ElCap Report 7/2/08

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elcap-pics

climber
Crestline CA
Topic Author's Original Post - Jul 2, 2008 - 07:09pm PT
ElCap Report 7/2/08
By Tom Evans

Yo… well the weather gods have smiled on us for the past two days. Crystal clear skies and a very light breeze. This is the last day for this report for a while so suck it up and take the pain!! Quite the day it was too. We still have climbers on the wall as we head into the summer months, and most likely there will be someone out there on the cliff every day through the hot months ahead. Today’s report is brought to you by those folks who didn’t go for the record and won’t be written up in the mags for their climbing today. They are my people. The everyday man and woman who go out and get a living made, provide for a family and get away to the cliffs far too little. They love climbing as much as anyone and manage to keep their spirit alive without frequent jolts of the climbing drug. Every now and then they do get away and perhaps come to Yosemite to look and dream about the Great Wall some of us sometimes take for granted. Then they blossom and I get to see them up there, tired and a little scared, pushing their limits to reach a personal dream. I shoot them all, from the greats to the anonymous. They are a part of a great brotherhood and it makes no difference their status… they are all climbers…. So this report is brought to you by you… climbers.
Today’ Report….

Born Under a Bad Sign: I did see Pete out there at the top of the lead he did yesterday hauling some freight. Kate was out and about cleaning the pitch. They have passed the half way point and seem to have everything under control… good luck you guys and I will see you in the fall..

Mescalito: I saw the team already climbing when I arrived very early in the morning. They are a couple pitches below the start of the Bismarck ramp.

ND to Tribal Rite. I did see Zak cleaning and hauling the bags to the top of the 4th pitch as I departed. He was having a good time rocking out to some tunes while hauling… looked like it was almost fun! He is sporting those lime green pants that Ottawa Doug left with me. Good karma those pants!
Climb with care my friend as I will not have your back anymore… good luck..
Zak at the belay on New Dawn to Tribal wearing Ottawa Doug’s green pants.
V
West Buttress: Holly Beck and Erik Sloan marched off today to do this route in a push with fixing 4. Not done much anymore this the 4th route on the Cap.

The Nose: I did see the mixed team from yesterday portaledged out on ECT when I arrived in the company of Ivo and Eric who were there to film the Hans Yuji attempt on the record. About 10 am they moved up to Texas flake and Eddy lead the Boot. As I departed they were hauling to the Boot.
Rachael and Eddy hauling to Texas Flake

You might have read in the previous report that there was to be another attempt at the speed record today… if you know the outcome then read the following as if you didn’t. If you don’t know then enjoy!
I dragged myself out of the sack at 5:11 am and wasn’t feeling all that happy to be up as I have had a lot to do these past days and could have used more sleep. I managed to get cleaned up and was headed down to the Bridge by 5:40 am. The drive was kind of cool as there was not a soul to be seen on the road save a biker who was near MPB. As I arrived at the EC meadow there were not a lot of cars there and I figured it was because it was a week day and not everyone can get off work to see climbers on EC. I parked by the bridge and set my camera, telescope, and chairs up to get ready for the event to begin. Erik Sloan wandered up and we sat listening to the birds and watching the sun start to warm the top of the Cap. High up on its flanks were two cameramen getting into place and at ECT Ivo and Eric were stirring in preparation for the climbing to come. There too was the team of Racheal and Eddy from yesterday. I took a few moments to shoot some of the other teams on the wall and settled in, waiting for the climb to start. After a short time the place started to fill with climbers and interested spectators alike. By about 6:30 the crowd had multiplied and a large group gathered in the meadow and a smaller one at the bridge. Several park service honcho’s were there to see what was going on too. The Park Supt. and several higher ups were standing around talking to the media and members of the climbers entourage.
A large group had gathered at the viewing point just south of the start of the Nose itself. Hans and Yuji did the first part of the first pitch just as a warm up and Yuji took a 20 footer off the pitch… ouch!!… some warm up that was! A harbinger of things to come? We hoped not. After coming back down they got everything ready for the start of the climb. The watches were set, the equipment re-racked, the last drink taken and the hands chalked up. I was at the bridge at that time and heard a roar from the direction of the Nose and knew the climb was on… my watch said 6:42 and I knew that by 9:27 it would be decided one way or the other.

