In 2020, Andrew and I had no money … none. I had just moved my family and assumed a second mortgage weeks prior to finding out I could not work, as my industry had been deemed non essential. Life was stressful and there were no guarantees of anything at this time. We both knew one thing: We had no money for bolts, but we had lots of time, and needed an outlet. Andrew started a Go Fund Me on a whim…and it shot off like lightning. This was really the grass roots support which lit up development in the Nordegg area. If it had not been for the generous donations of many folks during those uncertain times we would not have had the development revolution in Nordegg. I am eternally grateful for the support of the Central Alberta Climbing Community.
Isn’t the OG guidebook pretty?
Mike Adolph, Jay Mills, & the COE Climbing Guidebook
Between 2015 to 2020 I had become very involved with route development in the Nordegg area. I had bolted a fair number of sport routes and established multi pitch routes at Yambraham.Â
Enough praise can never be given to Mike Adolph and the many COE guides who continued to pursue route development and cataloguing over the 20 years prior to the Development Revolution. Jay Mills must be mentioned in this list of names as his contributions are foundational and monumental. Rolf Adolph tirelessly edited and printed the COE pamphlet and supported us during the editing transition. He must also be noted with much gratitude.
Between 2015 to 2020 I had become very involved with route development in the Nordegg area. I had bolted a fair number of sport routes and established multi pitch routes at Yambraham.Â
Brian Olstad and the DTCA
In 2020 Mike Adolph asked me to take over developing the update to the guidebook…and I was in over my head. The COE guidebook was stored and edited on Microsoft Publisher at the time and I needed help. Andrew connected me with Brian Olstad. After many hundreds of hours of content editing and general suffering on my part, Brian came along and took over formatting and publishing.Â
Without Brian there would be no David Thompson Climbing Association, he is the magic in the formula. I am forever grateful that Brian entered my life through Andrew Abel. Brian volunteers untold hours annually and asks for no credit. He often feels sheepish about having an ad for his business Red Point Creative in the guidebook…as though it is not warranted.
