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wbw
Trad climber
'cross the great divide
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May 22, 2013 - 11:35am PT
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Those videos, especially the one of the Triple Direct are really cool. Mason was clearly in his element on El Cap, and was truly enjoying himself. For all of us struggling so hard with the fact that this could have happened to anyone up there, Mason has given us a gift in reminding us how joyful being up there can be. Let's try not to forget that. Thanks Mason.
I am sure that I have crossed paths with Mason, seeing his picture. Too many pitches, and too much senility to remember when or where. Valley?? Cody??
Rest in peace, Mason.
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survival
Big Wall climber
Terrapin Station
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May 22, 2013 - 12:59pm PT
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Rest In Peace Mason.
Fly swiftly into the sun.
Tell your loved ones how you feel.
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Ihateplastic
Trad climber
It ain't El Cap, Oregon
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May 22, 2013 - 01:48pm PT
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Devastating.
WRT sending teams up to clear routes of loose material... Seems to me cutting something up high loose could create a new set of loose material lower down ("A" hits "B" and loosens/shatters it. "A" continues to the base but "B" sits waiting for its moment) that would be yet another ticking time bomb. A never-ending task to be sure and one that does not make a lot of sense to me.
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Rosamond
Trad climber
Truckee, CA
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May 22, 2013 - 01:48pm PT
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Rest Well, Mason. Because tomorrow's another Climbing day for you in the other world. We'll see you up on the mother stone of our dreams, and eventually, we'll all be bouldering together again.
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telemon01
Trad climber
Montana
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May 22, 2013 - 03:34pm PT
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Hello everyone. Marc Venery here. I was Mason's partner on the Muir Wall. I met with Mason's family today, and it was a very emotional process relating to them the events of this accident. I asked them if it would be OK for me to post this photo of Mason, and they thought it was a great idea. They are following this thread, and they appreciate the kind words and support from the climbing community. Thanks to YOSAR for an incredibly efficient response to this tragedy.
RIP Mason.
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Mark Hudon
Trad climber
Hood River, OR
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May 22, 2013 - 03:39pm PT
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Every big wall climber can totally relate to that photo. We've all been there, we all love being there and it's obvious Mason did too.
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FrankZappa
Trad climber
Hankster's crew
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May 22, 2013 - 03:41pm PT
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Thanks, and sincere condolences to all.
It could have happened to anyone climbing up there.
It's almost happened to me a few times. Sobering...
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survival
Big Wall climber
Terrapin Station
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May 22, 2013 - 03:45pm PT
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Wow. Powerful.
Telemon, come back when you feel up to it.
Thanks to the family for blessing this thread. Keep it respectful team.
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Ward Trotter
Trad climber
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May 22, 2013 - 03:49pm PT
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Great, finally, Mason as a person and not merely a casualty.
Thanks Marc.
Take care.
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golsen
Social climber
kennewick, wa
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May 22, 2013 - 04:10pm PT
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Thanks for the picture and work on healing yourself.
There are a lot of thoughts and warm feelings for Mason's friends and family, for what its worth.
RIP
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labrat
Trad climber
Auburn, CA
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May 22, 2013 - 04:20pm PT
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Thank you Marc for posting the wonderful photo. Good thoughts going your way.
Erik
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Aimee D
Social climber
Seattle
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May 22, 2013 - 04:20pm PT
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Thank you all so much for sharing here. I'm not part of the climbing community but I knew Mason and his brothers a little in high school, and we all grew up with his family. They are the kindest people and I wish I knew what to say about this huge loss.
Is there a charity or something that we can donate to in honor of Mason and his family?
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Gunkie
Trad climber
East Coast US
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May 22, 2013 - 04:25pm PT
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Well done, Marc. I think we all needed that.
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r2d2
Trad climber
East Bay
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May 22, 2013 - 04:25pm PT
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What a smile! Mason truly lived. Climb on, Mason!
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Blakey
Trad climber
Sierra Vista
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May 22, 2013 - 04:26pm PT
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I've been reading through this and the account on Tom's site... It's all very sad and difficult to know what to say.
I did the Muir back in 96 and just remember it as fun. Given Marc's ability and experience, it shows how fickle our hold on life can be.
Condolences to friends and family - I'm sure he would want you all to heal quick.
Regards,
Steve
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ElCapPirate
Big Wall climber
Reno, Nevada
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Topic Author's Reply - May 22, 2013 - 04:37pm PT
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Thanks for posting the photo Marc. Sorry you had to experience such a tragic day... and loss.
I have had many close calls following my passions. I look back at some of the events that took place and chalk it up to luck that I survived. I could have easily been in Mason's shoes, many times.
It's hard to explain why we put ourselves at risk. It's just.. what makes us happy and if we don't follow our dreams then we don't feel fully alive. Perspective on life slaps you right in the face when contemplating a hard or dangerous move. The love for my family and friends and the love I have for them becomes crystal clear. It becomes the only thing that matters.
Love and respect to you, Marc... and the same goes to Mason's family.
We will never forget his spirit, courage and his passion for adventure.
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Studly
Trad climber
WA
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May 22, 2013 - 04:37pm PT
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From watching just one video of him, it seems to me Mason lived more in one day then many people do in their whole lives. Right on brother.
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ionlyski
Trad climber
Kalispell, Montana
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May 22, 2013 - 05:30pm PT
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As with most climbers, Mason had a lot of other interests going on in life, that add diversity to their character. Just a few things I know of, he was a guitar and banjo player, who spent a lot of time jamming with the boys up in Eureka and they are really torn up about this; some really close friends.
Mason was also a mason, working with rock, if you can believe the coincidence of that. I don't know if that came from his pure love of stone or what. He did some really high end stuff and was working up in Glacier Park last I talked with him.
He was super talented so I know this is only a tiny tip in an iceberg.
Arne
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CalicoJack
climber
CA
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May 22, 2013 - 05:32pm PT
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My condolences.
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McHale's Navy
Trad climber
Panorama City, California & living in Seattle
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May 22, 2013 - 05:41pm PT
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I'm not sure if this is the right time to bring this up but would the type of rope used have made a difference? I used the Edelweiss Stratos BITD just because sh#t happens. Ropes in general are like butter when mixed with falling rock. There are so many lighter ropes around and so much pressure to use lighter stuff. It's like the way ice axes have gone - there are so many toy axes, I have to wonder how many accidents are caused by those.
That smile of Mason's is contagious.
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