It seemed like just a few moments had passed when Yuji came into view quickly climbing the third pitch. I glanced at my watch as I saw him speeding across Sickle ledge, some 500 ft. up. It had taken just 14 minutes for them to climb that distance. Pretty impressive! I am not positioned to shoot until they get into the Stove Legs and it wasn’t long until my shooting started. I watched Yuji closely for any signs of fatigue … Hell they had climbed the Nose 3 times in the past week and they should be pretty wrecked! Yuji looked strong and was moving up without any hesitation. I picked up Hans a hundred feet lower and he was moving with his trademark smoothness and grace. He tended the running belay automatically as he climbed the 5.9 and 5.10 cracks. I had, of course, seen them climb this section of the route three times lately and they now looked a bit more polished and as strong as ever. The pitches just flowed under them it seemed. I did see Hans wipe the sweat from his face with his shirt sleeve at one point and that was all that gave away the fact that they were indeed working hard at climbing.
From time to time a roar of encouragement would arise from the meadow and we at the Bridge would respond in turn. I had heard that Tom Frost was viewing the climbing with Hans' wife Jackie and a slew of other well wishers out there. I would sound my noise horn to add to the volume of the cheering. After a while Jackie came over and wanted to know who was the crazy person blowing that horn… I confessed to being the culprit. She said that Hans dad used to do that when Hans was in competitions, and to keep it up!!
Hans wife Jacqueline, Tom Frost, Ken Yager among many other well wishers in the meadow

The Stove Legs passed without any incident and Dolt Tower was gained in 41 minutes. They were on a roll so far! Yuji dropped down off Dolt and was gone toward ECT while Hans was jugging a short fixed line to Dolt. He was soon heading up after Yuji simulclimbing all the way. Yuji got his first sunlight as he stepped up to the start of the Texas Flake. The party they were passing there stood on the side of the ledge and watched him speed by. This was sure going well and so far there were no glitches. We all knew all it would take was a stuck rope, or a short fall to wreck all the advantage they had gained. Ken Yager and the NPR correspondent came by and we gave him a hold by hold commentary for the broadcast tomorrow. Yuji did the Boot in good time and Hans was soon in position at the last bolt on the ladder to lower him for the famous King Swing, always a highlight of that great route. They swapped out gear in a flash and Yuji bounded across the swing to Eagle ledge. The cameramen were close-by filming and Hans startled them by doing a 360 degree spin around after running to the right to start his part of the swing. It was really cool! Hans hit the swing and they were both on Eagle ledge where they had spent some time last run up. This time they seemed more organized and Yuji was out of there a good minute faster than last time. Sweet! I figured they had gotten a 5 to 8 minute advantage built by now and things were certainly looking positive for the men.
Yuji climbs to Dolt Tower
Yuji climbing above Dolt Tower, notice the runout
Simulclimbing off Texas Flake
Hans gets big air on the King Swing


The Gray Bands loomed above as Yuji lead off Eagle. Those things are composed of dark, shattered, broken diorite and not the most pleasant feature to climb through. They did ok through there and I soon spotted Yuji at the start of the Great Roof. Man, it was really going well so far! The Roof went ok but not great and when Yuji turned the corner some of the time advantage, so dearly won, was gone. The rest of the route goes more or less straight up past some of the most technical climbing on the route, including the infamous “Changing Corners” pitch. Yuji hit the Pancake Flake, just above the Great Roof, with a vengeance and was soon yarding up the holds like they were 5.3 instead of 5.10. Hans was jugging the short fixed line by this time and soon cleared the roof. He then switched to climbing on his own and smoothly cruised the pitch. By the time Hans was up that pitch Yuji was already doing the splits on the section below camp 5 that has a bad reputation for spitting climbers out of it. Yuji soon past that and was at the safety of the ledges of camp 5. He was well into the tricky, thin pitch above 5 when Hans reached the spacious ledges. At that point Yuji climbed out of view to the Glowering spot and my shooting was over for a few minutes.
Turning the corner on the Great Roof


