Mark, moving on an emotional level. What Pass the Piton said is so true. Wonderful insights into your life. Great job...both climbing and writing/video and photos! My dear old Dad (88 yrs young) is getting your link so he can read and enjoy this. He....former Chief Ranger from Yosemite...1958-68. A bit before your time(s) ...but, I think he will enjoy your account. Ken S
Posted by David Bostock on August 16, 2010 at 8:45 PM
Wow.
Posted by Erik Lundh on August 16, 2010 at 11:04 PM
Holy fricken cow!!!
Posted by Sean Bagshaw on August 18, 2010 at 1:52 PM
Another trip up the big stone!? Awesome and inspirational. I made a feeble attempt at Lurking Fear and one other route (Dihedral Wall?) back in the '90's, but just wasn't cut out for the big commitment. We did routes on Washington Column and Leaning Tower but could never get our game up for El Cap. After that I moved on to moderate Alpine and Mountaineering routes, stuff that was less mental. I love reading your stories. I think they are plenty to keep me from needing to go back for another try. We'll see when I hit 54:-). What's next?
Posted by Cliff Dodge on August 18, 2010 at 3:14 PM
Here you are on the side of this cliff you have climbed for six days and your fingers are swollen, little more than half way up, and your fingers are swollen with still six days to go, and you show your splits on your fingers, and are worried because that hand is how you open your beers. I laughed so fricking hard at the irony of it. Way funny, way cool, and you're right, i love the way you took your endeavor, hanging there at first light, valley still dark, you would laugh and everything wasn't so serious, yet it was, appreciating hanging from your hook and the four inches of haul line you would gain with every push. The little things in life first compared to the task at hand. Loved it all. Thanks for a great read and video that is from your heart, not egotistical or conceited, just whats real. Strange how when your accomplishment is done at the top, not sad or elated, but when the final end comes, and you reflect back, it hits you.
Posted by Rick Lamb on August 22, 2010 at 12:45 AM
I just finished reading the climbing log! I enjoyed it immensely! Mark you are one tough cookie my friend!!
Posted by Mark Hudon on August 23, 2010 at 4:25 PM
Thanks for all the great comments.
This fall, Oct 9th to the 23rd, I'll be down there climbing Freerider, a route that I might be able to free climb entirely (meaning using my hands and feet only for upward progress, not using gear to gain height, but still using a rope and gear for safety) and then the Shield, a route that overhangs for one thousand feet (all aid climbing) that I have failed on twice before. Both route are on El Cap. We'll probably take 4 and 5 days respectively.
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11 repliesGrape Race/Tribal Rite Trip Report
This fall, Oct 9th to the 23rd, I'll be down there climbing Freerider, a route that I might be able to free climb entirely (meaning using my hands and feet only for upward progress, not using gear to gain height, but still using a rope and gear for safety) and then the Shield, a route that overhangs for one thousand feet (all aid climbing) that I have failed on twice before. Both route are on El Cap. We'll probably take 4 and 5 days respectively.