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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Near Many Farms, Ariz.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Los Gigantos area, Round Rock, Ariz.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Three sister, Tribal Loop, Monument Valley, Ariz/Utah border
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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the Whale, Rock Point, Ariz.
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the albatross
Gym climber
Flagstaff
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Todd thanking you for sharing those pics. That sure lots like some crappy rock in many of those photos. In the end this rock quality is what may save the area from being overrun by climbers.
Rick thanks for sharing those insights from your experiences with 25 years climbing in this area. I love the Fight Club rule.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Albert;....I believe you are correct;......poor rock quality will always limit the climbers here to a select few........how about this anchor;....3' long pieces of rebar..........(backed up by a crappy Knifeblade for good luck).....
Round Rock, Ariz.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Spider Rock and Arachnid from the air (I got my pilot's license at age 20;........)
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Los Gigantos, Round Rock, Ariz.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Cleo,......Sawmill, N. Mex.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Big roof pitch on The Pope, Round Rock, Ariz.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Totem Pole bivy;........pipe loads for the full psyche.....
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Dave Evans at the four knifeblade belay/rap station.....
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Near Many Farms, Ariz.....nice blue sky;..after work craggin.......
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survival
Big Wall climber
Terrapin Station
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Why don't we just leave the Indians in peace for once?
Edit: Not directed at you specifically Todd, but the climbing community in general.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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The Pope, Round Rock area, Ariz.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Summit of the Totem Pole.
(Of all the problems on the Reservations in American today, I think climbing "issues" is down the list a ways;...like maybe at the bottom of the list.....at least pretty weak sauce compared to some of the other challenges faced by the Navajo tribe and tribes across America......
There are real issues of alcoholism, education, drugs, violence, diet, teen pregnancies, suicides, depression, child abuse, etc;...it's a long and real list........I moved out there to tackle some of the real issues.......If ya wanna help out the Navajo people;.....there is not a shortage of opportunities to help out;....I say "Go for "..........actions speak louder words.......).......I think climbers often think their world is so important and front page and relevant to everyone else;.......most people probably could give a crap about our lame-o antics at the crags;.........It's all about your take on life, isn't it;.....some say leave the Indians alone;...I say embrace the Indians and leave the climbers alone.......
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Awesome......
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Quentin and Alex and friends.......climb your rocks and be brave;...(I know you will.........bring a jacket, a headlamp, and a helmet....)....
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Q75
Trad climber
Shiprock, NM
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"Q75!
TFPU and offering your perspective
Glad you started climbing and that it's been a positive influence on your life. It has been for me as well.
Since we have you here, I'm just wondering how you felt Jason's article was presented by RnI and whether or not you agree with this presentation. If not, what do you feel could have been done differently to more accurately describe current conditions on the Rez?
What ARE current conditions there? Are we good to hit you up and accompany you on some spires? Would anyone take offense to it? Would it be legal? Morally acceptable?
For me the article raised more questions than it answered. But it did open a discussion about this topic, which I'm guessing was Jason's intent. Appreciate that. I also enjoyed reading about you and your family and I wish the best for all of you no matter how this all turns out,"
In response to the originator of this thread, Fluffy:
Fluffy,
The release of this story was really not expected by myself. I knew Jason had written something and had submitted to another magazine, in which they began asking questions with those that are of an authoritative position (i.e. Navajo Parks and Recreation Dept., Navajo Nation Museum, Navajo Police, etc.) and with the answers they got from them, they dropped the story. After doing so, I still had interest in it but as I recall mentioning it to Jason, he expressed that he was simply 'burned out' on it and therefore, I assumed it was just a thing of the past so I also too moved on from it.
Then in December 2013, he remarked about this coming out and R&I had taken it and published it, so at that point I was a little surprised that he still was pursuing it's publication.
It also made me a bit nervous, as we've been working along side some other outside resources that are trying to get 10 of us Dine' (Navajo) climbers a single pitch certification through the AMGA. I also put together the Dine' (Navajo) Climbers Coalition on Facebook to get more support and also just to unite us as climbers, on the reservation and off. The outfit we are working with is Four Rivers Institute, a non-profit organization based out of Durango, CO by Jason Hotchkiss, in which provides outdoor centered activities available to the Native American Youth. They provide outing such as white water rafting along with rock climbing, so they asked us along with support from the American Alpine Club and the Access Fund to try and get support from our very own tribe. So with all this in the works, mainly by my friend Alex Pina and with Jason Hotchkiss, they submitted a letter to gain support from the Navajo Nation Vice President's Office. As far as I know, just before Christmas, I was told that we did get the approval, which the new also made a great Christmas gift to us as partners through the Dine' Coalition. As of this day, we still haven't received the actual document from the VP's office and I also hope that they hadn't changed their minds, especially after this all came out in the magazine. I also am not too worried about it but I do hope that they remain true to their words and continue to give us the support to get this all going.
I do this for not only myself but for our youth, who are the future of our tribe. I also want this to provide more awareness to the communities that there are fellow tribal members that not only climb but are good stewards of the land in which we are very protective of.
As of now, I am still open to those who graciously as for my guiding knowledge and am open to whatever ideas you may have or what you'd like to climb and I will tell straight out if it's doable or not.
I also have been doing this as a service but since lately the cost of gas has risen. I will take any donations especially to those we have asked for permission, as it's just customary to do so as Navajo neighbors.
I do look to the future with great hope that we'll one day get this all situated and can maybe prosper from it but for now, I only do it for the experience but am open to whatever you can offer as well.
The last climbers I took were gracious enough to just get some very nice La Sportiva Approach Shoes and just that alone was good enough along as the friendship we now share.
I hope this helps in all the confusion as well as hope that we as Navajo climbers can help more in gaining access the right way.
I love climbing and nothing is going to stop me from enjoying what we have here on our reservation.
Peace.
Quentin Tutt
quentin.tutt@hotmail.com
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