I took the time when I couldn’t see the climbers, high in the corner, to go out to the meadow to see what was happening and to visit with various friends and watchers. I had a brief word with Tom Frost who was stationed in the middle of the climbers entourage. He looked fine and it was good to see him again after not having done so for a while. I walked around, shooting some crowd shots and talking to others who knew what the time line was. Suddenly it seemed that the time advantage was gone and by the time they reached camp 6 they were running a little behind. It was a nervous time!! At camp 6 they had 27 minutes to go to the record and they were figuring it would take 30 to the top for them. As word spread among the crowd people started cheering and yelling at the top of their lungs to encourage the men to redouble their efforts and push hard for the top. I had to get back to my camera/scope to record the final two pitches so I left the meadow. I started to feel they might fall just short again and everyone was getting antsy as the clock ran and ran. Back shooting, several people came to me and asked what I thought… “too close to call” was my response.

Unexpectedly early, Yuji showed up at the Alcove way faster than any of us anticipated he would. They had 13 minutes to go and two pitches left. Yuji started the last pitch as Hans came out of the Alcove climbing, not jumaring. I thought last time that he could have gone faster jumaring but he didn’t think so and had left the option open to make the final choice right there. Yuji was now climbing the bolt ladder to the top in great lunges, just making the next bolt at maximum reach… Jesus …if he had missed one of those clips he would have fallen 100 feet and the climb would be over, and maybe his life too! Soon he was running up the slab toward the tree and Hans, below, had made that final choice… He would climb that pitch and not jumar. Now it was down to 5 minutes and the time was spinning away… Hans was now the only one left on the climb, Yuji had done his job and was standing at the top waiting by the tree for Hans. So it came down to the originator of the idea of retaking the record. Hans Florine, at the age of 44, was just a few moments away from success or failure. It was all on him now. He started up the 10b crack to the bolt ladder and hit every move right on the mark… he must have been exhausted but on he went. He seemed to hesitate on the overhanging section of the bolt ladder and I thought his arms were about to run out of strength and that would spell the end. But Hans rallied and pressed ahead and was soon on the less steep section and now it was just a footrace to the tree… he was down to three minutes and the crowd was going wild!! I could see what the outcome was going to be and started yelling… “He is going to make it, he is going to make it!!!” Everyone was screaming! Then he disappeared over the lip of the rock and still had over two minutes… it was done!
Yuji on the last pitch of the Nose
Hans climbing on the last pitch of the Nose
Yuji and Hans on top with the victory pose

After a short time Hans called on the radio that the time was 2:43:33. Then he and Yuji came to the rim and held up their arms as the final signal that the climb was indeed done and the record set. After a time the crowd dispersed and even the Tourons were saying how this was such an exciting thing to see. We climbers couldn’t have agreed more. To me it was an affirmation of just how strong the previous record, set by the great German team of the Huber Brothers, was. Anyone hoping to get this record will have to be in top form and can at best only hope to shave a few seconds off the mark. Hans and Yuji didn’t beat the Huber brothers at all, for it was not against them the climb was done… it was against themselves. In reality there is no real difference in the efforts of the two teams… each went out to give it their best shot and each was in turn rewarded for those efforts. I am sure that Alex and Thomas are happy to hear that Yuji and Hans had a good, safe run up the greatest rock climb in the world and will offer their heartfelt congratulations just as Hans gave them when they climbed the record climb. As Mallory said,
“Have we vanquished an enemy? None but ourselves.”

In other news: Well the spring season has come to an end and I will be packing up the cameras, folding up the chairs, putting away the scopes, and heading for home tomorrow. It was a good season and many rewards were obtained by climbers who met the challenges they set for themselves. I got smacked about by the old Cap myself and am a better man for it. Congratulations to all those of you who came forth to give your best effort to meet your aspirations and dreams.
It has been my privilege to be the man who has shared your climbs in the small way that I do. I have enjoyed photographing you and giving you remembrances of your great days on the Captain. I will see you in the quiet time of the fall if I have my say… take care and enjoy your life, it goes by faster than you may realize.
So that’s the way it is for this the 2nd day of July 2008
Signing off for now… your eye in the sky… ElCap-pics


salad

climber
Escondido
Jul 2, 2008 - 07:13pm PT
Go Zak!
Gene

climber
Jul 2, 2008 - 07:14pm PT
Tom,

Hurry back, Bro.

