Alpinism is the discipline of climbing big and technical mountains. It focuses on “fast and light” ascents and integrates a variety of skills such as ice climbing, rock climbing, and glacier travel. However, in a multi-day ascent, for approximately 3-5 days, there is another skill where a climber needs to place a high elevation camp to reach the summit. It requires carrying more equipment including the cooking and sleeping system. Staying at a high elevation also means being able to withstand the harsh weather and environment.
On November 27-28, 2021, the K8 Team performed a successful “Intro to High Altitude Camping” at the Vision Quest Ridge located near Nordegg, Alberta. It aimed to provide training for K8 climbers and familiarize them with the crucial skill of camping at high elevations. The activity was participated in by Leonard Maglalang, Adrian Andoy, Loreto Torres, Dan Pelayo, Jay Quiambao, Eric Ortega, Raymond Anderson Silva, Jayjay Dales, and Chris Francisco. They mainly reside in Calgary, Edmonton, and Brooks, Alberta. But K8 Climbers are also proud of their origin, which completes the 3 major divisions of the Philippines – mainly Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Before presenting the activity, a SONA or Site on Assessment was executed by the K8 Operations Team, participated in by Levi Ramos, Leonard Maglalang, and Adrian Andoy.
The team arrived at the parking lot at noon and started the hike at 12:30 pm. Vision Quest Ridge scramble is of moderate traffic, rated as “difficult,” and a 7 km out-and-back trail. The climbers reached the ridge at 4:30 pm. Upon arriving at the ridge, the team was greeted with 70 kph wind gusts and freezing weather. Building the camp in this harsh environment was very challenging. The climbers struggled to set up the camp, but the spirit of camaraderie and teamwork was one of the best memories witnessed that day. The setup was finished at 5:30 pm.
The team stayed inside the tents for a while. The weather became better, and the team was able to enjoy a memorable night sharing experiences with everybody, great food, and great people.
In the morning, some members were already awake at 7:30 am. The team decided to stay at the camp and enjoy the incredible view from the ridge. The break camp was at noon, and the descent started at 1:00 pm. The climbers were back at the parking lot at 2:30 pm.
The K8 Team learned a lot from this activity – what they lack, what they can improve for the next time. Certainly, the relationship became stronger. It was a massive day for K8 Mountaineers. They could not have asked for a better experience. They felt humbled to be given this kind of beautiful, rare opportunity to see the beauty of the mountains.
Today, K8 is the home of Pinoy Mountaineers here in Alberta, whether freshly from the Philippines or long-time residents, setting up a goal of sharing the beauty of the mountains through responsible mountaineering and producing more Alpinists.
