Q- Give the readers a rundown on
how and why you got into rock
and ice climbing in the first place?
What motivated you to try it?
A- It started with interest in 1975
during a trip to Alberta and Banff.
An awakening of the mountains,
and then enrolled in a semester
course at National Outdoor
Leadership school in Lander,
Wyoming.
Q- You're from Windsor originally,
but settled in northern Ontario.
Tell us about your love for this
region and why you moved here
and stay here?
A- I was working in Geology Exploration in Saskatchewan in 1979, and drove through Thunder Bay. Saw a university program called outdoor recreation and decided to take a break from geology. Enrolled to start in September 1979. That is where I discovered rock climbing at Centennial Park in the city.
Q- You have been developing climbing experiences and other experiences in the region since 1980, and writing guiding books and establishing these experiences for others to enjoy. What does this mean to you to share your knowledge and passion?
A- It really all began with rock in September 1979 in Thunder Bay and Kakabeka Falls in December 1979. Since then, I have discovered and developed, and have authored and co-authored rock and ice climbing guidebooks (17 in total) to areas between Minnesota and Sault Ste. Marie. I suppose I am considered the pioneer of rock and ice climbing in northern Ontario. It has been a long haul with no financial support from anyone. Great now to see third generation climbers using the sites and to see these sites as tourism destinations is rewarding, too.