Yo… well the weather gods have smiled on us for the past two days. Crystal clear skies and a very light breeze. This is the last day for this report for a while so suck it up and take the pain!! Quite the day it was too. We still have climbers on the wall as we head into the summer months, and most likely there will be someone out there on the cliff every day through the hot months ahead. Today’s report is brought to you by those folks who didn’t go for the record and won’t be written up in the mags for their climbing today. They are my people. The everyday man and woman who go out and get a living made, provide for a family and get away to the cliffs far too little. They love climbing as much as anyone and manage to keep their spirit alive without frequent jolts of the climbing drug. Every now and then they do get away and perhaps come to Yosemite and look and dream about the Great Wall some of us sometimes take for granted. Then they blossom and I get to see them up there, tired and a little scared, pushing their limits to reach a personal dream. I shoot them all, from the greats to the anonymous. They are a part of a great brotherhood and it makes no difference their status… they are all climbers…. So this report is brought to you by you… climbers.

Very well said! All of us Bridge Rats, virtual and real, posers and hardwo/men, thank you so much.

See you in the Autumn.

Gene
SteveW

Trad climber
The state of confusion
Jul 2, 2008 - 07:23pm PT
Wow, Tom.
Awesome story, even though I knew they'd done it.
Just f**ing amazing. And your words and photos
just kept the suspense going. We're gonna miss you waiting
for late September & October. Say hi to Norris for me--though
he should be arriving in Denver in not too long. Plus I hope you guys don't have to worry about flames this year.
Adieu!
Brig

Big Wall climber
SLC, UT
Jul 2, 2008 - 07:34pm PT
I found out earlier that they had set the new record, but my heart was still racing as I read your post. Thanks for all that you do.

PhilG

Trad climber
The Circuit, Tonasket WA
Jul 2, 2008 - 07:48pm PT
Take care, bro.
Hope to see you in the fall.
Thanks for keeping us in the loop.
Redwreck

Social climber
Los Angeles, CA
Jul 2, 2008 - 07:50pm PT
Tom, I've gotten a huge amount of pleasure from reading your reports and thank you for all the work you've put into them.
Dogtown Climber

Trad climber
The Idyllwild City dump
Jul 2, 2008 - 08:07pm PT
Have a good summertime. Tom.

Thanks

Dog
GhoulweJ

Trad climber
Sacramento, CA
Jul 2, 2008 - 08:22pm PT
Going to miss the reports Tom.
See you in the fall.
Echo

Trad climber
San Diego, CA.
Jul 2, 2008 - 08:22pm PT
Tom,

Its a pleasure seeing you in the valley each spring when I am up there, and a pleasure every day reading your fine reports. These seem to bring a little happiness to each and every day. Thanks for all the hard work, and hopefully see you soon!

Cheers,
Jonas
valygrl

climber
Boulder, CO
Jul 2, 2008 - 08:28pm PT
Thanks for this and all the reports, Tom.

tolman_paul

Trad climber
Anchorage, AK
Jul 2, 2008 - 08:30pm PT
As someone who has to rely on virtual reports, a huge thank you! Knowing the results of the record didn't deminish your write up at all.

Thomas

Trad climber
The Tilted World
Jul 2, 2008 - 08:37pm PT
Thanks man--the Yuji/Hans play by play was great!!
divad

Trad climber
wmass
Jul 2, 2008 - 08:40pm PT
Thanks Tom, for bringing us so close to the action.
Jordan Ramey

Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
Jul 2, 2008 - 08:43pm PT
What a send off for the end of spring season as we head into the heat of summer. Thanks for the amazing reports. I was on the edge of my seat as I read and I already knew the outcome. Hope to catch you this fall.
Lambone

Ice climber
Ashland, Or
Jul 2, 2008 - 08:46pm PT
THANKS TOM, YOU DA MAN!

