The Things We Keep

halfdome-sunset
Hey Steph,
Great blog. Found it though Wikipedia and saw you in First Ascent.

I just want to say hi and thank you for your explanation for why you climb. At times it’s incredibly difficult to articulate to people who have no idea or concept of the experience. There’s no really quick, easy answer other than, “I love it.” Sometimes I look at myself and the life/resources I devote to the sport and think, “this is terribly unproductive… but I cannot imagine doing anything else.”

It’s a crazy lifestyle/sport, but one that I will do until I die. I’m so lucky to have found myself in it during my summers spent working for DNC in the Valley. After my last summer ended and I moved to DC to work on Capitol Hill, I found myself forever thinking about Yosemite and climbing while walking around in a suit with Congressmen. Sure enough, come spring, I quit my job in DC and drove to Berkeley to be closer to the Sierra and climb. Best move ever. Now I’m finally back in the Sierra every weekend.

Keep rocking out. I love your work.
Steve
BLOG: http://stevebclimbson.blogspot.com/

Dear Steve,
Thanks for your kind words. What can I say? I know exactly what you mean. We all share that undeniable need to live high, and really touch the wild places. In this life that is changing so fast, and shifting under our feet like talus, our connection with the natural world is perhaps the only thing we can truly count on. The experiences we have lived are the only things we hold forever. I’m starting to believe that devotion to the path is perhaps the most productive way we can be…..
xx Steph


2 responses to “The Things We Keep”

  1. Tawcan says:

    The first time I actually saw someone rock climb with my own eyes was in Yosemite close to 17 or 18 years ago. Back then I didn’t understand why people would climb and I thought climbers were just nutheads.

    I not only climb but I also hike, scramble, ski, and I kayak. I don’t think I can get away from this life style EVER. I have successfully convinced my parents that climbers aren’t bunch nutheads. Funny how one’s perspective changes. 🙂

  2. Mike says:

    But..is it the path that does the choosing or is it us ? Kiss the sky, it’s time to fly 🙂

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