Friday, March 12, 2010

Der Sportsman Topo


 
Seven years ago Metolius published their catalog with a beautiful picture of Prusik Peak on the cover.  Inside there are two Ben Moon photos of Brooke Sandahl and partner climbing a route that turned out to be a new line, a direct route to the summit of this iconic granite spire.  Five years later my friend and current roommate, Sol Wertkin, contacted Metolius and requested more information on the climb.  Sandahl hooked him up with a detailed topo hand drawn onto a photocopy of the catalog cover.  During a recent organizational binge Sol uncovered this gem and before it could be lost in the proverbial shuffle I ran it through the scanner and have now uploaded it to the web for your downloading pleasure.  Enjoy.

(click on the pic to open a large, readable file)

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

The Enchantment Lakes - Summit 1970


Based out of Big Bear Lake, CA, Summit is a refreshing contrast to the modern mag with a very broad spectrum of subjects, not all strictly climbing.  They also reported heavily on the Northwest, this article is particularly local, the Enchantments are about twenty minutes of driving and less than a half day hike from my door.  It's interesting to note that the area was already seeing heavy use 40 years ago, a controversial permit system protects the area today while also hindering freedoms that climbers cherish.  At ten bucks a night the wallet is also affected, hopefully someday we can find a solution that pleases everyone but I'm not too optimistic.  Clicking on the pics should blow them up in another window big enough to read, enjoy!

 

  

 

Warming up the scanner

Last week I finally found a desk to work at and I'm already feeling more productive.  Taxes are done, grants are being written and I'm even posting a blog.  I guess if it was not wet outside I'd be climbing but their will be plenty of time for that tomorrow in Gold Bar.

With my scanner (thanks Dean) hooked up just to my left and a stack of antique climbing magazines to my right (thanks Jens) I thought I'd share some articles and pages from these classic periodicals.  First up is an awesome cover from the only 'Off Belay' in the collection, as well as a more modern advertisement with a custom dedication from the Bulgarian Monkey.  OOOOHHHH!