Ep. 75: The Nooks - Ontario’s Newest Bouldering - Brendan Baars

If you've ever wondered how the crags and boulders we love came to be then give this episode a listen. We talk to Brendan Baars about crossing the border (He's American), finding and developing a new boulder wonderland near Elliot Lake, Ontario. From seeing the Eyeball cliff online to visiting with Gus Alexandropoulus, Brendan realized the area must hold more possibilities so he started exploring. 

 

After many forays that came up empty, he came across an area that he called the Goldmine. Only a 2-5-minute approach from the road, he discovered a multitude of boulders hidden in the forest. But when it comes to creating a climbing area, finding the rock is only the beginning. From cleaning moss, dirt, and loose rock from the boulders to cutting trails so you can access them it takes a lot of work. Once you've cleaned the rock you then have to see if it is even climbable. 

 

We had a great chat with Brendan about his climbing journey and how this crag came into existence. Today there's 150+ routes ranging from V0-V13. Go there and climb yourself! Check out the The Nooks Video about the area. Details are on Sendage  Community and Mountain Project. 

 

**A guidebook is also available for purchase - https://ontarioclimbing.com/Guidebooks/the-nooks-bouldering

 

GIVEAWAY! Follow LiveWild Radio on Instagram to enter in the Giveaway for 2 Guidebooks! 

 

Credit for development of the Nooks goes to Aaron Bopp, Charlie Hall, Danny Plonka and a plethora of others. It's takes a community! 

 

 

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