Steve Adamson on Ascent NB is looking at installing a memorial plaque at the Cochrane Lane cliffs for Cory Hall, Don Belliveau, and Ian McDonald. I am looking for an inspirational poem or saying to install on the plaque along with the names. If anyone has suggestions please post them here or on Facebook.
ascentnb on A number of climbers made the time over the weekend to improve several popular climbing areas. This is what a vibrant community is all about... climbers making their crags better!
At the Hatchery, Shawn B., Denise H., Greg H., and Joe K., put in a day of work to develop a new access trail. This is an important piece of work that was done at the request of the landowner and should help to keep the relationship in good shape. We'll get the a map of the new trail up before ice sets in and keep all members posted on any further developments.
At Sunnyside, a number of improvements were made by Dom C., Luc G., Adam M., Eric R., Austin C., Chris N. The trail was widened in areas, re-blazed throughout, and cleared of blowdown all the way to Farside wall. An alternate route up to the main cliff was established which should be less prone to erosion. It leads climbers very near to the bench at Atomic wall. Several sections of boardwalk were installed over 2 small creeks that the trail crosses thanks to a generous donation of lumber from Kent's home building supplies in Fredericton!
As well a number of steel biners were installed to replace work and missing lower-off hardware. Thanks to the UNB Rock & Ice club for this great donation! Please leave any gear you find at Sunnyside anchors alone. It's there so we can all enjoy quick transitions to the next climb.
Again... thanks to everyone who ventured out into the snow to make our crags better!
Steve Adamson on As part of the agreement with Gagetown, we have to organise and maintain a rescue team. To that end we are looking for a list of interested volunteers. As part of the team you will be expected to participate in training exercises and respond to rescue calls (if available). Being part of a rescue team will strengthen your own skills in rescue techniques, should be fun (during training exercises), and may save lives. If you are interested in being part of the team, or learning more about it, contact Chris Hennigar (chris.hennigar@gmail.com ) or Steve Adamson (steve.adamson@nbcc.ca).
ascentnb on Over our first year of existence, Ascent NB has been focused on securing land use agreements with the two most important landowners in the province. Today, we can announce that Ascent New Brunswick has secured the agreement with CFB Gagetown!
Securing this agreement was part of the originating idea behind Ascent NB, and so today is a significant day in our 
short existence.
The agreement covers all of the cliffs in Welsford that sit on base land: Cochrane Lane Cliffs, Sunnyside, Mount Douglas, and Bald Peak. Considering their position, it is very much a privilege for climbers to have access to these cliffs at all. It is only thanks to a long tradition of climbing and stewardship in the area, combined with the efforts of individuals (who stepped forward during our loss of access in 2005 and secured the UNB Rock and Ice agreement), that this privilege remains intact.
As with any access agreement, Ascent NB members enjoy the privilege of climbing at these areas with knowledge that their presence is supported and encouraged by the landowner. There is more to this agreement, however. CFB Gagetown stipulated several requirements be fulfilled in order to achieve an agreement.
First, Ascent members will be required to follow the existing call-in procedure. Before entering base land, Ascent members must call Range Control at 506-422-3121 to report their intention to climb. Continued adherence to this procedure is extremely important to retaining this agreement. Failure to do so will jeopardize access for everybody, let alone just Ascent NB members.
Second, the standard requirement of a significant liability insurance policy to protect land owners from the worry of litigation in the event of an accident. (This is easily our single largest expense - please help by purchasing a membership or making a donation. Thanks!)
Third, and perhaps most significant, the base required the formation of a rescue team. This team must be able to carry out the technical rescues that are an unfortunate and inevitable outcome of our sport. The team has been formalized into several plans to be implemented over the coming year, and will support only the climbing areas covered by this agreement. This team will require volunteers, time, money, and training. It will stand as an extremely valuable service to climbers using these cliffs. Ideally, the team will never need to perform, but the extra training and knowledge that the community will gain through the existence of this team will benefit us all, whether at home or abroad.
Stay tuned for more details on the rescue team and what it will mean for our local climbing community! If you are interested in volunteering to be a part of this team, please email ascentnb@gmail.com!
ascentnb on If you haven't heard the buzz yet you're behind the times! McQuirk's Mountain, north of St George, is quickly becoming the most popular crack climbing destination in New Brunswick. This cliff is truly a gem. While Cochrane Lane has long 
been the focus of traditional climbing in New Brunswick, with a few exceptions there really is a distinct lack of true crack climbing. There is a jam here and there, but nothing like the concentration you'll find at McQuirk's.
