THE ALPINIST – Endearing tale of Marc-André Leclerc who unintentionally gained recognition for his unmatched ability to free solo climb some of the tallest peaks in the world. Watching him climb was alternately breathtaking and calming . We are always on edge expecting him to fall, as he climbs with a steady, quiet grace that is almost meditative. He seems to become one with the mountain. He climbs only for himself because his relationship with this alpine terrain is personal and private. Add to this his humility and disinterest in fame or fortune, and we find ourselves falling in love, which is only exacerbated by his quirky, non-conforming personality. Diagnosed on the spectrum when he was young, he was never going to have a typical journey. He found himself, and his calling, climbing the Canadian Rockies. His soul-mate, Brette, shares his love of climbing and desire to live simply – she’s willing to sleep with him outside in a box or a tent, and she does. They’re darling. Free solo climbing means you go alone with very little gear or provisions. Marc almost never took even a cell phone. Many times he is bare-handed and rope free as he gently ascends the rock. His climbs are mesmerizing and have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues in the alpine world, and us too. Here’s to you Marc! Cheers!! Boyfriends – 1; Girlfriends – 1.