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"photos at L & R are from the East End of Rundle Mountain or 'EEOR', an easy scramble hike from the top of Whiteman's pass. My wife & I hiked up in the afternoon of July 9, with Thunder Storms in the distance"

This month, our mountain community witnessed its share of tragic accidents. Adventuring into the mountains, both summer and winter is a big reason why many of us live here. The excitement, challenges and accomplishments of our activities help provide many of us with a raison d'ètre or reason to live. Some of our activities are not without risk: risk of falling, rock falling on us, avalanches, crevasses and human error.

Professional practitioners counter these risks with skill, knowledge and experience. Mountain professionals face similar risks to Indy car drivers and stunt professionals. Maybe even fewer risks. When and if an accident does occur, we accept the result as an act of misfortune.

But this month, three deaths stand out. In these instances, there appears to be no mistake on the part of the participants and no other "normal" risk was the cause of the tragedy either.

Let me explain.

Mid-month, a young climber perished on a well-known route, not far from here. His partner, who was leading the pair, heard a grunt and felt a tightening of the rope. Upon descending to see what was the matter, he found his partner dangling and unconscious. There was no evidence of rock fall, no trauma, no asphyxiation. No apparent reason whatsoever.

He tried to revive his comrade to no avail. Finally, as light was fading, he made his friend comfortable and secure and descended on his own to get help. Due to failing light, rescuers were not able to get to the victim until the next morning. He was dead by this time. An autopsy has not been able to solve the mystery.

A week later, a well-known ski coach was struck by a car while training on his bike outside of Cochrane, a small town just west of Calgary. The driver of the car apparently suffered a stroke and lost control of her vehicle. Our colleague just happened to be at the wrong spot at the wrong time. He died immediately.

Earlier this month, heli-skiing pioneer, ski and mountain guide and founder of the largest heli-ski company in the world, Hans Gmoser, passed away as a result of a bike accident near Lake Louise. He was 75. He broke his neck from a fall off his bike. The reason for the fall was not apparent and not known.
 

There is still time to book a golf or discovery drive vacation for September. Call us directly for quicker results, toll-free 1-888-867-5448. Ask for our VP of Tours, Brenda Cardinal.

Also...

Now is an excellent time to begin reserving your preferred accommodation and flights for the Christmas or School Break holidays. Contact us today to begin organizing your personal itinerary by emailing us at: travel@CanadianMountain.com.

Remember, there is no obligation to book and when you do, your holiday experience is guaranteed to be to your satisfaction or you will receive a second holiday free on us. Plus, we offer extremely generous terms if you need to cancel your trip, right up to the day of travel. Contact us to help make your dream vacation, a reality.
 

What is the commonality of these three tragedies?

Well no. 1, all three were actively doing something they loved doing.

All were very fit.

None appeared to have died as a result of a miscalculation on their part while pursuing a "dangerous" activity. Nor was their accident the result of some normal event due to the arena in which they were active.

The only, unsatisfactory answer that I can give is that it was their time.

The message to me is very clear. None of us can know when our time will be. Even were we to do all of the right things; eating well, exercising regularly, avoiding bad habits like smoking or drinking excessively, living in an environment with clean air and water - something out of our control may still trigger our demise.

CARPE DIEM

Actor Robin Williams' character, in the classic movie "Dead Poets Society" tried to instill this one BIG idea into his students.

"Seize the Day!"

Since you cannot know what day you will be called, doesn't it make sense to make this day your best one. Doing what you love most. Working to achieve that which is most meaningful to you. Striving to fulfill your dreams. Doing good to others. Doing today that which you have put off doing.

This could mean beginning to learn a new language, saving and planning for your retirement, learning new skills so you can acquire your dream job or vocation.

Or it could mean taking some time off to spend with your friends and family. Planning that trip you always wanted to do to those places you always meant to visit.

Like a group of four couples from Dallas we recently assisted. They came to Banff last week to spend time together and to celebrate one of the couple's 25th wedding anniversary; in one of the world's most majestic and peaceful settings.
 

Our time on this earth is limited. I encourage you to make the most of yours and if a holiday to our region is on your wish list, I would be pleased to assist you in making it a most memorable one.

From the Canadian Rocky Mountains,

Sincerely,

Hugh Tafel
Founder and President

P.S. Send your questions and comments to:

editor@CanadianMountain.com