaineer

94 Banff Ave 403-985-5588 Just Before The Bridge

135 8th Ave SW 403-266-6463 On Stephen Avenue Mall

Photo copyright Shutterstock Robyn Mackenzie

contributors

dawn green Green by nature and green by name, Dawn is a nature and travel writer who’s happy to say she has lived in both Banff and Jasper, where she discovered inspiration and solace in the mountains. Her work has appeared in international publications, including Australia’s Great Walks, Mountain Life, Vancouver Sun and Whistler Pique. She covers mountain life, environment and travel tales and loves to hike when not at her desk penning articles (dgreenwriting.com).

john reid John is a broadcast news student and competitive rower who developed a love for the Rockies during numerous high altitude training sessions. When he’s not in the classroom or on the water, John can be found hiking, road cycling or trail running in his favourite playground. He also holds a keen interest in nutrition and would be flattered if you read his nutrition articles at highlineonline.ca.

mark zanetti Born in Windsor, Ontario, Mark migrated west over eight years ago and currently resides in Banff, Alberta (the place that “stole his heart”). Having lived in the mountains and on the ocean’s edge, this former hotel concierge and sea kayak guide now spends his days as a hiking guide in Banff National Park while completing his self described “every-man adventures” on his days off. This is his first contribution to Highline. kamil bialous Kamil Bialous (kamilbialous.com) photographs people, travel and active adventure while maintaining a home base on the west coast of Canada. Currently based in Vancouver, his love of the Rockies began years ago with a late September trip to Banff, where the light, colours and landscapes had him smitten from first sight of the Bow. He’s currently editing a gallery show and art book about the North Shore of Oahu, HI. Clients include Mountain Equipment Co-op, Outside, Vancity, Gripped, and Rapid Mag. chloe vance Chloe’s family is confused as to how a little girl from Toronto developed such a passion for the wilderness. Wanderlust has led her to guide expeditions in the far North, circumnavigate New Zealand by bicycle, and found a non-profit organization that runs outdoor experiential diabetes education programs. For Chloe, moving to the Bow Valley was a no-brainer. Inspired by her new backyard and all the gritty, interesting people she has met since moving here, she delved into writing.

what’s new

Representing the Rockies. Fo’ Real. Events Calendar

True, it looks a bit like a box of crayons, but there is some seriously magical free stuff to discover on this calendar. Pretty badass, and it’s all freer than a Hutterite chicken, so hit it up! highlineonline.ca/events

Brian Van Tighem photo

summer 2012

HIGHLINE

(Sidenote: If you are reading this and you are the person your friends consider to be an unbelievably stylish and talented computer programming wizard, then do we have a job for you! Let’s build this calendar to actually look like the mecca for all things hip and happenin’ in the mountains that it is destined to be. Call us, friend!)

make

highlineonline.ca

your homepage!

We deliver fresh, engaging articles // local trail, road and weather conditions // animal activity reports // news updates and events // a real-time connection to the Rockies

Newsletter Sign up for our newsletter to be inundated by Highlinerelated news on a daily basis (we kid!). Once a month at the most ...promise. bit.ly/highlinenewsletter

Outfit your adventure! 726 Main St., Canmore | 403.678.5610

highline photo contest Congratulations to the winners of Highline’s “Oh, Snap!” photo contest. Check out all of the submissions on our facebook page.

winner! eric frigon

runner up: jody goodwin

hMhERhin... A the Rockies! S UM

Some rainy days, so me snowy days and definitely some recovery days...

Good thing the Avalanche SUMMER DEAL is back!

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Cameras and all the accessories.

Few moments are lovelier than stargazing on a rare, warm summer night. Wondering what that brighter-than-usual star up there might be? Or want to know where the moon is hiding behind the mountains? The free SkyView app for the iPhone makes for a great companion. Hold your phone up to the sky and find out! Guaranteed, you’ll blow your friends away with your twinkling celestial smarts. The GPS technology behind this App should work anywhere, but the Dark Sky Preserve of Jasper National Park (read more in our Winter 2011-12 Issue) will be an especially great place to test its limits this summer. For the astronomy buffs out there, try the Star Walk app. -CM

REPORT A ***HOLE

Photo copyright Shutterstock James Thew

CHATTER

How I Wonder What You Are...

Try the Town of Banff ’s mobile pothole reporting service on your iPhone, iPad, Android or BlackBerry at banffmaps.ca/banffpothole. Tap the pothole location onto a map of Banff, include a description and even upload a photo. Reports are directed to the Town’s Operations Department where they will post the estimated time for repair and add it to their list!

you want this baby It’s cheaper than adoption. Get the “Guy on a Buffalo” App from iTunes and keep your friends laughing with classic lyrics from the series, right at your fingertips.

WATER TIGHT

The water around here is a bit on the chilly side but that doesn’t stop the Bow Valley Kayak Club from running the rapids. If our cover photo inspires you to pick up a paddle, the club is open to new members! Visit them at kanpaddle.ca.

If your daydreams ever begin with the words “Imagine if…” the Banff Ideas Bank (BIB) could be the best place to start making those dreams come true. Established in 2011, the intention of the BIB is to introduce “ideas” as the new currency for the community by hosting monthly Conversation Cafés, each one based on a different topic, to provide an opportunity for

meaningful discussion and a place for creative thoughts to flow. Many bright ideas are then posted online, printed in the local newspaper and taken to decision makers at town council. Pretty neat, huh? -MJW Learn more about BIB and the Conversation Cafés at banffideasbank.ca or @BanffIdeasBank

hey! Think you’ve got what it takes, meow? Find out by taking the Grit Test on our website at bit.ly/gritty-test

Photo copyright Shutterstock Velychko

summer 2012

HIGHLINE

where are you investing your good ideas?

Nature Unplugged ter with wildlife,” Titchener explains, “it’s often the case that the animal will need to be euthanized if it attacks you.” So it’s not just yourself that you’re putting at risk when you tune out. This summer, try plugging into the sounds of nature and working on your own singing skills rather than plugging in the earbuds. Better yet, run in a group of four or more as no group of that size (that sticks together) has ever been attacked by a bear. To learn more, visit wildsmart.ca. Sign up for a bear safety and bear spray training course in Canmore by emailing info@wildsmart.ca. -MJW

The University of Alberta raised the bar this past year with the establishment of the Canadian Mountain Studies Initiative (CMSI). The first of its kind in Canada, the CMSI is comprised of 25 faculty members from four faculties, including Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences; Arts; Phys. Ed. and Recreation; and Science. Their website defines the initiative as “an emerging new discipline that brings researchers, students and community participants together in improving our understanding of mountain practices, places, and peoples.” Put simply, it will be Canada’s hub for mountain studies. As far as we can tell, it’s one of the most groundbreaking activities taking place in this region. Unless, of course, a certain Crazy Local actually manages to pay for his groceries with flares, rare forest herbs and locking carabiners. We shall see. Check out mountains.ualberta.ca to see what they’re up to! -MJW

Photo by Kristy Davison

The Canadian Mountain Studies Initiative

Wearing your earbuds or headphones while out on the trails can put you in a big pickle if you run (literally) into wildlife. One of the best ways to avoid encounters with animals, including bears and cougars, is to make noise so that you can let them know you’re coming. Conversely, an animal may be making noise to let you know it needs space, but you won’t be able to hear it if Dave Grohl is dominating your eardrums. Surprising an animal is one sure way to make it angry or defensive. Kim Titchener from Bow Valley WildSmart says she hears a lot of hikers, mountain bikers and trail runners say they’re willing to take the risk. “But in the case of an encoun-

Wild Sex: The Metre-High Club Dear Crane Flies,

Illustration by Brita Thomas

You’ve officially impressed me with your mid-air sexo-batics. It can be tricky enough to perform the act on the ground, but to do it in mid-air with your butts glued together? That takes talent. The boy can’t seem to resist the lady’s voluptuously bloated abdomen, filled with unfertilized eggs just waiting for a daddy to show up. But how does she manage to keep the weight on when the two of you don’t eat anything during your adult lives? Don’t get me wrong, I like sex as much as the next gal, but giving up chocolate and perogies would almost kill me. I guess

MEET YOUR CANINE NEIGHBOUR

spending your entire adult life gettin’ busy might help take your mind off of your chocolate cravings. Somehow the massive, scary, stinger-resembling ovipositor jutting like a sharp fork from her back end doesn’t put off you male crane flies, although I have to say, the “claspers” on your male ‘nads can’t be that inspiring for her either. You guys are into pain, is that it? Kinky. Good luck gettin’ it on this summer, my aerially-talented friends. And remember to watch out for hungry birds. -Niki Wilson

ay hello to Savannah, fearless leader of our Snowy Owl Sled Dog team. She is a happy, playful young whipper-snapper who enjoys visiting with our guests and displays the true love that all our husky heroes have for their job. She spent some time “vacationing” at the Calgary Humane Society after being adopted by a number of families who simply could not keep up with her. But she sure ﬁt right in with all of Canmore’s energetic and athletic overachievers when she arrived home in the Bow Valley in November, 2010. From the moment she stepped out of the vehicle, her tail began to wag and it hasn’t stopped since. A natural leader and sled dog, after only two months of training she was leading the pack. She earned herself the nickname “Whistle Snout” thanks to her very distinctive and highpitched whistle of a bark.

summer 2012

HIGHLINE

There is no doubt that Savannah has found her forever home here in the Bow Valley and will be leading her team down the trail for many years to come!

