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The idea of the trip came to me with the realization that in order to get good experience and to become a well rounded climber I need to cut my social ties and become a climbing bum.
Initially the trip was supposed to take place in the summer of 2004, but due to unforeseen circumstances (job offer;) it had to be postponed until February 2005. The only way I could justify waiting was the promise I made to myself that the trip will be 5 months instead of the initial 3.
The places I chose where first based on the general direction of travel (first to Mexico than to BC) then on their status, with the last concern being the weather and climbing season. In the beginning, I thought that we’d be able to do everything during this trip starting from bouldering to mountaineering, but after a careful trip plan review I came to the conclusion that even though this trip is 5.5 months long we wouldn’t able to accomplish much during that time if our goals would be that broad. So, I decided to eliminate some activities like mountaineering and alpine. But don’t be alarmed we still have plenty of disciplines to choose from, like bouldering, sport, trad, and big wall.
Interesting Numbers:
Dates: Feb 1st, 2005 – July 16th 2005; Duration: 166 days; Driving distance: 12,735 km
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Me (Jean)
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The "Master Mind" behind this devious venture (also known as "Colonel", and “Giant Lithuanian" and so on and so forth). Originally, from Lithuania came to Canada in 1996. Then one day I went to check out this thing called "rock climbing" at the local climbing gym in Newfoundland and I was hooked. That day I realized that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
(after an unfortunate accident with Greg (partially cut Achilles tendon caused by a falling block) on May 28 I joined forces with Aaron Black to help him finish filming the rest of the movie "No Permanent Address"... also, not only has my itinerary changed but the trip is extending in order for us to complete the last segment that follows Aaron as he makes the first accent of a big wall route somewhere along the sunshine coast in BC)
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Jay
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The Best (climbing) Partner I ever had. This guy is a machine. I never could keep up with Jay, doesn't matter what adventure, he was faster on the trail, he always carried heavier loads, and his ideas and plans where always crazier than mine. From sea kayaking around Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland with intention to climb a Big Wall in Devils Bay, to Surfing in frigid Atlantic waters from the coast of Newfoundland in November.
(on April 18th Jay flew home with a pulled triceps injury he sustained while attempting to climb Caveman V7 in Joshua tree on March 31st)
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Greg
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Greg is my other buddy from Newfoundland. Greg is a strong climber and an amazing photographer (to see his photographs visit his site
www.myfooteprints.com). Greg was teaching in Korea for the past two years and exploring that part of the world and now comes the time for him to explore this part of the world.
(as of April 13th Greg joined Aaron Black as a cameraman for Aaron's new movie "No Permanent Address" look for it in the fall)
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Kamil
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Kamil is the last but not the least member of this road trip. He is always happy and chilled. Kamil is the kind of guy who doesn't climb for a while (months really) and then comes back and can send a V7 from a couch. He will be a great addition to our crew.
(As of November 26th Kamil will not be joining us on this road trip. It's unfortunate but Kamil couldn't leave his studies. But there is still hope that he will be joining us in April after his schooling is over.)
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