The reality is, once again, I am not good enough. Not strong enough, not smart enough, not tough enough, and even potentially, not dumb enough. Some things had changed in the two years since I last attempted to climb Fitz Roy via Pilar Goretta and it’s north side. I had more experience, more knowledge and […]
Chalten
Town Days
Editors Note: In honor of the return to the dusty campgrounds of El Chalten, I am posting this piece I wrote a few years ago. Life in El Chalten isn’t too complicated and many days that are spent waiting for good weather seem to pass in a similar fashion as I have written about below. […]
The Lessons: Part Tres
The Lessons – 2014 – Become more well rounded. Mountains in this range demand a solid command of a wide array of mountain skills. The past two trips to this arena have led me to believe that I can get away with being a strong alpine rock climber and a not so strong mixed or […]
On the Nature of Summits and Partners
“Well, here we go” I announce, screwing the Doite isobutane canister onto the Jetboil. “Let’s see if this works” I continue as Rainbow and Anne glance up to watch me turn the valve on the stove. The silence says it all. “Fuck.” Rainbow, Anne and I are setting up camp at the toe of the […]
Same Same, But Different
Anne pulls up the latest meteorogram as Rainbow and I peer over her shoulder. Rumour has it that this year is a year of manufactured windows. Rock routes are not dry and climbing more alpinesque routes allows for climbing in more varied conditions. “Yeah” he says, “there on Thursday, the pressure is a bit higher […]
You Get What You Need…
11 Enero 2013 — The purple “Turbo Wagon” slows to a stop in front of the maxikiosco. A bearded driver hops out and looks at Matt and me. “Gerry?” he inquires. “Si” I reply standing quickly, a small Osprey day pack light on my back. “Usted con Lago San Martin?” Matt asks. “Si” Sweet. We […]
The Beginning of the End
2 February 2013 — BEEP BEEP BEEP “Shit.” I reach up and press a button to shut off the alarm. “Is it five?” Matt asks. “No that is the one a.m. alarm. I forgot to turn it off.” “Oh… is it set for five?” “Yes Matt” I reply as I roll over and try to […]