Come visit Savannah and our team of huskies this summer at the kennel. Contact us to book your tour. The gang will be happy to meet you! 104-602 Bow Valley Trail

403.678.4369

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Mooseknuckles to the new array of tacky souvenirs that have inhabited yet another storefront on Banff Ave. You had big shoes to fill and you filled them with junk! Bear Hugs to late-night bike riders and Canada Day crawlers. An overflowing bundle of Mooseknuckles to the Conservative government for cutting the Parks budget once again.

Mooseknuckles to the Town of Canmore for wasting our money to pay out $400k for a toc employee to leave. Do my taxes really need to go up any more??!! Bear Hugs to Harvest Moon Acoustics for volunteer hours and community spirit!! Mooseknuckles to drivers who ignore kids crossing at the crosswalks. Bear hug to The Grizzly Paw: thanks for building a landmark for Canmore instead of an industrial warehouse eyesore. Well done! Two votes for Mooseknuckles to Bow Valley potholes. Especially the one leaving the first Banff exit! Bear hugs to Ambler for their fabulous hats and their project in Nepal. Mooseknuckles to what were forever the greatest burgers in Banff now being substituted with frozen crap! Bear Hugs to lilacs in the summer and sneaky snap dragons that pop up alongside the sidewalk. You know they can talk, right?! Bear Hugs to Farmbox.ca for bringing amazing, organic local produce to the valley. Love you girls and all the farmers this supports. Send your Bear Hugs or Mooseknuckles to info@highlineonline.ca!

lOcaTeD On THe 2nd floor above cafe Books and Willow Flower shop in canmore.

Barry Blanchard, local

BABY SPICE

alpinist and mountain

When I was a kid, our family can of bear spray was one that my father had owned for about 20 years. Because he couldn’t trust that it would work, every family hike began with him testing the aged canister, and this had become so routine that we scarcely noticed him doing it anymore.

guide, was recently criticized in the media for neglecting to have his bear spray with him when he ran into a grizzly bear. He and

Complacency was the killer on one particular outing when my infant sister was handed a hot, downwind mouthful of the stuff. Needless to say, tears were shed, the hike was cancelled, and a new, more reliable can of bear spray was added to the grocery list. -M.O.

his client subsequently spent four hours huddled in a tree near Lake Louise, fending off the bear. In Barry’s defense, after hearing the confessions from some locals involving accidental deployment, we wondered which is the greater sin: not carrying bear spray in the first place or being the victim of spray gone astray...H

TAINTED TP Some friends and I were hiking together along the West Coast. “Gary,” who had packed the bear spray, was concerned that it might get wet in the misty coastal air, so he packed it in a Ziploc bag with the bug spray and toilet paper. Later on during the hike, when nature called, he grabbed a handful of the trusty squares and headed into the trees. Moments later, we heard the sound of a giant animal crashing through the bush toward us, but it was just Gary, shuffling toward the ocean with his pants around his ankles. -N.S.

DOGGIN’ IT On one particularly memorable hike in the Wind Valley area, my husband was delicately navigating his way across a creek’s slippery rocks, carrying our bear spray in his right hand and holding our miniature poodle, Buddy, in the other. Suddenly his foot slipped and down he went. The air was thick with splashing and yelling as my husband dragged himself and the dog out of the water and

stomped to the far bank. A subtle hissing brought him to silence as he realized a tiny puncture in the can was shooting a cone of cayenne pepper at point blank range onto Buddy’s side. In a moment of genius, my husband threw the can downwind. Then he put down the dog, who immediately walked back towards me (and safety from the crazy man who seemed to be trying to kill him), and

directly into the cone of spray that was still shooting from the can. There he stayed, rubbing his little eyes, until the pressure abated and the spraying stopped. After a bath, Buddy finished the four-hour hike unfazed, although it was weeks before you could pat him without setting your eyes to stinging. -B.D.

***Disclaimer: Stories based on true accounts compiled by Kristy Davison and embellished by Andrew Dawson. Highline Magazine does not condone unorthodox uses of bear spray or your choice to risk carrying or not carrying it with you! You’re on your own out there, people. * Send your confessions to: info@highlineonline.ca

Photo copyright shutterstock donatas 1205

THROUGH A BEAR’S EYES

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Sent home from work with ‘saucered’ eyes, a former coworker of mine embarked on a mind-opening adventure up Ha Ling. Enjoying the psychedelic panorama from his perch on the peak, his empathetic connection with nature compelled him to wonder what a bear experiences when assaulted with bear spray. He turned the canister on himself. The following hours(?) were spent losing his mind a thousand metres above Canmore with no water to extinguish the blinding pain. He still owes me $50 for the borrowed can (which he instead spent on some purple vitamins from Quebec). -J.R.

One sunny summer afternoon, my dad was biking the Goat Creek trail to Banff. Cruising along the path, he lost his balance and tumbled amongst the rocks and roots, puncturing his bear spray. Dazed, eyes burning, and trailing an effervescent orange mist, he weaved his way to the Mineral Springs Hospital, where he was reluctantly admitted. After regaining his composure (and untroubled that his clothes had been hastily removed by the hospital staff for smelling like a spicy enchilada), he returned to the bicycle he had abandoned outside, saddled up, and rode the 25-kilometre highway back to Canmore, hospital gown flapping in the breeze like a cotton tortilla. -S.K.

What it’s all about...

BARN WILD Last winter my wife and I were cross-country skiing when we came upon a derelict barn. Curious, I skied to the window to look inside as my wife followed with her finger poised on the trigger of her bear spray. My eyes adjusted to the darkness and locked on something furry and big. I shouted incoherently, and my voice must have spooked the animal within because, in an instant, a cougar bolted through the door and split the uprights between us. Notoriously trigger happy, my wife stepped backwards and fired, stumbling to the snow, her finger still on the trigger as the big cat shot past and straight into the woods. She lay there entangled in her skis as the red mist hovered, then settled gracefully upon her. Somewhere, a cougar laughs! -P.D.

HOT POCKET

HIGHLINE

us about the time he sprayed himself in the crotch. All I remember is two key words: mesh and pocket. –M.W.

summer 2012

I can’t remember the whole story, but I was on an Outdoor Ed trip back in high school and as we gathered around the campfire, my teacher told

www.trailsports.com www.canmorenordiccentre.ca

lostn cabi

Photo copyright Whyte Museum Archives. Bill Peyto ca. 1896, photographer Walter D Wilcox, V85/NA 66-577

wild bill’s

by Mark Zanetti Like most keen travellers who settle in the Canadian Rockies, I was filled with wonder and excitement during my original move here. Determined to learn about my new home, I wandered through the Lake Louise Information Centre over and over again, soaking up facts and descriptions until I had them memorized. From the Burgess Shale exhibit to the daily trail reports, I immersed myself in the local mountain culture. I began to get a clear picture of the struggle that this part of the country is built upon. From the founding of our National Parks system to the development of the country’s transcontinental railway, the Bow Valley region is alive with interesting tales that helped to define not only this area but also much of Western Canada. It was one of these unique stories, and a particular exhibit at the Information Centre, that captivated me over the course of six years: the story of Bill Peyto’s lost cabin. Wild Bill As I read the tales of Wild Bill and admired his weatherworn overcoat and rusty old tools in the exhibit, I began to imagine what a rough Rocky Mountain life would have been like at the turn of the century. I wondered: Where did Bill

live? How did he cope with the harsh winters? How did his personal effects and stories end up here in this modern information center? To understand the character of Bill Peyto, there is no need to look beyond his nickname, Wild Bill. He arrived in Canada from England in 1886 and was considered to be Banff National Park’s first warden. Bill was a hard man living in a hard time. A successful trapper, guide and general mountain man, he apparently disliked most people. Legend has it he once caught a lynx, brought it to a local saloon and released it in the bar. With people screaming and running for cover, he sauntered over to the bar and sat down for a drink. Evidently, he had let the lynx loose to see how fast the patrons could escape. In a nutshell, this was Wild Bill Peyto. The Invisible Cabin As I continued my reading of the interpretive display, my curiosity hit the highest note – these artifacts, including the coat, were found in a hidden cabin belonging to Wild Bill! Naturally, my next move was to pepper the nearest Parks worker with questions. I wanted to know what trail it was on, if it was still standing and what other objects might be left inside. The responses I got didn’t help. I searched

for a second opinion, but the answers were the same. “What cabin?” “There is no trail.” “Define still standing.” Considered to be an historic site of interest I could understand why wardens and Parks Canada staff did not share the location of this mysterious cabin. It was understandable, but for an eager adventurer...unacceptable! As I continued to ask other guides, wardens, locals and visitors, it became apparent that either no one knew where it was or they were not willing to divulge information. With no clues, no leads and no help, the lost cabin of Wild Bill Peyto seemed to be forever hidden in the mountains.

missing piece I needed to commit to a physical search. I now had a glimpse of what the area looked like a hundred years ago and could try to imagine where a cabin might have been built back then. Found in a stack of old maps that were barely touched, it was probably the first topo produced of the area, and it is quite possible that Bill himself used this map to locate potential spots for Bookrest. He was likely looking for somewhere flat; hidden, yet accessible by horse; close to fresh water and perhaps offering a nice view. Then again, considering how much he disliked the general public, perhaps he buried the cabin in the thickest bush possible to make it virtually impossible to find.

