Here we have... Two unique elements caring for our wild places... linked through time, intentions, and real efforts... An historical man of our mountains and an Organization who continues in the same nature of giving back and passing forward...Peakfinder.com wrote of Lawrence Grassi (1890-1980) that his: "Love of the mountains is legendary. Grassi visited all areas of the Rockies, making many solo climbs, some of them undoubtedly first ascents that were never recorded. Although he climbed many of the high mountains of the Rockies his favorite was probably the technically demanding Mount Louis, which he climbed thirty-two times. In the summer of 1925 he is said to have completed the first solo ascent of Mount Assiniboine and in 1926, together with another climber, ascended the east face of Cascade Mountain. Although he loved to climb he also loved to build trails in the mountains. An examination of the trails Grassi built, not only in the Canmore area but in other valleys of the Rockies as well, demonstrate his strength. Huge stones were moved single-handedly to construct steps, bridges, or simply to provide stepping stones. He set off into the hills, axe on shoulder, to make trails to points on interest. It was a labour of love. He loved the mountains but enjoyed having others share their beauty. So day by day he pushed through the bush discovering the best ways of approach - blazing a trail, cutting out the underbrush, grubbing out stones and rocks, bridging little mountain streams."
J.S. Woodsworth said of him: "The world needs Grassis'... men who will seek new paths; make the rough places smooth; bridge the chasms... point the way to higher levels and loftier achievements."
Grassi has an Alpine Hut, two beautiful lakes, and a mountain very much worth climbing all named in his honor... And this is the legacy that Grassi gave us, which the Lake O'Hara Trails Club continues to pass forward, season after season, year upon year...
The Lake O'Hara Trails Club is a non-profit group of energetic and enthusiastic volunteers. They were established in 1949 and continue with their efforts and intentions today. Committed to this cause are: "Those individuals who, moved by a deep love for the beauties of the mountain areas of western Canada, volunteered their efforts to create a system of trails in the Lake O'Hara region." These trails are some of the most eco-friendly , ingeniously made among many of the most pristine mountains and lakes of North America...
The Lake O'Hara Trails Club Mission is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of this vulnerable, beautiful wild place... Their motto is: "Preserve through appreciation"...
Three words that convey intention, commitment, understanding, and sharing at many levels...
Grassi passed his creed forward to the Lake O'Hara Trails Club, and they like many other such dedicated organizations, continue to give back to his memory, while also passing forward to all of us season after season... year upon year...
DSD
Link for the Lake O'Hara Trails Club: http://www.lotc.ca/
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