SonnieTrotter.com

AT A GLANCE

The first time I ever tied into a rope was at an outdoor festival in Toronto called the CNE. I was almost 16 years old. Joe Rockhead's Climbing Gym set up an artificial wall for spectators, tourists and little punks like myself trying to blow off some steam. Since my sisters had gone on all the rides and I wasn't in the mood for roller coasting - I decided to try a stout overhanging wall dubbed, 'K2'. With each grip I felt more and more alone and only when I reached the top did I realize how high I was. I've been chasing that high ever since.

Upon graduation, I hit the open road for the rocky mountains of Colorado. I don't think I've been home for more than three or four months ever since. Although I love and miss my family greatly, I will never regret leaving behind the urban sprawl to explore a world of uncertainty, a world of great character, raw beauty and individual expression.

During the long winter months I have a habit of gravitating towards warmer climates so I can climb, camp and chase the endless summer. I've explored Mexico, France, Spain, Malta and I'm leaving soon for Australia. In addition, I have spent countless months traversing the lower 48 from Texas to California and in 2002 I made a successful five-month (coast to coast) trip across Canada. My goal was to spend as little money as possible while visiting each and every significant climbing area and small town along the way, from Halifax to Victoria. I read somewhere that life is a great book, and for those who don't travel only read one page.

One thing I have come to realize through climbing and exploring is that fear is an illusion. No matter were we go, there will always be good people around a warm fire, there will always be a friend to share with a cold beer and there will always be a new adventure lurking somewhere over them there hills. So enjoy!

PHILOSOPHY

Do what you love. Love what you do. Take less. Give more. Never quit. Never follow. Be passionate. Be bold. Be honest. Respect people. Respect the environment. Always bring out the best in your family and friends. Change is the only constant. Fear is an illusion. Attitude is everything.

CONTACT

E-mail: sonniejtrotter@yahoo.ca
Phone: 403-679-8594