A puzzle in Squamish, British Columbia, has been unraveled. Last autumn, a cherished granite rock utilized by climbers in the region disappeared. Known as Portable, the rock was treasured for its ideal shape and size, perfect for honing balance and enhancing grip skills.
Ethan Salvo, a 23-year-old rock climber from Squamish, expressed his surprise and confusion when Portable vanished, emphasizing the significance of the rock within the community. Recently, Portable has been located.
During a climbing expedition in Bishop, California, Salvo came across a social media photo showing the missing rock just 20 minutes away from his camp. The rock, adorned with a Canadian drinking toque and goggles, caught his attention. Despite initially questioning if the photo was computer-generated, Salvo confirmed the rock’s presence with a friend who verified its location.
Salvo’s friend retrieved the hefty 32-kilogram rock and brought it back to their camp. Salvo, recognizing Portable by its shape and weight, eagerly reunited with the rock. He emphasized the unique connection climbers have with their surroundings, stating his ability to identify familiar rock holds blindfolded.
Although the journey of Portable to Bishop, California remains a mystery, Salvo speculates that a visitor to Squamish inadvertently took the rock last summer. He plans to return Portable to its original spot at the base of the Superfly boulder in Squamish.
