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The Things We Keep

• January 2009
• Hi Steph Simple Living Climb Travel

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