Story Spotlight

Travel writing is a tough genre to master — without intention, even a story about the most fascinating and “exotic” destination can quickly become a rote recitation of a day’s activities. “We went here, we ate this, here’s a smiling selfie.” You get a sense that the writer had a good time; but often, no more than that.

But a master travel writer can do the opposite: turn what should be a boring anecdote or simple moment into a meaningful lesson, connecting their experience as a foreigner into a more universal truth about the land they are visiting, the world…

Some ice climbing.

The Details

West Gully is a 3-pitch ice climb in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. It is located above Black Lake, roughly a 5.5-mile hike from the trailhead. It’s pretty far back there.

Still, worthy prey justifies the hunt!

West Gully RMNP

Where: Black Lake Ice. Start at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead.
Approach: Long.
De-proach: Way longer.
Grade: WI4, III
This report: 12/9/2020

Although I am about to write way too much about an expensive jacket, I should note, this is not a sponsored post. Sometimes things are just good and we form attachments to them. This is one such case.

I said goodbye to the orange jacket today.

Two months ago I packed my treasured companion into a USPS Flat-Rate box and mailed it off to the Arcteryx repair center, in Canada.

This four-year-old Arcteryx Alpha FL hardshell jacket had holes and stains and Tenacious Tape patches all over. The waterproof seams inside the sleeves were delaminating. It certainly wasn’t repairable.

A…

As an avid outdoorsman, I spend a lot of time thinking about gear: looking at gear, researching gear, buying gear, selling gear, etc. Most climbers, skiers, kayakers, whatever, are gear junkies. It’s part of the fun.

However, all this specialized gear is very expensive! An Arcteryx jacket can cost, for example, from $200 to $900. It’s not uncommon for technical backpacks to cost several hundred dollars. Even a humble pair of gloves can run you a bill or more.

And sure, there are cheaper alternatives from lesser-known brands. But (generally) speaking, the quality of an outdoor product will be reflected…

Tonight brought us our first presidential debate of 2020, and just like everything else this year… it… was… not exactly a good time.

Let’s take a look at a few of the more cringeworthy moments, from everyone involved.

Joe Biden saying “I am the Democratic Party!!”

Not a great look when most Democrats are lukewarm on the nomination. Trump is right about this one — I’m sure members of the far-left wing of the Democratic Party weren’t too pleased with this remark.

Also, you should avoid saying dictator-like things when one of your primary attack points is calling…

What can you do during a quarantine?

If your nation is the USA and your understanding of the concept “quarantine” is less than rudimentary, you can go alpine climbing!

Some photos from the summer of 2020 in RMNP. Photos shot on iPhone 6S or 35mm film. All photos copyright mine.

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)

• Closest National Park to Denver, Boulder, and Colorado’s other major cities.
• Third most-visited National Park in the USA.
• Characterized by high-alpine tundra, granite mountains, moraines and ridges. Numerous high-alpine lakes and tarns. Much of the park is above treeline.
• Currently operating under a reservation system due to Covid-19. Enter before…

I got interested in climbing the Blitzen Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park this summer, after several acquaintances asked me if it was a good beginner alpine climbing objective. (Alpine climbing here defined as remote & technical rock climbs in the high mountains). On paper, rated 5.4, the climb seems quite approachable.

I free soloed the route in August 2020, finding it enjoyable, but in my opinion, far from a beginner route. This article will be a trip report with some specialized advice for beginner alpine climbers who might be considering the Blitzen Ridge.

Blitzen Ridge Route Details

• Grade: 5.4, II
• Pitches: I find…