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A small granite rock that served as a beloved landmark for climbers in British Columbia vanished from its usual spot and turned up over 1,700 miles away in California.
The granite rock, known to climbers as Portable, was a fixture at the base of the Superfly boulder in Squamish for several years, and was often used to practice balance and grips.
The rock recently vanished from its position, and its whereabouts were a mystery until recent posts on Reddit indicated it might be at the base of the Iron Man bouldering spot in Bishop, Calif., more than 1,700 miles from its home.
Squamish climber Ethan Salvo, 23, said he was on a climbing trip in California when he was alerted to Portable’s possible location. He had a friend who was climbing close to Iron Man check out the rumors, and she found a granite stone.
The rock was wearing googly eyes and “a really sick hat,” Salvo told CBC News.
Salvo said the stone’s identity was immediately apparent.
“The minute I saw the shape, I knew it was it. It just looked like home. It felt like home. It weighed like home,” Salvo said.
How the rock came to be in California remains a mystery, but Salvo said it will soon be headed back home.
“Portable is fine and well. A bit greasy, but after a brush and some chalk, it was liftable again. I guess all else I have to say is I’m very confused. I thought I was tripping when I ended up with Portable in my arms last night. I don’t think we will ever know the real story of Portable’s adventures, but I’m glad it’s been found and I can bring it home,” he told climbing magazine Gripped.
