Written by Cyrus Huang, adventure studies diploma student
Ten days have already swept by on our 14-day rock climbing expedition to Orpierre, France — a testament to the exhilarating pace of adventure, a sentiment echoed by everyone on the team. Time certainly flies on expedition, or at least everyone in this year’s rock expedition team agrees.
The overarching theme of this year’s trip seems to be the delightful dance between meticulous planning and unforeseen realities.
Our original destination, Smith Rock, US, became an impossibility when my travel visa encountered unexpected delays. Undeterred, our team rallied, pivoting to Orpierre, a charming climbing village nestled in the Southern French Alps. This spontaneous shift marked the program’s first rock expedition outside of North America.
Our journey to this new destination was an adventure in itself. After two connecting flights, we spent a whirlwind day exploring the iconic sights of Paris before heading south the following morning. Even the train journey held its surprises — an initial delay forced a frantic dash to catch our connection. Adding to the excitement, the taxi driver at the destination station was unavailable, leaving us stranded until our gracious host came to our rescue.
Our first morning in Orpierre dawned under a blanket of rain, prompting a visit to the nearby, formidable Sisteron Citadel — a truly awe-inspiring fortress. Meanwhile, our Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) Mountain Guide Fred Amyot expertly leveraged his local knowledge and connections to craft a strategy to outmanoeuvre the persistent bad weather.
By evening, Fred proposed a move further south to the Languedoc-Roussillon region. This change of plans gifted us several days of fantastic climbing across five diverse crags, interspersed with visits to captivating historic towns.
Back in Orpierre, we’ve enjoyed another two days of climbing. Incredibly, we have now climbed for seven consecutive days, a far cry from anyone’s initial plan. This adaptability, the ability to plan diligently and improvise when necessary, feels central to the essence of guiding.
Tomorrow promises a much-needed full day of rest, with rain and thunder firmly in the forecast for Orpierre. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for one last dry day to savour before our departure.
An undeniable highlight of this expedition has been the privilege of having Fred as our guide. He has truly exemplified the qualities of an exceptional leader, skillfully navigating unexpected delays, challenging weather and a diverse group of climbers with varying abilities and personalities. Thanks to his expertise and positive spirit, what could have been a gloomy week of waiting in the rain has transformed into a memorable trip of a lifetime for all of us.