C-ya in October!
Indianclimber

climber
Las Vegas
Jul 2, 2008 - 08:47pm PT
Thank you Tom for your great ,well written reports and for taking the time to visit with us on the bridge

Ninfa
Jaybro

Social climber
wuz real!
Jul 2, 2008 - 08:49pm PT
What Fatty said! That made it real, thanks, Tom!
dougs510

Social climber
down south
Jul 2, 2008 - 08:58pm PT
Thanks Tom,
More people read these things than you know.
Much appreciation,
Doug
up2top

Big Wall climber
Phoenix, AZ
Jul 2, 2008 - 09:01pm PT
That must have been a real thrill to have been there today.

Tom, thank you so much for the time and dedication you put into recording the history of climbing on El Cap during this time of year. I'm going to miss your reports tremendously and I'll look forward to your return in the fall.

Until then, sir.

Ed
MisterE

Social climber
My Inner Nut
Jul 2, 2008 - 09:07pm PT
That was some edge-of-the-seat writing Tom! Very nice report!

Have a great summer!
Texplorer

Trad climber
Reno
Jul 2, 2008 - 09:08pm PT
Thanks for all your reports this year Tom. Makes me want to get back to the big stone.
golsen

Social climber
kennewick, wa
Jul 2, 2008 - 09:08pm PT
Great report! Have a great summer!
DonC

climber
CA
Jul 2, 2008 - 09:15pm PT
Thanks for the reporting Tom. It is always entertaining, informative, and inspirational.
Nohea

Trad climber
Aiea,Hi
Jul 2, 2008 - 09:50pm PT
Thanks Tom!
There have been days where I was at work simply hitting refresh waiting for the report. When I realized my life was that bad I asked for a 30 day leave of absence. But Thanks great photos, great storytelling from such a beautiful place.

Hey someone should tell Yuji he should get on the Ninja Warrior game show, he would smoke that thing and in 10 years only a few have done that.

Aloha,
wil
BluntMan

Gym climber
Wild Omar, CA
Jul 2, 2008 - 10:00pm PT
Tom,

Fine style, great pictures, and a wealth of information on what's happening on the Big Stone. Everyday, I read your report and fondly remember it was your nudging that got me in my first pair of aiders at Joshua Tree and on to the Big Stone. Topping out on the Nose was one of the highlights of my life.....of course it took me 4 1/2 days longer than the Herculean effort that you witnessed today. Major props to Hans and Yuji.

Retirement has served you well as you've become the voice of El Cap for those of us that are still hard at work. Give me a call when you get back home and let's do a few routes for old time's sake.

Bob
Captain...or Skully

Big Wall climber
Yonder
Jul 2, 2008 - 10:15pm PT
See ya, Tom....groove.
snowey

Trad climber
San Diego
Jul 2, 2008 - 10:29pm PT
Wow! Great Report Tom! Hans and Yuji are lucky for having such an awesome summary and perspective of their efforts.

Have a good summer!
B_Brenda

Big Wall climber
Ahwahnee, Yos
Jul 2, 2008 - 10:40pm PT
Tom,
Sorry I didn't get out to say goodbye today. I was down south and didn't get in til long after you had disappeared. Pete said that they could hear the cheering this morning from the crowd in the meadow and the bridge. Wish I could have been there.
Take care and we shall see you in the fall!
B~
yo

climber
I drink your milkshake!
Jul 2, 2008 - 10:54pm PT
Thanks, Ansel.
tonym

climber
Oklahoma
Jul 2, 2008 - 11:03pm PT
What a great report Tom!

Many thanks to you and all of your efforts, outstanding!!

Cheers,

Tony
BriGuy

Trad climber
Black Hills, SD
Jul 2, 2008 - 11:12pm PT
Thanks Tom,

Always enjoy reading the reports. Congrats to Hans and Yuji---wish I could have been there for the excitement.
Slakkey

Trad climber
From a Quiet Place by the Lake
Jul 2, 2008 - 11:42pm PT
Tom,

Great report. I look forward to reading these every day that you are there. You really capture the scene out there. I think that someone said it before but This is what it is all about. From Team Muse to Hans and Yuji You captured the heart and soul of real climbing. Thanks.
Jingy

Social climber
Flatland, Ca
Jul 2, 2008 - 11:46pm PT
Thanks Tom,

You have helped me a great deal in my efforts to be a phodog, and I appreciate that greatly.

