The Happy, Tormented Life of a Mountain Legend

Barry Blanchard has pushed the limits of mountaineering for 25 years—longer and harder than any other climber in Canadian history. But mastering the world’s most dangerous game has been the easy part on his lonely journey to the top.

• by Geoff Powter

Goodbye City, Hello Weekend

Summer vacations may be gone, but we still have the weekends. And to help you plan the perfect two- to three-day escape, we’ve rounded up 27 of the best getaways within reach of six of our major cities.

The Agony of Mediocrity

A weekend worrier dwells on his complex inferiority.

• by Mark Schatzker

Columns

Bio Logic — Walk Like a Human

Walking distinguishes us from other animals and may even be the reason we developed such large brains. But if stretching our legs means stretching the imagination, isn’t it time we really learned how to walk?

• by Wayne Grady

At Large — Can You Feel the Energy?

For thousands of years, dowsers have used rods, forked sticks and pendulums to find everything from underground water to dead bodies. Our intrepid columnist decided to pick up the sticks and give it a try.

• by Mike Randolph

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