Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board 2009 Rambling

Looking back @ 2009 and rambling
Who climbed what? Well I sure didn’t climb much.
San Gorgonio in the snow (1)
San Antonio, (2) this included San A West and Har Har Harwood
Mt. Whitney, (2) once in the spring on the MT and once in August up the MR
There were 3 trips to Tahquitz: climbed the Trough with Ass’ cousin, White Maidens Walkway, and Left Ski Track.
2 or maybe 3 trips to Jtree. Finally climbed Mental Physics (on-sight lead), also climbed Lizard Skin and Right Lizard Crack (redpoint on TR) my first Jtree 5.9’s.

Looking at it all, I guess it wasn’t too bad of a year. But it felt muted by the tragedy of losing several members of our climbing community. For me, 2 in particular. I remember hiking past Thor Peak in May, and again in August. Looking up there, thinking of our dear friend Kent (although I never met the man, I knew him and his family only through this board), I could not help but feel empathy for the surviving Ashcrafts and wonder about the possible repercussions of my own endeavors into the wild. May we all be as loved and missed as Mr. Kent Ashcraft.
On my visits to Jtree, and especially to Hidden Valley I would think about the loss of another climbing great: Woody Stark. I didn’t know Woody either, but I remember standing atop his last climb just days before he passed thinking about how dangerous the top of that rock was, and ultimately, how dangerous this pastime is that we have chosen for ourselves. Yet still, I climb. We miss you too Woody.
In the past I was not so emotionally affected by the deaths of fellow climbers. After the birth of my children, the loss of my own father and the increased commitment I have given to my own climbing pursuits, I guess that: A) I am beginning to realize my own mortality and B) I feel myself more of an actual part of the climbing community. But this year (much more than previous years) I have been greatly affected.
In June I was laid off. My first thought (regarding climbing) was that I would get to spend my summer hitting it hard and getting my fat ass into shape. Reality soon set in, and I found myself more often (apart from a few short trips) sitting on the couch, starring @ Monster.com or Hotjobs.com, eating peanut butter from the jar and trying to get a job without leaving the house. Not having a job ironically forced a halt to the spontaneity of my life and ushered in a very stressful summer. I gained about 20lbs, bringing the total to 275lbs. Depression was beginning to set in.
In August my brother in law saved what I thought was going to be a canceled trip to Whitney to climb the Mountaineers Route. Things were going downhill pretty fast, and that trip really picked me back up again. With the added weight and decreased activity level of the previous few months, that climb was the hardest (physical) thing I have ever done. Since then I made a promise to myself never to climb a mountain that out of shape again…I haven’t climbed a mountain since, and have gained another 5lbs. I continue to dream though. I dream about raw fingertips, burning thighs, my heart pounding out of my chest and overstuffed backpacks. I dream about sweet hand jams, my crampons locked into stiff snow and the overwhelming emotion of a well deserved summit. I can’t wait to write another compelling trip report, playing on our own mis-steps and the ever present antics of the Sierra Nevada and her people. I can’t wait to feel like I have accomplished something great…for me. I can’t wait to get back up there. I can’t wait to call my mom from the some summit to let her know I am ok and on my way home. I wish I could do the same for my dad.
I can’t wait to be driving north on the 395, looking West, contemplating the endless possibilities in these mountains of ours, knowing I will never exhaust them, butterflies in my stomach, wondering if I will be able to conquer the task at hand…whatever that may be.
I can’t wait.
But, I guess I will…wait that is. Not long though. I will be back out there this spring. I have decided to stay out of the Whitney Zone this year. I want to tick another 14r off the list. Why? I dunno. Just cause I guess.
See you soon.

Hi, Southswell. Your 2009 rambling was pretty melancholy, and for good reason. Losing your job must be a real bummer. I just wanted to give you some encouragement. Let climbing be your inspiration to get out of the chair, lose some weight, and get into shape again. Otherwise your mountaintop excursions may get further apart to the point that you don't climb any more. I don't know your height, but at 280 pounds you are getting yourself into some serious trouble! I just lost over 30 pounds, and am just now getting to the point that I feel good again -- it can be the same for you. Reduction in caloric intake with reasonable exercise is the key. One without the other won't work, at least it didn't for me. If you don't, depression can really snowball on you. If the death of other climbers increases your depresseion, you may find the safer trails to be more relaxing, while increasing your physical fitness. And, while I won't push it on you, religion has also been key to my survival when times get tough. So, let us hear from you. This board is like a family.

Southswell- I can relate. 2006 was a particularly bad year for me with similar circumstances. It has been a long tough battle, but I was fortunate enough to get back out here and resume this activity that have such a passion for. Hang in there, things will get better.

I really didn't mean to lay a sob story on you guys. I saw someones post about who climbed what in 2009 and as I reflected on the year past...thats what I came up with.

Things are really starting to look up in the new year. I got a new job. I am currently building a new laboratory @ Cedar Sinai in Los Angeles. So I go that handled. I took a class called the Landmark Forum in December which has really turned my attitude around, and gave me the tools I need to do what I want in life...really good stuff.

My weight is definitely my biggest hurdle to clear. Im not sure exactly what I'm at right now, but whatever it is, it's hanging over my belt buckle I dont want to go through another season like that ever again.

Unfortunately climbing and hiking alone wont do as far as getting back into shape. With work and family, its a wonder I get into the mountains at all. If I could climb and hike as much as I wanted, weight would not be an issue. Eating enough would be the problem...and what a wonderful problem to have. No, at the moment I've gotta stick to the dreadmill, the bowflex and my little climbing wall. Its all right there in my garage...lazy

Brady