This was my home crag! I learned to climb here with the Heathens Alpine Club, which has since disbanded. A special thanks to Chris B. for taking the time to teach me solo aid climbing and helping me bolt my first route. And a special thanks to Paul R. for all his support (too much to list) and tolerating me on my first alpine adventures.
It was with The Heathens that I bagged my first alpine peak (Kings Peak, 2065m) and it was on that peak that I learned to self arrest in snow. On on my second alpine ascent with Paul, who kindly lent me double boots (just one of the many things he lent me), I learned to glissade.
Overhead Hazard (5.12+)
This was the first route I ever established. I originally named it Overhead Hazard with a grade of 5.12a/b. I scrubbed this route clean and Chris B. drilled the holes for the bolts. The name comes from one of my FA attempts in which a key hold broke off. I was pulling down hard on a key pinch which abruptly broke off, resulting in me hucking downwards a mango sized piece of rock. My girlfriend, who had just recently rolled her ankle, was belaying me below with her foot resting in front of her when the rock landed smack dab on her injured ankle. So “overhead hazard” seemed fitting at the time. Shortly after that I came back, re-worked the moves, and got the FA in the summer of 2002. Based on general consensus it was later re-graded to 5.12+.
Topo
Here’s an old topo I made from the Dr. Topo (RIP) archives. If you use this just keep in mind that it was made over 20 years ago. Also, know that an official guide has since been published by members of The Heathen, who basically established this crag from the ground up.
- Vancouver Island rock climbing at Crest Creek Crags guidebook, Strathcona Park, BC
- Wild Isle Publications Crest Creek Rock Climbs – Climb On Equipment