A Lucky Break Six years passed before a lead finally surfaced through the grapevine; I stumbled upon information about a “general” 20-kilometre square area wherein the cabin might be located. My research was reignited and it progressed quickly. After a keyword search on the web and several pages later, I stumbled upon an excerpt from a published book. Although the excerpt was mainly a story about the author and Bill hanging out at this elusive cabin, it was a short poem in the text that caught my eye:

Let the Bushwhacking Begin On a much-anticipated sunny September day, I tied up my laces and hit the trail on a search for the elusive relic. Map, check. Compass, check. Vague poem outlining my best leads, check. Ten long hours of hiking and orienteering later, the past six years of intrigue and four weeks of research were fully validated. My little mystery was solved as I finally set eyes upon Bookrest Cabin in all its dilapidated glory. I could almost feel Wild Bill’s presence there in the cool shade of the mossy roof, and the smell of rotting wood and rusted metal. Sitting among the flaking coffee tins, barbed wire and cut logs, I contemplated the truth I have heard so many times before: the destination is only as sweet as the journey itself.

Among the yellow tamarack, a lone prospectors shack Abandoned in the vale, beside an old pack trail

Mapping It Out With the poem in my back pocket, I began searching for the best map to accompany me on my quest. For a cabin built almost a hundred years ago, the modern resources of Google Earth, GPS or waterproof maps would not suffice. How could a map produced last year show the ideal location for a cabin built a hundred years ago? A lot can change in a hundred years when it comes to mountainous terrain: glaciers recede, moraines widen and even lakes dry up. The key turned out to be an original 1913 topographical map of the presumed area. Surveyed by three commissioners representing the Dominion, Alberta and British Columbia (including A.O. Wheeler, the first president of the Alpine Club of Canada), this gem was the

Stumble upon something special?

Photo by Kristy Davison

Within the rhythmic riddles of this poem, there were vague hints that revealed not only the potential location but also the name of Bill Peyto’s cabin: “Bookrest.” The game, and my hiking boots, were officially on!

Whether you’re looking for them or not, you may encounter old trapping cabins, fire pits and other relics of a bygone era in the backcountry of Banff National Park. If you do stumble upon something, you can best help archaeologists by leaving the object where you found it, marking it on a map and then reporting it to Parks Canada staff. For more information, check out bit.ly/highlineextras to download a copy of the Parks Canada Guidelines for the Management of Archaeological Resources.

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One adventurous spirit turns to the past to learn from the women who blazed the trail before her. by Chloe Vance

s we strode forward in the deep snow, the excitement and exhilaration amongst us was as tangible as the foot of fresh powder under our skis. A dozen girlfriends together on a backcountry trip to Rogers Pass, for some of us it was the first time we had ever hit the hills with an all-women group. When we stopped for lunch, I dug into my pack for some homemade energy bars to pass around. “These are amazing!” the girls raved. “What’s in these?” someone exclaimed. “I need the recipe.” A few things struck me as we swapped recipes. There was something undeniably different about travelling in the backcountry with a group of women. Without the social filter we might apply in a mixed-gender group, our more feminine qualities flowed unchecked. And while gender no longer plays much of a role in determining our ability to choose an adventurous lifestyle today, there was a time when women weren’t so free to simultaneously express their femininity and lust for adventure. But many of them found a way.

Travelling in the Footsteps Pondering the women who had blazed the trail before me, I realized I didn’t really know who they were, these women who had

demonstrated an indomitable spirit while balancing societal pressures, domestic duties and a sense of adventure. I wanted to know what I – a “modern” mountain woman – could learn from travelling in the footsteps of women of the past. Delving into their stories through books, poems and photographs, I began to see a progression from one generation of backcountry women to the next. There were the Trailblazers, the first to venture into uncharted territory in both geographic and social landscapes; the Groundbreakers, who carved out new social norms; and the Newcomers, the up-and-coming generation of gritty mountain gals pushing new boundaries in creative ways.

Creating Possibilities In the early 1900s, Mary Schaffer became the first non-native woman to travel off of the beaten track in Banff and Jasper National Parks. This daughter of Pennsylvania Quakers was the first woman to really break the mould, setting off on horseback to explore the land, digging her heels into the muskeg and sleeping on pine boughs. As Schaffer once wrote, “We can starve as well as they; the muskeg will be no softer for us than for them; the ground will be no harder to sleep upon; the waters no deeper to swim, nor the bath colder if we fall in.” Hearing snippets of stories about her celebrated journey to find Maligne Lake, I conjured an image of Yahe-Weha (“Mountain Woman,” as a band of Stoney people called her): a striking buck-

Gritty Gals in Action Head over to bit.ly/highlineextras for videos from the Whyte Museum’s online exhibit, Women Adventurers in the Rockies. skin-clad gal, alone on horseback, riding off into the unknown. But as I read more, I found this to be only partially true. Schaffer was actually accompanied on her journeys by others, most notably Mollie Adams. According to peakfinder.com: “It was definitely not the norm for two ladies of the Victorian Age, in their mid-forties, to venture off into the mountain wilderness… but these were not two traditional ladies. They had, over the years, become kindred spirits, re-enforcing [sic] the other’s interests and determination.” Their forays were met with resistance. Tromping through the wilderness and riding horses astride in mixed company while wearing pants was not exactly lady-like behaviour in the early 1900s. Regardless, other adventure seekers followed their lead. As I read on, Mary Schaffer’s name appeared numerous times. There she was, socializing in Banff with Mary Vaux Walcott and Catharine Whyte and painting and collecting botanical specimens with Hettie Wilson. Slowly but surely, these women were forming a community of adventurous mountain gals. They shared tips on how to shorten one’s skirt length to maintain modesty but improve ease of movement when climbing, and shared designs for divided skirt riding outfits that allowed them to ride astride. They swapped notes on routes, resources and guides, and collaborated on countless adventures. Not surprisingly, the adventures of many, if not all, of these trailblazing gals were supported by noteworthy men. Women weren’t the only ones banding together to change the culture of adventure in the Rockies. Often their husbands accompanied them on their travels, backcountry forays and climbs. Guides Bill Peyto, Tom Wilson, Billy Warren and a handful of others provided the pack trains and guiding support for nearly all of their trips, expeditions and first ascents. Ultimately, it was the Trailblazers’ own determination and dreams that forged new paths for women adventurers. But it was also the acceptance, friendship and effort of forward-thinking men and women (particularly in a time when women’s indepen-

dence was a rarity) that created the possibilities we have for adventure today. Thanks to them, we now live in a time and place where mountain-loving folk, regardless of gender, are encouraged to stretch their adventurous spirits.

Multitaskers Extraordinaire With the initial trails blazed and new possibilities ignited, the floodgates were soon opened to adventurous women from around the world. This new breed of mountain women developed a knack for butting heads with societal pressures while balancing necessary domestic duties and a sense of adventure. In the 1930s, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Rummel’s dream was to live independently in the backcountry. To realize this dream, she called on her well-honed domestic skills to manage a backcountry lodge. Reminiscing on 32 years of experience running Skoki and Assiniboine Lodges, Rummel recalls heading out with lodge guests on horseback in the mornings, then turning back on her own at mid-day to get dinner ready (whyte.org). Her ability to multitask enabled her the freedom to live a life of adventure. Many of our contemporaries have learned how to creatively multitask traditional female roles with backcountry dreams. Local filmmaker Leanne Allison shocked some and inspired many when her documentary, Finding Farley (made alongside partner Karsten Heuer), screened at the 2009 Banff Mountain Film Festival. Highline covered the story of this couple (The Land of Why, Summer 2010) who set off to paddle across Canada with their two-and-a-half-year-old son, proving that having a family did not mean certain death of the adventurous lifestyle. In fact, it enriched the experience. Margo Talbot is one of many women who made a priority of her passion for exploration, adventure and athletic accomplishment. A world-class ice climber, author and polar region guide,

grit: “Perseverance and passion for long-term goals”

Continuing the Legacy Wrapping up our day in the mountains and the rest of the energy bars, we linked thigh-deep powder turns all the way back to

Looking for new ways to get out there with your girls? Here are some of our favs: Get involved with the Pink and Green Ribbon Campaign for breast health! There are so many amazing women in these mountains who are central in the movement, and it’s a great way to meet other active, healthy soul sisters. Check out pinkandgreenribbon. com to get connected and learn the Pink and Green Ribbon Dance with the talented, beautiful and inspiring Mrs. Sabrina (Harper) Grecu! Highline will be taking part in the third annual Women in Winter event, presented by RCR, Ski Cellar Snowboard and CMH Heli-Skiing on Sunday, October 14 (Glen Ross Hall, Mount Royal University). Grab your girlfriends, sister, mom or daughter and join us for a free, fun afternoon where you’ll be inspired to stay active and engaged in the outdoors next winter! For more info, check out cmhski.com/ womeninwinter. CMH is also offering Bodacious Babes women-only heli-hiking and heli-skiing trips. See canadianmountainholidays.com.

