Spending a day alone in the woods while bouldering is something I enjoy quite a bit. The serenity of the birds chirping, wind blowing, and little critters running around is music to my ears. It reminds me that for me bouldering has always been a means to interact with nature, and not just about climbing hard problems. As the sport continues to grow the ability to experience these special moments becomes more and more scarce, as well as more and more special. The lack of screams of children hiking through the woods, or groups of young strong climbers falling on their “sick projects” is peaceful. No one shouting beta at me, and no one scaring off the wildlife.

The late fall and early winter has always been the time of year where climbers make their way to the boulder fields to test their might on hard problems. With the cooler temperatures comes dryer rock, and better friction. With an adequate warmup it’s ideal for climbing at your limit. I’ve been lucky to be able to get out a lot during this magical time of year, and have captured some astounding displays of climbing still and strength that’s been on display at the Niagara Glen.

Jacob Artibello, is relative new to the sport of climbing, only beginning less than 5 years ago. In the past few years however he's managed to surge to an expert level, ticking classic hards ascents of some of the provinces best climbs.

For the past few years my climbing has evolved to focus on highball bouldering. Searching out for a perfect line, that is not only aesthetic, but fun to climb as well.