For the past four months I've been training like crazy in preparation to this ice/mixed climbing season.  Last year the season left off with some "unfinished business".  Since last march I've waited to get "my hands on" a couple of projects that had captivated every part of me.  Last year one of Canada's hardest climbs left me hanging one or two moves from the end.  Last year also left me staring at a potential new route in a canyon close to home that i knew was going to be world class.  Well, the season is here, and the time has come.

In early Decemeber (2010), for a week straight I spent my time dangling from a rope next to a raging 60ft waterfall.  Typically by January this waterfall is frozen over and there's no spray enveloping you when trying to climb.  Well, in early December...such was not the case.  It didn't matter how I tried to protect myself from this forcing element...I was getting wet.  Despite the less than ideal conditions, i was commited to bolting and establishing this amazing looking route The Matador, M12 in Bull River Canyon, BC

At the end of each day, frozen, wet, numb, one thing that i noticed was that my feet were actually warm still.  My body was saturated and chilled to the bone.  Buy my feet, my feet were dry and breathing still.  It was a combination of my boots and socks that were keeping me sane in the dramatic setting.  Being put to the total test, my socks were killin' it.  Sweating like crazy from the force of energy being put out, they still did their job.  Even when swapping from my big boots to my "little boots" to climb, my feet would maintain a fairly consistent temperature, which is actually really important to me because if my feet cool down they go numb, and when that happens...i don't climb as well.  My Wigwam socks not only keep my feet warm, and allow them to breathe, but they also establish a fairly consistent "weather pattern" from boot to boot.

It doesn't matter where I am, or what I'm doing...my socks always remain consistent.  Their tough and they always put up a good fight when things aren't "ideal".  In one day I leave for South Korea to represent Canada at the World Cup of Ice Climbing.  I'm allowed 50lbs (which needs to include clothing and gear for three weeks).  So, i've packed the gear i need, a few pairs of pants, t-shirts, undies, and then filled every "open pocket" in the bag with as many pairs of my wigwam socks as possible.  My socks are like a childs teddy bear or doll, they bring me comfort, confidence, and a sense of peace.