“Her interests are all limitless, she ain’t limited by inhibitions, lord.” - LATRYX

Sources: peakfinder.com, whyte.org, Off the Beaten Track: Women Adventurers and Mountaineers in Western Canada (1989) by Cyndi Smith, This Wild Spirit: Women in the Rocky Mountains of Canada (2002) by Colleen Skidmore.

“She’s got a gold tooth, you know she’s hard core...” - BEASTIE BOYS

Truly Gritty The Trailblazers and Groundbreakers inspired me with their “why not?” attitudes. Why did they believe they could create the lifestyle of their choosing, saying “to hell with skirts and chaperones,” while others of their gender were overwhelmed by societal rules and expectations? I saw the same mentality reflected over and over again in my mountain-town peers. Local mountain gal, Siri Bright, finally put her finger on it during that ski trip to Rogers Pass. Despite their differences, she said, “mountain women seem to possess one common trait: grit!” Curious, I looked up the definition of grit: “Perseverance and passion for long-term goals” (from Grit: Perseverance and Passion for Long-Term Goals (Duckworth et al). Download the full paper at bit.ly/highlineextras). Grit enables individuals to maintain their motivation and drive to achieve despite challenges and setbacks. Widely represented on the covers and within the pages of outdoor publications, gritty women are at the cutting edge of mountain pursuits today. On the flip side, many of us exploring the Rockies today may not be smashing records, bagging first ascents or being the first to set eyes on undiscovered valleys, but we are breaking through personal boundaries, carving our own niches and bringing our womanly ways to the mountains. “I like living [in the Rockies] because I don’t have to explain my lifestyle,” explained Heather Dorsey, a nurse, photojournalist and self-proclaimed travel addict. I was grilling her on how she managed to travel as much as she does (just back from Somalia, Kenya and India, she was off to the Yukon the following week). She explained she works just enough to feed her “insatiable need to explore the next destination.” Some women choose fairly mainstream careers and lifestyles, their sense of adventure translating into their outdoor pursuits. Others lead a wholly adventurous lifestyle, often circumventing the expectations of family and friends – perhaps even what they expected of themselves – to create their lives. Either way, they do so amongst other mountain-loving folk who strive to balance that adventurous spirit and the realities of daily life.

Wheeler Hut. We were exhausted, but not too exhausted to put an incredible meal on the table: fire-roasted garlic and brie, a hearty pasta with homemade sauce, and thick slices of dark chocolate cake drizzled with raspberry reduction. I thought of Lizzie Rummel racing back to Skoki Lodge to prepare an evening’s meal for her guests; to Mary Schaffer, Mollie Adams, Mary Vaux Walcott and Hettie Wilson heading into the backcountry together; to Margo Talbot guiding groups of women into the mountains. The challenges we face today are undoubtedly different than those Schaffer, Adams or even Talbot faced when they first ventured out. Like them, however, we strive for balance and continue to find creative ways of bringing our femininity into the backcountry – from the way we face physical challenges to the recipes that fill our packs. A new generation of mountain gals has emerged. Inspired by women of the past and filled with the same sense of adventure, we continue to push boundaries and carry on the traditions and stories of a gritty sisterhood.

HEY LADIES...

Talbot was living in Canmore in the early 90s, at the height of her climbing addiction. She noted how inspiring and reinforcing it was to be surrounded by other women who had committed themselves to climbing. With the late Karen McNeill, Talbot founded “Glitter Girls,” a series of events and adventures to encourage, inspire and enable more women to pursue climbing. Going against the grain, and smashing both assumptions and expectations of women’s roles, the Groundbreakers continue to lay the foundation for mountain women today. Whether we find our balance by integrating adventure into our family lives or by shirking society’s norms and marrying our passions, the choice is ours thanks to the women who have opened up those possibilities.

Randa Sultan slab climbing in the Ghost. Photo by Craig Hall

STILL LIFE

Self portrait taken in the Bow Valley. Photo by Reuben Krabbe

STILL LIFE

Nearing the summit of Mount Smuts, overlooking Mt. Birdwood and Mt. Sir Douglas, Kananaskis Country, AB. Photo by Marko Stavric

STILL LIFE

Stephen Matthews and Jesse Darling in the Bow River Valley. Photo by Reuben Krabbe

STILL LIFE

summer 2012

by Dawn Green

guidebook

This spectacular image of Mt. Robson required two trips to the area and hours of patient scouting. The photograph was recently chosen as a top 10 finalist in an international photography contest in Spain, and is available for purchase at Terra Magica Gallery & Wilderness Education Centre on Main Street, Canmore. Photo by Peter Dettling.

HIGHLINE

Location Hiking Time Round Trip Elevation Gain Difficulty

hreading its way beside the raging Robson River before meandering upwards at a knee-grinding rate, the Berg Lake Trail is one of stupendous beauty and considerable challenge. Situated in Mt. Robson Provincial Park under the watchful eye of Mt. Robson – at 3,954 metres, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies – the Berg Lake Trail is a renowned backcountry hike, consisting of jaw-dropping vistas and thunderous waterfalls, culminating at an exquisite lake fed by three ice formations: the Mist, Berg and Robson glaciers.

The mountain for which the park is named stands as a sentry at the park’s western entrance. Mt. Robson was likely named after Colin Robertson who worked as chief factor at various trading posts for the Hudson’s Bay Company in the early nineteenth century. The earliest inhabitants of the region, the Texqakallt (a Secwepemc people), call it Yuh-hai-has-kun, the Mountain of the Spiral Road. Mt. Robson has inspired travellers and adventurers for centuries. The explorers Milton and Cheadle, who sighted the mountain in 1863 on a cross-continent expedition, wrote: On every side the snowy heads of mighty hills crowded round, whilst, immediately behind us, a giant among giants, and immeasurably supreme, rose Robson’s Peak. Although an ascent was first attempted in 1907, the summit of Mt. Robson was not reached until 1913. On that day W.W. Foster, A.H. McCarthy and guide Conrad Kain beheld a view none had witnessed before. Mt. Robson Provincial Park was established in 1913 and is the second oldest park in British Columbia’s park system. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990, the park consists of more than 217,000 hectares of alpine wilderness and contains the headwaters of the mighty Fraser River.

Today this wilderness area is easily accessible by car. Bordering Alberta, Mt. Robson Provincial Park is a 338-kilometre (five hour)

drive from Banff up the Icefields Parkway. If you are travelling from Jasper, it is a 54-kilometre (one hour) drive on the Yellowhead Highway. The Berg Lake Trail kicks off at the parking area behind the visitor centre at the top of Mt. Robson Pass. Come prepared for a massive day hike, or better yet, bring a tent and gear to make it a two to three-day expedition.

You can opt either to pedal your mountain bike for the first seven kilometres to Kinney Lake or to hike the distance. Towering trees and rushing water characterize this first section of the trail. A bike lock-up station is located at the lake, and from there you continue onwards and upwards on foot, marvelling at the wonders of nature as you pass through three different vegetation zones along the way. Flora and fauna abound, and more than 182 species of birds have been documented in the park. Mule and whitetail deer, elk, moose and black bears call the lower elevation home while grizzly bears, caribou, mountain goats and mountain sheep inhabit the higher elevations. The trail becomes more challenging as it progresses beyond Kinney Lake, featuring switchbacks galore until it flattens out before reaching the ranger station near the suspension bridge. Entering the Valley of a Thousand Falls, you will discover why people rave about this particular hike. What follows is four kilometres of steep uphill trekking, but the expansive views and waterfalls are what make for an unforgettable experience. When you finally reach Berg Lake (elevation 1,628 metres), rest your weary limbs and enjoy an up-close look at Mt. Robson and the Emperor Face. Berg Glacier, resting on the shoreline, is one of the few advancing glaciers in the Canadian Rockies. Stretching for two kilometres, Berg Lake has backcountry campsites perched on either end of its shores. Pick one of these to use as a base, then choose your own adventure as you explore the area. Choose either a trail to the toe of Robson Glacier, or continue past Robson campsite for a more challenging wilderness excursion. Heading up into the moonscape of Snowbird Pass is well worth the effort.

Seven campgrounds are scattered along the trail. Each one has a cluster of tent pads, bear-proof food storage lockers, pit toilets and washbasins. Camp stoves are mandatory for cooking. Trail fees are applicable, and reservations are required for overnight camping on the Berg Lake Trail. Reservations can be made at bit.ly/berglakereservations. Make sure to sign in at the Visitors Centre at the base of the trail. Although the trail is easy to navigate, this is backcountry hiking, so be prepared for sudden weather changes, bugs and bears. Bring your first aid gear, good boots, food and lots of water, even if only on a day hike. The Berg Lake Trail is definitely a must-do on any adventurous hiker’s list for its overwhelmingly dramatic and contrasting landscapes – a sure recipe for a classic adventure under the dramatic flanks of the Rockies’ highest peak.

You’ll feel small but mighty under the spray of Emperor Falls with the roar of thousands of litres of water rushing around you. The gain in elevation is tough on the legs, but the staggering views make up for it. From mountain biking to suspension bridge swinging, and climbing up and up, there is never a dull moment on this trail. Walking in the shadow of Mt. Robson is a highlight in itself.

At Berg Lake, dip your toes in the frigid waters. Don’t be alarmed by loud splashes; it’s not uncommon to see huge sections of ice break off or “calve” in the blue-green waters of the lake.

