Reform the 1872 Mining Law
As human-powered outdoor recreation enthusiasts, we all need metal; from climbing carabiners and bike frames to trekking poles and ski edges. The problem lies with 19th century values and policy guiding 21st century high tech mining technology. The laws adopted in 1872 to govern prospecting with a pick and shovel and to help settle the West before the invention of the light bulb are the same laws in use
today. These outdated laws place no regard for the new values and economic future of the west.
Chile: The Crusade for Virgin Rock
“Long periods of high pressure, steep granite, moderate glaciers, ‘short’ approaches from base camp and 500-meter virgin walls seemed the norm in Brujo del Torres. The more research we did, the more we convinced ourselves we had found El Dorado…”
Petzl Dartwin Crampons: Serious about Steep
In December I headed down to Ouray, Colorado’s Ice Park, to begin testing the Petzl Dartwin crampons. With all kinds of immediate climbing to be had, Ouray seemed the best place to determine effectiveness on everything from low-angle ice to crazy mixed testpieces…
Life on a Line
One athlete’s search for balance, and how walking the straight and narrow is catching on.
A Few Gutsy Throws
Fueled by Sparks, Bone Thugs and a half awake co-pilot, I made a silent promise to myself to not let the Yaris drop below 90 mph. Things were going smooth. Too smooth. About an hour out of Bakersfield and the car struck something which I can only describe as hard…
My Climbing Life: Dreaming of the Unscheduled Escape
I don’t feel like working today. That doesn’t change the fact that I have to work, and I will work, soon… but I am going to indulge in a self-indulgent blog post before I get cracking.