CORNWALL, Ontario – Joel Gibeault and Jaymie Secord, also known as Johnny Mountaintop and Joe Wilderness have some pretty lofty aspirations, literally.
The pair plan to climb each of the 46 peaks of the Adirondack Mountains in northern New York state.
Johnny Mountaintop has been climbing peaks for two to three years, but Joe Wilderness only started last June.
“I love the solitude and being in nature gives you an excuse to stay in shape,” said Wilderness.
So far Wilderness has climbed 23 of the 46 peaks and Mountaintop has climbed 18. Mountaintop plans on catching up to Wilderness when climbing season starts up again in spring. Over the winter months, they are going to train and do indoor rock wall climbing.
“We’ve taken up rock climbing to keep ourselves active,” explained Mountaintop. “Its a new hobby for us that helps with cardio and conditioning while challenging your brain. Climbing it is like a puzzle and I really enjoy that aspect of it.”
Wilderness and Mountaintop have already conquered the highest peak of the Adirondacks, Mt. Marcy.
The pair have some big plans for 2020. In addition to planning some climbs in Costa Rica, the pair also have applied to be in the next season of Amazing Race Canada.
“Every time we climb we grow and we get more and more competitive and a show like his will test our team,” Wilderness said.
Wilderness explained that they should know in early 2020 if they have been selected for the show.
He went on to say that they have received great support from Cornwall.
“We’ve gotten awesome support from the city, and from our sponsors,” he said. “It is awesome to have such a supportive community.”
Joe Wilderness blogs about his experiences mountain climbing on his website at joewilderness.ca
