A mystery surrounding a missing granite rock in Squamish, British Columbia, has been solved. Last autumn, a popular rock used by climbers in the area, known as Portable, disappeared, causing distress among locals. The rock, weighing 32 kilograms, was cherished for its ideal shape and size that made it perfect for balance exercises and grip training.
Ethan Salvo, a 23-year-old rock climber from Squamish, expressed the community’s shock and confusion when Portable vanished. However, the rock has now been located in Bishop, California. Salvo, while on a climbing trip, came across a photo on social media showing the missing rock not far from his location.
Sporting Canadian gear like a drinking toque and goggles, Portable was recognized by Salvo’s friend and retrieved. Salvo’s unique connection with rocks and climbing allowed him to identify Portable immediately upon seeing it, despite its relocation to California. Salvo believes that a visitor to Squamish unknowingly took the rock, leading to its unexpected journey.
Plans are in place to return Portable to its original spot at the base of the Superfly boulder in Squamish, where it is cherished by the climbing community.