You have been in the company of greats, and from your writings I think its safe to say you know it, and appreciate it for what it is... Good, clean, wholesome family fun.


Hope to see you in the Fall, it will be here sooner than you think.

Take care

Just touched up a few photos.... What you may have missed...
Hans added a special twist to this ascent... LOL Always the true showman







Cheers to all, and congratulations to the new speed record holders.

I wanted to stick around to chat with them, or just to say a word of thanks, because that was a thrill to watch!!!
Ed Hartouni

Trad climber
Livermore, CA
Jul 3, 2008 - 12:16am PT
Thanks for the report Tom, you are truly the climbers' on-the-scene correspondent in the Valley. It is not easy work, at the bridge all day shooting the teams, then back at night processing the images, and writing the reports, day after day. You deserve some time off now! enjoy it!! But promise me you'll be back; no matter if you are or aren't I always feel your spirit sitting on the bridge, watching the dancers up on that vertical stage, brooding over the costume color choices... and being a vigilant guardian angle of sorts.

See you in the fall, promise.
labrat

Trad climber
Nevada
Jul 3, 2008 - 12:17am PT
Tom,
Thank you!
Clint Cummins

Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
Jul 3, 2008 - 12:52am PT
Beautiful, Tom.

Thanks for sharing another great season of your reports and photos.
hungry man

Trad climber
around
Jul 3, 2008 - 01:08am PT
Bravo! See you in the fall, mannnnnnn!
johnboy

Trad climber
Can't get here from there
Jul 3, 2008 - 01:30am PT
You deeds are greatly appreciated, as are you.

Until your return, cheers.
roland

Trad climber
Graz, Austria
Jul 3, 2008 - 02:11am PT
Thank you so much Tom! I read every report from where I live here in Europe and each time it felt like standing next to you on the bridge. And what a sweet one to end on.

Roland
Mighty Hiker

Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
Jul 3, 2008 - 02:20am PT
Thanks, Tom - see you at the FaceLift in September!
wayne w

Trad climber
the nw
Jul 3, 2008 - 03:49am PT
Thanks for the stellar reports and photos Tom! Always fun, entertaining and inspiring...a combination you don't find often enough in this world. Look forward to seeing you at the bridge and being in your scope in the fall!

Wayne
Gunkie

climber
East Coast US
Jul 3, 2008 - 06:52am PT

My selfish response: You suck for leaving!

My grateful response: You're awesome for taking the time to bring cubicle dwellers like myself back into life for brief moments. It gives me hope that one day I'll be back on the captain struggling under your watchful lens.

Thanks from the east coast and looking forward to the fall reports. Have a great summer!

Gunkie

Smack

Trad climber
Utah
Jul 3, 2008 - 07:58am PT
Tom,
I owe you many tasty beers, for all the great posts! I have been lurking here, but reading them everyday. i expect there are many many others doing the same!

Thanks Tom, all the way from paris!
-Kent
Stanley Hassinger

climber
Eastern US
Jul 3, 2008 - 08:31am PT
Like many of the others, I knew the outcome before reading your report. I was still on the edge of my seat! Great reporting!

Thanks, Tom, for all that you do. It's so much more than photography, and it is very much appreciated!

Best,
Stanley
SteveW

Trad climber
The state of confusion
Jul 3, 2008 - 08:59am PT
Tom
Heard you slightly on NPR this morning.
It's unfortunate the reporter McChesney didn't bring
the excitement to the report that you did.
Thanks again, gonna miss the reports.
Roger Breedlove

climber
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Jul 3, 2008 - 01:17pm PT
Great threads, Tom. And great reporting. (I cheered and the boss poked his head to see if I was okay. Fortunately, I am a quick liar.) Always makes my day brighter.

Thanks, Roger
the Fet

Knackered climber
A bivy sack in the secret campground
Jul 3, 2008 - 04:50pm PT
Thanks for this and all your great reports this season.

You had perfect timing with the air horn. Just as the cheers would start to die down you'd blast it and punctuate the end of that cheer.

