Friday, June 21, 2013

Adventure Climbing On Rattlesnake Bluff

Today, we did our first climbs on Rattlesnake Bluff. About 110' of unclimbed rock. (Mostly unclimbed; we found two very old pitons.) A couple of weeks ago, Ron and Peter did some trundling there, so today we decided to climb. More photos here.

The bluff from the road.


The top of the bluff.

Checking out a crack












The first route we climbed.




Looking up from the bottom.


Sunday, June 16, 2013

Stones That Sail

Up until now, no one has figured out how these "sailing stones" on the desert move. The latest theory is that they are pushed by the wind as they float on a bed of ice.  More here. 


Friday, June 14, 2013

"It's Sterile And Spiritless To Wait Until Success Is Assured"

This guys had some fun climbing the Nose in a little more than a day. They called it "slowest in-a-day ascent of 2013." They did some training but were admittedly not well trained for a NIAD climb. So why do it if you're not totally prepared? I love their answer:

"Our attempt was premature and overambitious, but it was that which made it romantic and enthralling. It's sterile and spiritless to wait to do something until success is assured; why not do it when success is unsure? When the unsureness will throw your brain into insomnia-inducing loops of unease and apprehension; when it will strain your friendships and romances; when it will push you into the furthest corners of your character and strength?"

Great photo before.













And 29 hours lof climbing later, at the summit. 


Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Mystery Of Abandoned Pack Solved

25 years ago, some climbers found a pack on the summit of a tower in Utah. Last week, they posted a photo from the camera that was in the pack This week, the pack owner was found and told the full story of why he left his pack behind.

It's kind of a sad story. Full details here. 








I Love Fast Food

In my opinion, Taco Bell has the tastiest fast food.  I always wondered about the delicious flavorings they used. Now I know - they lovingly apply spit to their tacos. Details here.


Tuesday, June 4, 2013