Spending a day alone in the woods while bouldering is something I enjoy quite a bit. The serenity of the birds chirping, wind blowing, and little critters running around is music to my ears. It reminds me that for me bouldering has always been a means to interact with nature, and not just about climbing hard problems. As the sport continues to grow the ability to experience these special moments becomes more and more scarce, as well as more and more special. The lack of screams of children hiking through the woods, or groups of young strong climbers falling on their “sick projects” is peaceful. No one shouting beta at me, and no one scaring off the wildlife.

The late fall and early winter has always been the time of year where climbers make their way to the boulder fields to test their might on hard problems. With the cooler temperatures comes dryer rock, and better friction. With an adequate warmup it’s ideal for climbing at your limit. I’ve been lucky to be able to get out a lot during this magical time of year, and have captured some astounding displays of climbing still and strength that’s been on display at the Niagara Glen.

What can I say about Squamish, BC, other than it’s an incredibly special place for me. It represents freedom, wildness, and pure adventure that brings on certain emotions that I find trouble to articulate. It’s proximity to outdoor activities make it a haven for multiple disciplines of adventures sports, and draws people from all over the world.

A second trip the Red had sprung up, and five days later I’m back. A whole bunch of laughs and silliness went on, but so did a ton of climbing. We left a mark on this place, and came back with some great memories.

I got invited on a short trip down to the Red River Gorge this past weekend. It just so happened to coincidentally be my birthday, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend it!

Jacob Artibello, is relative new to the sport of climbing, only beginning less than 5 years ago. In the past few years however he's managed to surge to an expert level, ticking classic hards ascents of some of the provinces best climbs.