Find more information about the Berg Lake Hike at bit.ly/highlineextras Photo by Kristy Davison, illustration by Brita Thomas

You’ll never know what you need : -1 hot dog, not dog, tube steak, bratwurst, organic meat popsicle or whatever wiener inspires you -1 fire pit or barbecue -An entire box of matches, kerosene -1 sharp knife -1 well-whittled and sturdy stick -Condiments, fancy or plain. We recommend the hot mustard.

gettin’er done: Conjure a bonfire.

The hot dog, in all its suggestive glory, is unequivocally revered as King of the Campfire-fire-fire-fire. Despite being alchemized from some of the least desirable ingredients in Mother Nature’s pantry, its shape beckons our animal nature, taunting and seducing us to disregard our shame and consume it!

campfire cookin’

If you never try,

However, have you ever met a spider dog? If not, it may be difficult to prepare yourself for the allure that an unassuming wiener will have over you as it evolves from a lifeless meat-stick into a spectacular fireside delight! Whether you have the refined palate for backcountry gourmet or an impulsive appetite for the quickand-dirty, you’ll be mesmerized by your dog’s flame-induced metamorphosis. Yes, the spider dog is a whole other beast; she is QUEEN of the Campfire-firefire-fire. Her eight shapely legs flare from the centre like the spokes on a wheel careening toward gastronomical ecstasy, longing to be dipped in sauce and nibbled slowly, one by one. Deee-licious... - KD & AD

Grasp your dog and make a 2-3” deep cut in an “X” in either end, beginning at the tips and cutting towards the centre. Mount the prepped wiener onto your sharpened stick, piercing through the middle. Grip the stick firmly, rotate it slowly and evenly over the fire and watch as the spider begins to take life. Allow it to roast until the legs are fully shaped and oozing with goodness.

summer 2012

HIGHLINE

When cooked, remove the tasty morsel or eat it directly from the stick. You may choose to drizzle your condiments right onto the dog or to dip it. In either case, don’t be shy.

Photo by Kristy Davison

Dazed & Concussed Shedding light on the realities of Second-Impact Syndrome by Kristy Davison

summer 2012

HIGHLINE

The mountains are magnets for the risk-taker in all of us. As biking, skiing, snowboarding, kiting and climbing enthusiasts, we are likely cracking our melons at a rate higher than some of the less adrenaline-addicted populations out there. If nothing else, the fact that we spend most of our free time strapped into helmets says something about the inherent recklessness of our more risky habits.

So, with all of this head-banging going on, how much do you really know about head injuries or about the people who suffer from them? In February 2010, Mike Robertson, a local snowboard cross national team athlete, stood on the Olympic podium in Vancouver with a silver medal around his neck (Highline featured Mike in O Canada Go!, Winter 2010). But as a result of ensuing snowboarding-related head injuries, and a lack of knowledge regarding recovery-management, it turned out to be the last time this Canmore native would compete on the circuit. If Mike’s story teaches us anything, it’s that most of us don’t quite understand the impact of multiple concussions and Second-Impact Syndrome (SIS). It’s about time we get schooled. (continued)

Illustration by Brita Thomas

Mike’s Story

ike’s story began roughly four years ago with his first diagnosed concussion in 2008, which kept him out of competition and training for about two weeks. The second undiagnosed concussion occurred in 2009. He toughed it out and didn’t complain about his aches and pains, so no one else thought to mention to Mike that he should take it easy. He competed the following weekend. In March of 2010, two weeks after the Olympics, he experienced another concussion that required about a month of recovery. At a summer training camp, almost six months later, he hit his head again – this time very lightly – but the result was the same: another concussion. After a four-month recovery, and only a few weeks back into snowboarding, he had another “light-impact” fall, this one in deep backcountry powder in February 2011. Despite the apparently minor impact, he still suffers from the effects of this last concussion. “I have now experienced the whole range of concussion symptoms: headaches, dizziness, loss of memory, depression and generally feeling not myself,” Mike says. His ongoing physical, mental and emotional recovery from these symptoms has been plagued by a struggle to find answers. Directly following the impacts, he wanted to know when he would be able to get back to competition, but like most people who suffer head injuries, he found himself swimming in a sea of “maybe” and “we don’t really know.” With the support of his family and friends, and through the arduous process of seeking help from a number of sources (including a neuropsychologist), Mike was eventually diagnosed with Second-Impact-Syndrome. Having learned about SIS and the potential for irreversible damage, Mike feels lucky to have only the minor symptoms he lives with today. It could have been much worse. In retrospect, he can see that his recovery might have been mismanaged, both by himself and by the system. So by telling his story, Mike’s intention is to provide knowledge and hope to those who are suffering from, or living with someone who is experiencing the symptoms of SIS.

summer 2012

HIGHLINE

What’s Going On in There?

The brain is a complex system that interprets messages being sent to and from the body. A concussion occurs when the brain moves suddenly and rattles, shakes or collides with the hard surface of the skull. Everything in the body is connected to the brain, so injuring it may affect anything from mobility, vision, hearing, touch and smell to cognitive, emotional and social functions, depending on the extent of the injury and the part of the brain that has been affected.

Because no two crashes are exactly alike, understanding the intricacies of brain injury becomes quite challenging. SIS occurs when an athlete returns to sport too soon after suffering from an initial concussion. The athlete does not have to receive a major second blow to the head to set the effects in motion. Testing has found that when this second impact occurs, the brain’s ability to self-regulate the amount of blood volume to the brain is damaged. This can result in increased cerebral blood volume and, in turn, the possibility of brainstem herniation or even death. Research indicates the reason for this: “As individual cells die because they have been damaged, they release chemical substances that can cause nearby cells to become poisoned and die. This may take some time to occur and is why some symptoms may actually get worse rather than better even weeks or months after an injury” (braininjurygroup.ca). Just how long it will take for a brain injury to completely heal is unclear. But what is known is that the brain is much more vulnerable to concurrent and more severe injury within the period during which it is recovering (and thus not functioning normally) from a previous impact. The focus is now on extensive and purposeful healing time to avoid a second impact.

How Does It Feel? The uniqueness of each brain injury can be one of the most frustrating challenges for those who are seeking help. Despite the many differences, the Brain Injury Association of Canada (BIAC) lists a handful of symptoms that do seem to appear across the board: Immediate symptoms include nausea or vomiting, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, light headedness, headaches, irritability, disorientation, seeing bright lights or stars, and the feeling of being stunned. Consistent long-term effects include memory-loss, impaired reasoning skills, and a tendency towards one-track thinking. In addition, subtle social skills may be lost due to difficulty controlling emotions, making decisions, remembering ideas and communicating coherently and logically during a conversation. Combined, these factors often lead to depression. “The hardest [symptom] to accept and deal with is depression,” Mike says. “I am a happy guy…my job is to snowboard.” And like many, Mike found it difficult to ask for help. After all, no one, especially not a twenty-something extreme athlete, wants to be labelled with a mental health issue. But being able to stare down the social stigma and face his depression head-on is undeniably the principal turnaround in his journey to wellness. Sadly, because of their potential lack of emotional control,

many SIS sufferers report losing friends and having difficulty cultivating and maintaining new friendships. This is not only a challenge for the injured to deal with, but also for those who support the injured person. As a result of a lack in understanding of, and compassion for, the injured person’s seemingly unpredictable actions, even a relatively “mild” brain injury can lead to job loss, divorce and other social isolation. Any loss of one’s customary ability to compete, work, play or socialize will often lead to a sense of lost identity, which in turn compounds the feelings of depression.

How Can You Help? After a head injury, the active involvement of family members and friends is essential to the achievement of optimal rehabilitation during both the short-term and long-term recovery process.

maddock’s questions

Used for testing medium and short-term memory. Rephrase the questions to suit your situation:

Which field are we playing at? Which team are we playing today? Which half/period is it? Which team did we play last week? Did we win last week? See the whole list of questions at bit.ly/highlineextras

with a brain injury,” Mike explains. “I guess I can also be stubborn and didn’t want to admit to myself that I was depressed. It took If you witness a crash, and if the person is conscious, you can someone else to book me in to see a psychologist, and this has help immediately by assessing whether he has had a concussion been the biggest help to me in my recovery so far.” by asking Maddock’s questions. This is a standard list of quesArrange for yourself or your loved one to see a family doctor tions that were created to diagnose football-related concuswho can set you on the right path to recovery. There are a numsions, but the questions can be altered to suit the situation. Ask ber of new diagnostic technologies that he or she may suggest, the questions and, if the injured person gets even one answer including MRIs and CT scans. While these will help doctors to wrong, suspect that he has had a concussion. Insist that he takes understand the extent of the injury, they only measure struca breather and finish up the day early. Don’t let him continue to tural damage to the brain so further diagnosis will be required ride or play. In fact, he should not continue with activity until he to formulate a recovery plan. If the has been properly diagnosed by a professional, so be Many sporting organizations injury occurred as a result of sport, sure the injured person sees their doctor if there is any and individuals are taking a doctors will most likely have you question of concussion. proactive approach to diagnosis fill out a SCAT (Sport Concussion Then watch for symptoms of nausea or vomiting, by having a baseline test done on Assessment Test) with them. That dizziness, confusion, fatigue, light-headedness, headthe brain before injury occurs. test is also available for you at bit.ly/ aches, irritability, disorientation and depression. Some This way, if a concussion does highlineextras. of the effects of brain injury may not be apparent for occur, doctors already know what BEAM (Brain Electrical Activity some time after the incident because they affect the your “normal” looks like, which Mapping) is another diagnostic tool cognitive, emotional and social capabilities of the helps them diagnose the extent that measures the actual electrical brain without demonstrating external signs of change of the injury and create the most activity of the brain and provides or injury. These “invisible” symptoms, however, can be effective recovery plan. a more comprehensive diagnosis. socially and physically devastating and do require the BEAM allows doctors to pinpoint the aspects of your brain that attention of trained professionals. are not functioning properly. This will guide them in their use of A person with a brain injury is not always the most reliable cognitive behaviour therapy that is involved in rebuilding the source for determining whether or not he is “fine” so it is often damaged sections. This technology is available here in the Rockup to the support system to encourage him to rest and to know ies at Gaia Collaborative Medicine in Canmore. where to get help. Keep an eye out and listen carefully. If a concussion has been diagnosed and the mental, emotional, and psychological symptoms of SIS persist long-term, most docLong-Term Assistance tors will also suggest anti-depressants and/or cognitive behavMike’s biggest mistake was going back to competition before iour therapy with a psychologist. Doctors should begin to wean he was ready, thus risking permanent damage by taking minor the patient off of the drugs as symptoms improve, so be sure to blows while still in recovery. “The greatest and most difficult lesfollow up. (continued) son for me was that, unlike other injuries, you can’t “tough it out”

