Chasing Pirate Treasure is a childhood dream for everyone—who hasn’t dreamed of suddenly discovering a hidden treasure trove? The famous novel Treasure Island by Scottish author Stevenson tells a well-known adventure story—pirates and a captain, each with their own crew, engaged in a thrilling battle over the treasure of a deserted island, with the author hinting in the epilogue that a large stash of treasure remains hidden somewhere on the island.
Treasure Island was written against the backdrop of Cocos Island in the Pacific, which was a resting spot for 17th-century pirates. The pirates loaded and unloaded, buried and hid their looted treasures there, adding an air of mystery to this otherwise nameless island. However, in the waters around Newfoundland, another story similar to Treasure Island is told—pirates buried their gold and silver on a sea reef called Money Rock, which stands almost impossibly tall in the ocean, making it nearly unclimbable. They had to climb up from the mast of their ship to reach the rock, or so the story goes.
Newfoundland’s Money Rock is a sea reef made up of three rock towers. Canadian climbing legend Will Gadd and his friend, professional female mountain guide Sarah Hueniken, took a small boat and completed an expedition, becoming the first non-pirates to reach the top of the reef.
Sarah Hueniken is an ACMG-certified guide and an OutdoorResearch athlete. She has made the first ascent of Xiaxiong, an unclimbed 5,965-meter peak in the Genie Mountains of Sichuan, China, in honor of her friends Todd Skinner, Karen McNeill, and Sue Nott. Will Gadd is a versatile athlete who has won the Canadian ice climbing championship four times. He has climbed the last iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean, searched for underground ice caves in an abandoned Swedish mine, and flown a paraglider over the Grand Canyon. “These rock towers are as spectacular as icebergs—they are geological treasures, naturally beautiful, and no one has ever climbed them before. We wanted to uncover the secrets behind those pirate treasure rumors.”
Will Gadd and Sarah Hueniken then climbed Skerwinkle Rock. They entered the rock towers at low tide, jumping between stones. Poor weather and tricky rock conditions slowed their progress, and the 60-meter-high tower left even seasoned climbers feeling hopeless. Will Gadd said, “It really is massive and majestic—we had come all this way, so we had to take it seriously!” Loose rocks crumbled from the surface, and everything their hands touched was damp with moss. After two days of persistent climbing, Gadd and Hueniken reached the summit. Sarah Hueniken said, “The only treasure we found on this expedition climb was a small meadow covered with hundreds of crab shells and sea urchins. Birds fly here and treat it like paradise—it was truly a magical climb.”
TIPS: Sarah Hueniken’s reef expedition climbing gear:
Outdoor Research W's Centrifuge Jacket – Women’s Centrifuge Jacket
A comfortable, stretchy performance layer with PrimaLoft ECO insulation keeps your core warm during high-output activities in the wild or cold weather. The front and back shoulders use 20D tear-resistant polyester, filled with 60g of PrimaLoft ECO insulation; the sleeves and back panel are 95% polyester with 5% Spandex for four-way stretch. The Radiant LT fleece lining is windproof and breathable, while the stretchy back and sleeves ensure smooth climbing movement. Features zippered chest and pocket openings, thumbholes at the cuffs, and an adjustable hem. Weight: 369g (Size M), slim fit.
Outdoor Research W's Solitude Pants – Women’s Solitude Pants
Highly breathable softshell pants designed for high-intensity activity in cold weather. Made from water-resistant, breathable softshell fabric; nylon shell with fleece lining; fully taped seams; water-resistant zipper; two zippered pockets; zippered thigh pocket; abrasion-resistant ankle reinforcement; gusseted crotch; articulated knees; ankle zippers; shoe lace eyelets at the hem. Weight: 480g (Size M), regular fit.
