July 15, 2009 – Americans Invade Lion’s Head

A strong visiting team of American climbers consisting of Sam Elias, Keith Ladzinsky, Chris Alstrin, Emily Harrington and Lauren Lee were blown away with the quality climbing on the sweeping limestone walls at Lion’s Head. The group spent just over a week sampling the classics and sending some of the more difficult testpieces. Elias managed the most impressive ticklist with quick ascents of Coeur de Lion 13a, Flying Squirrel 13a and Maxi Pista 13c, which he described as “amazing and mind blowing.” Lee, climbing with local hardgal Leslie Timms, bagged many hard 12s and quickly repeated the impressive Everything is Illuminated 13a. Lion’s Head is currently experiencing a climbing resurgence as many of the new and original lines are now outfitted with top anchors and have been extended to the ground, eliminating the dreaded hanging belays. More details at www.ontarioclimbing.com.