summer 2012

HIGHLINE

Short-Term Assistance

Dr. Tracy Thomson, HBSc,MD, CCFP, CYT, CmedAc: “Understand that the injured person is in pain, though you may not be able to see it. Make sure they are taking a really good fish oil supplement, some Vitamin D and lots of water. The brain is made of fat and water, so give it what it needs to heal.” Lynne Harrison, primary supporter of exCrazy Canuck, Dave Irwin: “The injured person will likely be unable to step outside of their mind to get perspective on their health. This means you will need to be an advocate for them when it comes to things like finding the right professionals, taking care of their nutrition and making sure they gets a lot of rest. It can be a tough job, so make sure you also take time to replenish yourself!”

summer 2012

HIGHLINE

Dr. Hap Davis, Sport Psychologist: “As the first step, have every piece of physical and mental information available and open for discussion, leaving no questions unanswered. In the case of a person who has had multiple head traumas, push for a complete neuropsychological evaluation (beyond MRI and quick concussion screens) as priority items over asking how the athlete feels about his or her career being at risk. Ask questions about fatigue, vision, emotional control, balance, relationship stability, interpersonal interactions and the like. And, above all, listen carefully.”

Jerry Seinfeld, The Great: “There are many things you can point to as proof that humans are not smart. But my personal favourite would have to be that we had to invent the helmet. What was happening, apparently, is that we were involved in a lot of activities that were cracking our heads. We chose not to AVOID these activities, but instead to come up with some kind of device to help us continue enjoying our head-cracking lifestyles: the helmet.“ bit.ly/headsandhelmets.

Light at the End of the Tunnel In order to truly heal, Mike encourages people in his shoes to be honest with themselves and to pay close attention to the symptoms of headaches, nausea and depression. He also says that if you are not receiving the support you need, you should not hesitate to actively seek it out for yourself. “There are a lot of specialists who are eager to help,” he says. “It is just a matter of finding the right people.” Elite athletes can find a great source of support through the Canadian Sport Centre Calgary. Mike eventually found his way there and says the support of knowing that other athletes were on a similar journey was a real comfort in a time of such uncertainty. “I have suffered physically as a result of my concussions, but the worst of that suffering has been related to the struggle to get support and answers,” Mike says. “So I truly hope that my story will bring increased awareness to the severity and lesser-known effects of multiple concussions, and that I can make it easier for others who come after me to find help.” If we can take charge of our understanding of the risks and realities of Second-Impact Syndrome, we will be a stronger support for those dealing with post-concussion life in the mountains. Perhaps our community can actually lead a change in the culture of brain injury, making the long overdue switch from the old “tough it out” mentality to a compassionate “rest and recover” approach. If you have a story that sheds further light on the subject of head injury, we would love to share it with the community. Share your ideas with us at info@highlineonline.ca.

Sure, you’ve heard it all before, but your helmet really is a lifesaver out there. Helmets reportedly prevent up to 60% of head injuries in snow sports and 85% of bicycle and skateboard related brain injuries. Make sure you have the right helmet, that it fits properly, is CSA certified and that you actually wear it. Test your knowledge by taking the quiz: bit.ly/wipeoutknowledge. Bet you’ll be surprised by some of the answers.

“I tripped on a cloud and fell-a eight miles. I tore my mind on a jagged sky.” - KENNY ROGERS

Mike Robertson, professional athlete: “Having had success and failure, I now know that success doesn’t happen overnight. Patience is definitely a virtue.”

After being diagnosed by a professional, the next step is to become familiar with the rest and recovery guidelines at stopconcussions.com. These guidelines reflect cutting-edge medical knowledge and are the current gold standard for treatment. Proper rest is the key to overcoming any injury. With head injuries, however, it is vital. Encourage the injured person to take more time to rest, relax and recover. Chill out with them and let them know that you are there if they need you.

Protect Your Melon

Words of Wisdom

GET SOME DIRT UNDER YOUR NAILS... REMOVE NOXIOUS WEEDS TO HELP REDUCE THE CHEMICALS WE USE IN OUR ENVIRONMENT:

Further information: Canada Thistle

Scentless Chamomile

Common Tansy

Yellow Toadflax

Dames Rocket

Creeping Bellflower

Yellow Clematis

Ox-eye Daisy

Parks Department 403-678-1599 www.canmore.ca www.invasiveplants.ab.ca

E R E T N U L O h

Canmore FOLK MUSIC

FESTIVAL

August 4, 5 & 6, 2012 Centennial Park - Canmore, Alberta

canmorefolkfestival.com/Volunteer

HIGHLINE

at t

weekend event t s e gg of the summer! e bi

summer 2012

• When selecting plants for your yard purchase native to this area • Remove noxious weeds from your property (remove entire plant including roots) • Dispose of the weeds by double bagging and place the bag in your regular waste container (do not compost)

summer 2012

HIGHLINE

Valbella Meat (organic & free range meat)

Photo copyright Kristy Davison, styling by Brita Thomas

“He ain’t no drag: Papa’s got a brand new bag..” - JAMES BROWN

gear review

*local pick

Brown Baggin’ in the backcountry by John Reid Any seasoned hiker will agree that the food you bring on the trail can give you the boost you need to move upwards or turn your day into a total slog-fest. Having the right foods in your hiking pack is a sure way to keep you feeling energized, not to mention make your friends jealous when you unveil the contents of your brown bag. So, if memories of smashed PB & J sandwiches haunt your hiking dreams, then try some of these hardy and healthy trail foods!

Hard Cheeses

Ultima

Jerky

G.O.R.P

My Dad used to pack old cheddar on all of our camping trips. I like to think it was because he knew hard cheeses are a great source of calories and keep well, even in the heat. But, the truth is he just loved to make “who cut the cheese?” jokes when we stopped for lunch. Hard cheese, such as aged cheddar, gouda or gruyere, can last for up to a week on the trail. Pack it in wax (not plastic) paper to ward off slime, then place it in the coolest part of your pack (not right against your back or directly at the top).

I know, I know! It’s a shame to defile sweet Rocky Mountain water with supplements. We’re so lucky we can drink straight from many of our mountain streams. But it would be more of a shame to have to cut a hike short when a lack of electrolytes brings on spasms, nausea or dizziness. Remember, when you’re sweating your butt off, you’re losing more than just water. Ultima is a good hydration tool because it contains the electrolytes you need without any filler. The single packets are super lightweight.

If you aren’t feeling your inner woodsman by the time you stop for lunch, a good brick of salted meat will get you there. Gnawing off a chunk of jerky is a little savage and a little primitive, but so delicious. It’s also nutritious: the protein punch packed in jerky will help rebuild the muscles that have carried you to the top. The sodium will help to keep you from cramping, provided you’re getting enough water. Just keep in mind we’re talking homemade jerky. If you can’t make your own, with flavours like Teriyaki and Honey Garlic, the beef jerky from Valbella Gourmet Foods in Canmore is a delicious, locally produced alternative.

Trail food without G.O.R.P (Good Old Raisins & Peanuts) would be like Christmas dinner without the turkey. It just needs to be there. You could buy a packaged bag, but the best option is to make use of the bulk bins at the health food store and invent your own concoction. Why not throw in a couple of fancy treats? Try sweetened coconut flakes, candied ginger, M&M’s, dried pineapple and pumpkin seeds.

