Featured Photographer: Monica DalmassoCommon Climber is proud to have Monica Dalmasso, winner of the 2024 Banff Centre Mountain Book Competition, as the featured photographer for our Farewell Edition. There are some photographers that have a distinctive style, yet difficult to put into words. What is it that distinguishes excellent climbing photography from stellar? Monica's style is poetic and ethereal and it captures the singularity of being a climber. In my opinion, and apparently the opinion of the Banff Book Competition, her work is stellar. I hope you enjoy Monica's photos and the interview that allows you to get to know her a little better.
Editorial: Stefani DawnI love this photo by Monica Dalmasso. It feels gifted to this final edition. I will spare you the metaphorical analysis of why and what it symbolizes - look at it, you can just feel it.
What can I say to wrap up nearly 11 years of Common Climber? The best words are thank you and enjoy. I hope that you will savor the contributions of this edition, many of which are reflections upon individual journeys and stories from dedicated contributors, like Keith Bell, Tony McKenny, and Dave Barnes. We have a second contribution from German climber Hendrik Schaal and a new adventure into the Gara Gorge from Matt Nethery. In this edition I also include my story "Don't Fall," which shares a little more of what has lead me to wrapping up Common Climber. |
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Reading about other's journeys gives us inspiration not only for what's next for us, but also validation for where were are currently or may have been. Reading other people's stories often connects to our own.
Common Climber has 11 years worth of stories - few of which grow stale. When you are done with this edition and find yourself wanting more, work your way down the All Writings List. Even I, who has read and editorially touched every one of these stories, find freshness and joy in revisiting them. I hope you do too (I will be keeping the Common Climber website alive for the time being.)
For those who follow Common Climber on Facebook, Assistant Editor Dave Barnes, also plans to continue that resource. On Facebook Dave has developed a strong community and highlights inspiring photos of Common Climbers from around the world. I will always be grateful to Dave for his support and contributions to Common Climber.
Thank you to our wonderful contributors. Thank you to our readers. Enjoy!
-- Stef
Common Climber has 11 years worth of stories - few of which grow stale. When you are done with this edition and find yourself wanting more, work your way down the All Writings List. Even I, who has read and editorially touched every one of these stories, find freshness and joy in revisiting them. I hope you do too (I will be keeping the Common Climber website alive for the time being.)
For those who follow Common Climber on Facebook, Assistant Editor Dave Barnes, also plans to continue that resource. On Facebook Dave has developed a strong community and highlights inspiring photos of Common Climbers from around the world. I will always be grateful to Dave for his support and contributions to Common Climber.
Thank you to our wonderful contributors. Thank you to our readers. Enjoy!
-- Stef
Stories
Remembering Common Climber
By Dave Barnes, Assistant Editor I came to Common Climber as a reader. I was in hospital for a significant amount of time recovering from a brain injury and piecing my life back together. Swiping through climbing pages online I came across this cottage site that focused on every day climbers... |
Don't Fall
By Stefani Dawn Common Climber editor Stefani Dawn shares her final story for Common Climber highlighting her current health challenges. |
The Journey is Everything
By Tony McKenny Tony McKenny takes us on a humorous and insightful Journey into winter climbing in the Himalaya - "...with farts, face-plants, and all..." |
Piqued by Peaks
By Keith Bell Sixty years of climbing brings some memories. It also brings some insights. Join Keith Bell on a climbing journey that follows the progression many climbers experience - from those first eye-opening moments, to wanting more, to the eventual winding down as the body ages. |
Progress
By Hendrik Schaal German climber Hendrik Schaal reflects upon his unexpected progression in mixed alpine climbing. |
Gorge Country
By Matt Nethery Australia's climbing has the well-knowns - Blue Mountains and Grampians - and the hidden gems. Through photos and a short film, Matt Nethery introduces us to the Gara Gorge, a granite gold mine with cascading water and a plethora of climbs. |
Matheson Brown - There's a Bear in There
By Dave Barnes Matheson Brown is not your average climber. He is a wake-up early-bird adventurer. Think of the Young Indiana Jones series and he’s your Indi clone. |
The end.
Thank you for joining us and climb-on.
If you have appreciated the journey, here is a way to share a small gift of gratitude.
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