Hello From San Francisco
- June 2008
- Uncategorized
Heya, Steph-
My name is Meredith. I’m fairly new to climbing, but after the first tentative climbs I went to the library and soaked up as much as I could about technique, formations, maps (we have a great library, chock full of this stuff). After all that, though, the only book I checked out was yours.
I’ve been reading non-stop since (i’m almost done) but I really wanted to email you and say hi, and thanks, for such a great book. Being a lady climber as well, i appreciate the notes and experiences about that, but im glad that you haven’t made it (as i’ve seen some with other lady climbers) all about that one fight.
I was particularly touched about your climb with Beth. I’ve been kvetching a bit about my own bodily drawbacks (I’m a cancer survivor, so i have lung and stamina drawbacks) It made me realize all i really need to do is shut up and climb.
I’m based in san francisco, and, shockingly, i’ve never been to yosemite. Now it’s all i can think of doing, getting strong enough to go climb there.
Thank you so much. I’d love to hear from you, if you have the time, but if you don’t, I wanted to let you know that you’ve definitely changed the way i think about climbing, but also exploration.
All my best,
meredith
Dear Meredith,
Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate your letter. I love hearing about other people’s inspiration, and I think Beth is totally amazing as well. It is really inspirational to me to have friends who have overcome serious injury or illness, and continue to push their limits and experience the wild. I stand in awe of survivors, and I see that the struggle seems to make people even stronger.
I just passed through the Bay area, from Yosemite through San Francisco, and it’s just a few hours drive 🙂 Meredith, don’t be intimidated to go to Yosemite! Part of the reason it’s such a climbing mecca is the fact that it has climbs of all difficulties and sizes. People who have never climbed before take climbing lessons there. Even the hike up to Half Dome, via the Cables Route, is one of the most spectacular climbs I have ever done. Standing at Glacier Point, looking out over the whole Valley, and across Tenaya Canyon to Tuolomne and the Sierras is incredible. And simply meandering near the river around the Valley floor, surrounded by granite and trees and flowers, is good for the soul. Please consider making a trip over, just to see it! You are so close!
xx Steph