GRAnola Bars

walnuts

3 cups crispy rice cereal 1/4 tsp coconut or sunflower

oil

Directions: 1. Mix almond butter, honey and vanilla until smooth. 2. Add remaining ingredients, except the crispy rice. Mix thoroughly. 3. Add crispy rice gradually. 4. Firmly press mixture into a greased (with coconut or sunflower oil) baking pan. 5. Refrigerate overnight then cut into bars. 6. Optional: Spread some nut butter on top prior to taking it on the trail.

homemade

Jerky How-To:

bitl.ly/highlineextras

HIGHLINE

1 cup raw almond butter 1/2 cup unpasteurized honey 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract 1/3 cup raw pumpkin seeds, sesame seed and/or sunflower seeds 2/3 cup raisins 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans and/or

summer 2012

Ingredients

know your neighbour

Rick Guinn

buffalo

soldier

by Kristy Davison

any of you will recognize this local cowboy as the owner of Boundary Ranch and the world-renowned animal tracker from Guinn Outfitters. But it may surprise you that he is also the leading man from a feature ‘70s film called “Buffalo Rider.” In the film he portrays the character of C.J. “Buffalo” Jones, an olden day wildlife conservationist and real life Chuck Norris. Rick delivers arguably the gutsiest performance ever seen in a small-budget film, all the while gallivanting around on a buffalo like it ain’t no thang.

summer 2012

HIGHLINE

But which came first, the role or the rider?

Born in Banff, Rick’s early life was spent with his family rasslin’ animals out at Rafter Six Ranch. In his teens, he moved to Park City, Utah, scoring a job at a wild animal compound where the connection was made between his expertise with semitrained wild animals and the commercial and movie industries. One animal in particular intrigued him: Grunter, the buffalo. Everyone at the compound was petrified of the beast, but Rick promised himself he would tame and ride it, even if it killed him. It almost did, on multiple occasions. One day, with the help of a few friends, Rick managed to saddle the buffalo and to throw his leg over its huge, hairy back. In a split second, Grunter trampled across the pen, reared up, and smashed through a fortified ten-foot-high wooden fence, releasing himself into the wild. There was only one thing holding him back from total freedom: the indomitable spirit of Rick Guinn. “I didn’t want to lose my saddle,” says Rick, so he held on for dear life as the beast ripped clean through not one, but three barbed wire fences before finally exhausting himself a few miles later. Rick casually hopped off and led him back to the compound. This was the first step in a year-and-a-half long process of “refocusing” Grunter to the point where he could almost be controlled. With his newly honed skills, Rick was an obvious (in fact, the only) choice for the extremely dangerous role of Buffalo Rider. The film itself didn’t make much of a splash on the big screen, but a compilation of clips have gone viral on YouTube (altogether nearly eight million hits) thanks to the mockumentary series known as “Guy on a Buffalo.” Rick’s acting and buffalo riding talents are both accentuated and spoofed by the clever lyrics and the toetapping country-swing in this four-video series. If you haven’t seen it, check it out at bit.ly/buffalojones. Next time your friends are beaking about how hardcore they are, keep them in check by reminding them of the time Rick karate-chopped a cougar in the face to save his own life (in an accidental on-screen attack). Or the time he was dragged a quarter of a mile at a gallop through dense underbrush with his foot stuck in Grunter’s saddle. Or maybe the time he was attacked by two wolves at the same time and had to teach them a lesson with a walking stick. Or maybe the time when...

Vintage photo courtesy of Rick Guinn, illustration by Kristy Davison

THINK YOU’RE SO TOUGH? Take the Grit Test and find out how you stack up against Rick Guinn. bit.ly/buffalorider

FACT: There is no such thing as evolution, only those animals rick guinn allows to live

Check out The Possum Posse, the band and brains behind the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Guy on a Buffaloâ&#x20AC;? series at thepossumposse.com

book review

Grit, Grime & Greatness

summer 2012

HIGHLINE

by Joanna Croston

Joanna Croston is a voracious reader of all types of writing and is the Programming & Event Producer for the Banff Mountain Film & Book Festival.

t’s been a while since I planted a tree. It seems like a million years ago, those summers spent tree-planting in the early nineties. But in spite of this lapse in time, I have daily reminders of my six years on the cut block. Sometimes I wake up with my hand clenched, aching in a “claw” – it’s a physical hangover from gripping a shovel for too long. I use “MacGyver” as a verb. I know exactly which bug spray works and which doesn’t – at times I still mix my own concoction. Friends from planting years remain some of my best, despite living on the other side of the country and having not seen them in ten years. So, when I picked up Charlotte Gill’s new book, Eating Dirt: Deep Forests, Big Timber and Life with the Tree-Planting Tribe, I was skeptical. I thought about all the emotions, the nuances, the weather, the bugs, the stink, the slash, the late night hair cutting sessions and the addiction to returning year after year. How could she fit an entire lifestyle into one book? It would be impossible, and no one would get it. Right? Turns out, Gill is the perfect person for the job. After twenty years in the industry, she should be! From page one, I was transported back to those days: the grit, the grime, the grossness. Not to mention the beauty, the bears and the joy of getting stuck in a sphagnum bog. Not only does she know what she’s talking about, she knows how to put it on paper in a way I think everyone can understand and enjoy. She is an astute observer. Her writing is vivid and poetic, crafted with great thought and care, and is intensely accurate. Lumberjacks, timber and reforestation run deep among Canadians. It’s in our blood, in our history. Gill skilfully uses “we” throughout the book instead of the first person. For that reason, intentionally or not, she makes us all part of the tribe.

Charlotte Gill worked on Eating Dirt as a participant of The Banff Centre’s Literary Journalism program in 2007. Gill returns to The Banff Centre this summer as a special guest speaker for the Literary Journalism & Wired writing programs, and she will be presenting Eating Dirt at this year’s Banff Mountain Film & Book Festival in November.

Locally Grown Bikepirate.com

Boundary ranch

Redstone

Legendary

Custom WindoW Fashions

in the

rockies

Raven Rescue training / equipment/services

facebook/bikepiratepage

#2 Guinn’s Road, Hwy 40 South, Kananaskis, AB

Canmore, AB redstonewf@hotmail.com

bikepirate.com

1.877.591.7177

403-609-1609

1.800.880.0287

boundaryranch.com

redstonewindowfashions.com

ravenrescue.com

Visit Boundary Ranch, the home of “Guy on a Buffalo,” and experience true western traditional trail riding, activities, hospitality, and so much more! Over 70 years experience in mountain horseback riding ensures your holiday will be a memorable experience to treasure.

Redstone is the first choice for custom drapery, blinds, and home décor. We’ll help you design a home that’s more beautiful, functional, and inviting with our passion for drapery, wood shutters, bedding and everything in between. Consultations and installation are included.

Internationally-recognized courses held in Canmore:

• Technical Rope Rescue

Ultimate Ski & Ride

The Pro Image

Christian Dubois & Chris VinCent

Bow Valley Power

206 Banff Ave. Banff, AB 403.762.0547

101 - 717, 9th Street Canmore, AB 403.763.2010

REALTORS® / Associates

#726, 743 Railway Ave Canmore, AB 403.244.7299 ext 123

ultimatebanff.com

TheProImage.ca

CanmoreBanffRealEstate.ca

Bowvalleypower.net

Ultimate Ski and Ride is dedicated to providing you with the greenest way to experience Banff. Glide through the streets on a fashionable cruiser or dive into nature with a full suspension bike. Whatever your needs we have something for everyone.

The Pro Image is the Bow Valley’s own professional quality printer. Specializing in large-format and specialty materials such as canvas and archival photo paper, we are trusted by artists and professional photographers from this area and beyond.

Skiing, biking, hiking, and exploring – living in the Bow Valley is an exceptional lifestyle. Christian & Christopher are committed to helping you with your residential real estate needs in Banff & Canmore; whether it be your full time home or weekend retreat.

Bow Valley Power supplies electricity to residences and businesses in the Bow Valley and throughout Alberta. We have great rates, excellent customer service and 20% of Bow Valley profits are contributed to the Biosphere Institute. Sign up online at: www.bowvalleypower.net

SCAN THE CODE! Get the dirt. Ride the trails.

403.762.7744 403.707.8048

info@ravenrescue.com

• Swiftwater Rescue • Surface Ice Rescue • Wilderness First Aid • Wilderness First Responder

Craft Café

Lynne Huras

tiffany & Sheena

siLLy Goat studio Box 205 Banff, Alberta 403.762.0417 SillyGoatStudio.ca

facebook.com/groups/craftcafe craftcafe@hotmail.com

403.763.3275 createbanff.blogspot.com

Whyte MuseuM of the

Canadian RoCkies

Terra Magica The Peter A. Dettling Gallery & Wilderness Education Centre

111 Bear Street Banff, AB 403.762.2291

103-713 Main Street Canmore, AB 403.609.2614

whyte.org

TerraMagica.ca

East Gate of Rocky Mountains Park, 1921. Byron Harmon photographer (V263/NA-3436)

Peter A. Dettling welcomes you to an exciting new exhibition focusing on wolves, bears, and men’s relationship towards these fascinating creatures. The gallery also presents special guest speakers and wilderness excursions led by expert naturalists. Visit www.TerraMagica.ca for upcoming events and learning opportunities!

Looking for a creative escape? Craft Café hosts bi-monthly craft evenings at Wild Flour Café in Banff. Come socialize while making things that will make your friends envious. Actually, just bring your friends and there won’t be any unpleasant confrontations.