Good times.
xtrmecat

Trad climber
Kalispell, Montanagonia
Jul 3, 2008 - 06:39pm PT
Tom, thanks for everything you do. Especially your conversation when my dream was swept away this May. It was good seeing you agin and your reports keep me connected, excited, and inspired. Someday my greying overstuffed ass will make it over the top. See you again in May.
Bob
F10 Climber F11 Drinker

Trad climber
medicated and flat on my back
Jul 3, 2008 - 06:47pm PT

Thanks ECP for all of your reporting.

It helped me a great deal to keep entertained while stuck at home recovering from an injury. I've enjoyed every minute and your reports almost made me feel like I was there at the bridge. I really liked all the great photo's,

Thanks again,

James
Ottawa Doug

Social climber
Ottawa, Canada
Jul 3, 2008 - 10:41pm PT
Hey Tom,

Thanks for all the reports. They were always informative, funny and made us all feel like we were at the bridge with you. I was lucky enough to spend some time actually at the bridge with you and the posse. Those are good times cataloged in my brain to draw on in the future. I look forward to the fall when the reports start up again. I bet I'm not alone in that thought. I also look forward to my next trip, which I guarantee will be with partner or partners, but may not come for a year and a half. Thanks again for everything you do - professional photographer, coach, friend, guy who calls YOSAR if things go south etc...See you, I hope, the not too distant future.

Cheers,

Doug

P.S. Glad to see that the green pants live on. Go Zak, go!
Brunosafari

Boulder climber
Redmond, OR
Jul 4, 2008 - 10:03am PT

Thank you so much Mr. Tom! I really appreciate the big effort of your devotion and loved the high class summary along with the Mallory quote. Hope to meet you some day.

Bruce Adams
Sybil

climber
Topanga
Jul 4, 2008 - 03:57pm PT
Tom, You brought great stories and images, a daily hit of Yos, into my days. Thank you! ***Wigball’s mom
Brian Kimball

Sport climber
Westminster, CO.
Jul 4, 2008 - 06:26pm PT
Tom~ your heartfelt love for life, climbing and people shines through your reports. Thank you for the inspiration you bring to the sport of rock climbing and life in general.

Yugi and Hans~ While reading Tom's play by play report of your ascent I was moved to tears of joy several times! Congratulations on your new record. Thank you both for being an inspiration to us all to strive to achieve greatness in what ever it is that we are doing.

The encouragement, the support, the love...this is what living is all about. Seriously this is just plain beautiful, BEAUTIFUL!

KEYAAAHHHHHH!!!!!
James Doty

Trad climber
Idyllwild, Ca.
Jul 4, 2008 - 08:43pm PT
Bad ass write up. An incredible feat by two of the four best athletes on the planet. I resisted my mind's impulse to skip ahead and I actually yelled when you revealed they got the record. You take more time than most to post thoughtful content and you outdid yourself. HOOah.
Mo Bo

Trad climber
Truckee
Jul 6, 2008 - 03:38pm PT
Thanks is just not enough for all you've done,
I'll miss you and be looking forward to reading your posts in the fall
big hugs to you
John Mac

Trad climber
Littleton, CO
Jul 6, 2008 - 11:08pm PT
Tom

Many thanks for your reports from the bridge. A great service to all.

Cheers

John
elcap-pics

climber
Crestline CA
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 7, 2008 - 03:45pm PT
Yo... thanks for the positive comments on the report... later Tom
elcap-pics

climber
Crestline CA
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 7, 2008 - 05:59pm PT
bump for melissa to aid in finding this article
Mr.T

Big Wall climber
topanga
Jul 13, 2008 - 05:46pm PT
Thanks, Tom!

just got down yesterday from Tribal Rite and had a good celebration with Clay, Corbin, Aaron, Matt, the usual suspects. I'll write up a trip report soon but here are some pics...

clean rock and early light high on the route

what? i thought these things were boooooooooooommmber, dude!

simply cannot beat this view


each of the twelve days on the wall

salad

climber
Escondido
Jul 13, 2008 - 06:30pm PT
T - good talkin this morning, awesome job, classic pics. lets try and make it work next week eh?
elcap-pics

climber
Crestline CA
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 13, 2008 - 07:39pm PT
Nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Glad you made it ok... with me gone you were alone up there... good job... congrats... maybe next summer you can haul my carcus up the wall....
Tom
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