WKSU News: Old friends blaze trails in Canadian Rockies

Thursday, March 22, 2012 Old friends blaze trails in Canadian Rockies Oh Canada or How I Spend My Winter Vacations by WKSU's JIM BLUM	Host / Producer Jim Blum

Robert Le Blanc

In The Region:

For many of you, it was a great winter for snow – because there’s been so little of it.

For me, that’s a bad Winter. I like to ski, cross country, where you don’t find the man-made stuff. My favorite place to go has plenty of snow, and remarkable slopes, and gorgeous vistas. I stay at the Campbell Icefield Chalet in British Columbia.

But for all the beauty and challenge of the Canadian Rockies, it’s the people that keep me coming back. This is their story, one I think you’ll find remarkable.

Most of the people I shared a cabin with are retired – in their 60s, 70s and even 80s. They’ve been climbing and skiing the Rockies long enough that some mountain peaks and passes are named after them. These are some of the people who, years ago, broke trail to make it easier for the rest of us to follow. Yet, they’re so modest some didn't want to talk on tape. Still, I think you'll like to hear from those who did.

So allow me to take you on a little trip to the mountains...

Voices of the Campbell Icefield

Other options:

Windows Media /

MP3 Download (29:01)

Images with audio

←
Jim Blum losing a round to Bernie Schiesser (L) Robert Le Blanc (top) and Gordon White (R) One more adventure story here - Gordon White in Africa

(Click image for larger view.)

Mike Wingham (L) Karen Schiels and David Starkey

Bernie Schiesser with red skins on his skis. The skins have carpet-like fibers that provide traction when climbing

Karen Schiels (L) with octogenarian George Miles

Thanks for coming along and meeting some old friends – Karen Schiels, Gordon White, Bruce Morrison, Lesley Bohm, Bernie Schiesser, David Starkey- and a special tribute to Robert Le Blanc. He’s one of the reasons I kept going back to the Campbell Icefield chalet in winter. Robert has died since I was there last. But his tracks on the trail will remain.

Listener Comments:

Great Stuff! Thanks for sharing the news! http://www.themitralvalve.org/mitralvalve/clinicalpresentationpathophysiology

Posted by: Ashley K (United States) on April 12, 2012 2:04AM

Hi Jim: Good job. Yesterday I came back from 2 weeks at the Campbell. On Friday with Bernie as guide we climbed to the col on the Blue Water Glacier and skied down thru beautiful powder. We must have made 90 turns. If this is (was) my last kick at the cat I am very content. I will be 86 in June so I hope I have a few more turns left. Actually I am off to Whistler/Blackcomb for some down hill next month. Hope you enjoy your trip if you get in in May 2012.
Gord

Posted by: gordon white (kamloops) on April 8, 2012 3:04AM

I'd like to echo Chris'(from Port Clinton) comments. Thanks so much Jim.
I'm 56 and had a heart valve replacement last year. I'm looking forward to putting my new valve to work and enjoying the outdoors.

Posted by: Dave Dailey (Stow, Ohio) on March 25, 2012 7:03AM

Thank you so much for sharing your winter adventures with us. You have inspired me to get out into the outdoors more and to explore the beauty that nature has to share with us if we only take the time and prettiest to get outdoors. Thanks Jim.

Posted by: Chris Stranathan (Port Clinton, Ohio) on March 23, 2012 10:03AM

Add Your Comment