Paintings available at: Communitea Cafe, Canmore Willow Studio, Calgary

www.sillygoatstudio.ca

The Whyte Museum’s new “must see” exhibition, Gateway to the Rockies brings to life stories of the men and women who shaped the culture of the Canadian Rockies. Learn more at whyte.org

Sunny Raven GalleRy

CAAG

Of Cabbages & Kings POttery

Canmore artists and artisans Guild caag.ca Contact:Richard Berry richard@richard-berry.com

129 Bow Meadows Crescent Canmore, Alberta 403.678.1922 ofcabbagesandkings.ca

The Canmore Library Art Gallery is jointly managed by the Canmore Library and CAAG. A diverse variety of art shows and community art exhibitions such as “Kid’s Art” are featured. The gallery is typically open from 11am to 5pm daily.

The difference between pottery and poetry is just a little ‘t’, which I usually have in the afternoon, shortly after three.

#156, 105 Bow Meadows Crescent, Canmore, AB 403.678.6113 sunnyraven.com

Whatever your treasure, we treat it with care. - Ready-made frames & mats - Artist supplies and more - Original art and photography by Meg & Paul.

Art Cards available at: The Banff Centre Cabin, Banff The Whyte Museum, Banff Communitea Cafe, Canmore www.islandart.com

Stop by any time Tuesday - Saturday to see our selection of finished works and to watch how our pottery is made!

art + galleries

Locally Grown communitea café

Valbella Gourmet Foods

#117 1001 6th avenue canmore, alberta 403.688.CAFE (2233) www.thecommunitea.com

104 Elk Run Boulevard vonrotz@valbella.ca

creating fresh, healthy and delicious breakfast & lunch with as many local and organic ingredients as possible. plenty of gluten free and vegan choices. 80+ varieties of premium loose leaf tea, Intelligentsia coffee. live music select evenings. follow us on facebook, twitter or sign up for our newsletter to win tickets to our shows. book your private party, wedding reception or fundraiser with us. great rates for a 40-95 capacity venue. don’t miss cupcake fridays!

Chez FranCois

Rocky Mountain FlatbRead co 838-10th Street, Canmore

403.678.9989

403.609.5508

valbella.ca

rockymountainflatbread.ca

Valbella Gourmet Foods has been serving the Bow Valley locally sourced and naturally produced meats for 34 years and counting. Our goal continues to be, unbeatable product quality tied in to tradition as well as product innovation. Visit us in our Deli this summer to taste what it’s all about!

Family restaurant creating delicious and wholesome meals! Hand-made flatbread pizzas, daily pastas, housemade soups/salads. Nut free environment, Celiac and vegetarian options! No GMOs, 0 Trans Fats, 100% natural. Supported by LOCAL producers. Mention ad for 10% off Monday-Thursday after 4:30.

O BistrO

Rocky Mountain Bagel co.

#2, 626 Main Street Canmore, AB, T1W 2B5

102-830 Main Street Canmore, AB T1W 2B7 403.678.9978

Bow Valley Trail 1604 2nd Ave. Canmore, AB T1W 1M8

403.678.6111

403.678.3313

restaurantchezfrancois.com

restaurantobistro.com

c a n m o r e

Breakfast and Brunch served 7am-2:30pm. Wake with a cappuccino, daily smoothies or fruit cocktails. Famous home-made eggs benedict, crepes, French toast, pancakes, and smoked salmon bagels. Gluten-free and take out available! A great meeting place for any meal or dessert!

Fresh and tasty food in a friendly environment. Chef Olivier Gouin prepares Canadian & French classics with quality ingredients to provide a gourmet experience in a casual setting. Take out available to fuel your journey! Lunch 11am3pm, Dinner from 5pm.

6A-1306 Bow Valley Trail Canmore, AB T1W 1N6 403.678.9968

a l b e r

t a

Always has been and always will be a proud supporter of the community. The Bagel Co is where locals love to meet: it’s like Canmore’s living room! www.thebagel.ca

restaurants

Verde day Spa

Sacred rootS Yoga

Lotus Hands Certied IEH Practitioner

403.678.0306

#208-709 Ravenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Court, Main St. Canmore, AB 403.609.4333

verdedayspa.com

sacredrootsyoga.ca

lotushands.ca

With two locations in Canmore, Verde Day Spa is a favourite among tourists and locals alike. Luxurious treatments, registered massage therapists and certied aestheticians provide professional resultswhile our organic and natural approach provides peace of mind and body. Custom Organic Facials that leave you glowing and dinner-ready as well as East Indian Head Massages that cure any headache means that whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on a weekend getaway or looking for consistent relief in town, Verde Day Spa can provide you with a milieu of relaxation, healing and wellbeing.

Come grow with us at our brand new studio in the heart of Canmore! Sacred Roots Yoga is a community of fun-loving, heart-centered mountain people. Offering a full drop-in schedule of power, hatha, yin and vinyasa flow. Unroll your mat with us and find your Bliss.

Integrative Energy Healing promotes optimum health and prevents disease through a gentle practice of connecting consciousness, energy, anatomy and physiology. Bring your copy of Highline to receive 20% off the price of your first visit. Learn more at lotushands.ca

901 Main Street Canmore, AB facebook.com/VerdeDaySpa

Visit our page for discounts, updates and our online store.

LocaLLy Grown Get in on it!

One Wellness and spa

Back at It Massage

Want to see your ad here? info@highlineonline.ca

Solara Resort 187 Kananaskis Way, Canmore

403.688.5103

403.679.7179

Book Your Appointment Online: backatitmassage.com 403.688.1561

highlineonline.ca

onewellnessandspa.com

Genevieve Wright lotus.hands@shaw.ca

403.678.2969

Rhymes With Orange(2009) c Hilary B. Price. King Features Syndicate

The Locally Grown section showcases the businesses that are rooted here in the Rockies. Align your business with Highline and reach an audience of happy, healthy, mountain-loving folks. Reserve your space in our next issue today.

We are taking the concept of unlimited well-being to new heights by offering services including Personal Training, Pilates, Fitness Membership, Spa Services and Physiotherapy to promote relaxation, life balance and long-term health.

TIRED OF ASKING FOR MORE PRESSURE DURING YOUR MASSAGE? We specialize in DEEP TISSUE massage. Also offering Sports Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Shiatsu. We DIRECT BILL for: Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan, Great West Life, Green Shield and Blue Cross. If your plan allows us to direct bill, we will make it happen.

Locally Grown TasTy Living inc

RED EARTH SPA

WildfloWer

info@tastyliving.ca tastyliving.ca

Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa 521 Banff Ave.Banff, AB 403.762.9292

#5-713 Main Street, 2nd floor Canmore, AB

redearthspa.com

wildflowercanmore.com

Massage & esthetics

403.678.4644

Wildflower

MASSAGE AND ESTHETICS INC.

Healthy living is a state of mind... it’s what you eat, how you approach food, what you do to create balance in your life, and what you do that ultimately feeds your body. Tasty Living provides you with healthy, delicious-tasting treats that are raw and gluten-free. Find us in the Bow Valley at: Nutter’s Canmore Canmore Nordic Centre communitea café Wild Flour Café And keep your eye out for us as we grow! For more information on raw foods, healthy lifestyle programs and what we are all about, visit tastyliving.ca.

Patricia LaveLLe PsychoLogist

Boasting an extensive treatment menu The Red Earth Spa at Caribou Lodge makes spa-ing a perfect post hike activity. Unwind in the huge hot tub and steam room or enjoy a couples massage and private plunge in our geisha tub.

A holistic spa renowned for high service standards. We offer Therapeutic, Sport, Relaxation, Prenatal Massage, Body Treatments, Reflexology, Hot Stone Massage, Myofascial Release and AIS- Active Isolated Stretching. Our estheticians are popular for their Manicures, Pedicures, Facials, Waxing, and Tinting. Open daily.

re:focus PILATES

Embody PilatEs & activEwEar

contact@refocuspilates.ca 403.688.5500

canmore@embodypilates.ca

403.675.5379 patricialavelle.com

refocuspilates.ca

embodypilates.ca

Counselling involves removing barriers and applying new approaches to living the best life possible. If you are having difficulty with any area of your life and want expert input contact Patricia Lavelle, Psychologist. Email: patricialavelle. psychologist@gmail.com

The MODERN approach to Pilates | Celebrating 2 years in downtown Canmore! Specializing in pre/post-natal, post-rehab care & athletic conditioning. All instructors are Stott Pilates certified, trained in massage therapy, fitness/ dance instruction & extensive continuing education in spinal injuries & post-rehab care.

Embody Pilates is a Classical Pilates studio where you’ll be able to experience the complete Pilates method. We are committed to teaching excellence, providing the highest level of experienced certified instructor. From our specialized Pilates mats to our authentic equipment and apparatus, Embody’s mission is to teach the Pilates Method the way Joseph Pilates intended. Private equipment classes and small group mat classes are available. Call for your free introductory session.

Canmore, AB

10, 801 Main Street Canmore, AB T1W 2B3 403.678.6765

health + wellness

snapshot summer 2012

HIGHLINE

search for “highline summer 2012 mix” in itunes, then scroll down and

download it from the playlist menu

Illustration by Brita Thomas

What’s a summer roadtrip without a killer mixtape?

tak you e pic r k

harvestmoonacoustics.com harvestmoonacoustics.com s u i t e 10 2 a , 7 2 2 m a i n s t r e e t, ca n mor e , a l b e rta 4 0 3 .6 7 8 .0 0 2 3 s u i t e 10 2 a , 7 2 2 m a i n s t r e e t, ca n mor e , a l b e rta 4 0 3 .6 7 8 .0 0 2 3

STREET,