While the cliff is still relatively new you might think it's been seeing traffic for years. This is a testament to the effort put in by the cliff's developers. Compare the pictures above and below to get an idea of how much lichen and moss *used to be* on the slabs at the bottom of the main face.
While it was actually discovered several years back, it wasn't until Greg Hughes began focusing immense amounts of time and effort that this diamond in the rough transformed into a veritable climbing destination. He wasn't alone; Greg was joined by M
ike Parker, Mike Delaney, Stacey Couturier Tait, Shawn Bethune, and Denise Hamel, among others. Over the past four seasons more than 30 routes have been cleaned and equipped. No doubt this trend will continue in the coming years.
The climbs are all traditionally protected, with just a few bolts added for particularly run out sections. Excluding bolted anchors, there are really only a handful of bolts on the entire cliff and yet in general the climbs all protect well. The gear placements will only get better with time and more traffic as the crystals in the cracks wear down.
Be sure to thank the developers next time you bump into them. Such work must be a labour of love, but ultimately it is the community that benefits, and so such effort should be recognized.
McQuirk's Mountain is also one of the climbing areas covered by an land use agreement that Ascent NB is in the steps of finalizing with JD Irving. More to come on this agreement in the near future.
As always, pack out what you pack in. On belay!
With increased popularity comes the problems of increased traffic. Parking is currently limited to a couple options. The old railway bed is passable for vehicles with sufficient ground clearance, but can only accommodate a couple vehicles and places to turn around are limited. Parking along the highway shoulder is an easier option and will not block others in, but be sure to park well off the road as it is a provincial highway and drivers may not be expecting cars right along the road on that turn.
A new parking area is currently be surveyed that will accommodate half a dozen vehicles as well as shortening the approach. More info on this new parking area will be coming soon. Until then please try to park somewhere that you won't be blocking others in.
McQuirk's is a short drive north along highway 770 from St George, and an up-to-date route list can be found at climbeasterncanada.com.
Photo credits to Greg Hughes and Steve Adamson. ascentnb on Hey folks,
Ascent NB just had a birthday and celebrated with it's 2nd annual general meeting. The event was attended by 20 climbers from across the province with a number of important issues and updates discussed. Here's the quick recap:
For a full run-down of the meeting, click here for the minutes!
ascentnb on Ascent NB is pleased to announce financial support from another strong local business - Fredericton Volkswagen!
Many New Brunswick climbers have opted for vehicles from the sleek and efficient Volkswagen line up. Fredericton VW recognizes this and has decided to give back to the climbing community via donation to Ascent New Brunswick. This donation will help ensure we continue to cover our insurance costs for the land use agreements we are oh-so-close to finalizing.
Thanks again to Ascent member Dan Caldwell and the rest of the gang at Fredericton Volkswagen for supporting Ascent NB!
ascentnb on As promised... we got you t-shirts!
As a fundraiser we're hoping to sell out of limited quantities of new Ascent NB official t's! We've got distinct styles for ladies and gentlemen. Both look really sharp and sizes are available in S, M, L. The ladies style is more fitted, with shorter sleeves, and the colour is truer to green.
These beauties are going to pop against that pink Welsford granite we all love! Wear em' for your next magazine photo-shoot.
On sale now to members for $20 as a fundraiser that will help us cover our operating costs.
In-person pickup available in Fredericton, Moncton, Saint John. We'll be bringing what's left to the upcoming A.G.M.
Contact us to order one up or talk to any member of the executive!
Stickers available too for $2
ascentnb on With the upcoming AGM, many of you likely want to know where Ascent NB stands now with respect to acquiring our first land use agreements.
While not yet signed and sealed, we have made significant progress in securing agreements with our largest and most important landowners in the province, J.D. Irving and CFB Gagetown.
In the spring of this year, Ascent submitted official proposals to both these landowners. Summer being a busy time for everyone, it took a couple months for these to go through proper channels before getting an official response. However, in both cases we recently received very positive responses and are now in the process of finalizing the agreements. We are aiming to have both agreements in place by the AGM.
There will be a lot more information about these agreements available at the AGM, so please come out in person if you can and show your support!
ascentnb on It's hard to believe it's been nearly a year since our inaugural AGM. Since then Ascent NB seen substantial support growth from the community and through partnerships, and as such has gained significant momentum.
We are planning our second AGM for 10am Saturday, October 4th, once again at the end of Cochrane Lane. Please join us to elect new executive members and to discuss the direction of Ascent New Brunswick. The best way to have your voice heard is to attend this meeting and join in the discussion!
We are holding it a little later than last year to avoid the UNB Rock and Ice 'Rock School' and the ever-popular Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in Fredericton.
A specific time and agenda will be posted in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
