Cover photo is by Melissa Kline whose photography and miniature work is featured in the story Guatemalan Worry Dolls Go Climbing
EDITORIAL
Stefani Dawn
Welcome to the June 2020 edition of Common Climber! To say that the past few months have been "unbelievable" might just be an understatement.
It's important to be aware of and engaged in the topics of the day, and unrealistic and unproductive to turn a blind-eye. If you have been watching the news, you will know that right now the U.S. is on fire - literally and figuratively. That fire exploded from the simmering embers of racism in this nation and systemic problems of police brutality and institutionalized injustice. Common Climber is not going to turn a blind-eye to this life-altering topic. So next month, in July, we will have a special themed edition of "Honoring Diversity," giving focused voice to those who need to be seen and heard (and not just in a focused edition, but always). I am proud to stand by our black, brown, and LGBTQ climbing family. You are welcome here and you have our commitment to stand up with you, speak out with you, and give a forum for your voice.
When I was assembling this edition - before the riots began - my intention was to find some lightness amongst the heavy, focusing on the fun, funny, uplifting, and inspiring, lest we get crushed under the circumstance's massive gravity. Unfortunately, the gravity has become even heavier. I hope that this edition comes across with the good intentions that are behind it - think of it as a little assist to help get us through this challenging section of our climb.
It's important to be aware of and engaged in the topics of the day, and unrealistic and unproductive to turn a blind-eye. If you have been watching the news, you will know that right now the U.S. is on fire - literally and figuratively. That fire exploded from the simmering embers of racism in this nation and systemic problems of police brutality and institutionalized injustice. Common Climber is not going to turn a blind-eye to this life-altering topic. So next month, in July, we will have a special themed edition of "Honoring Diversity," giving focused voice to those who need to be seen and heard (and not just in a focused edition, but always). I am proud to stand by our black, brown, and LGBTQ climbing family. You are welcome here and you have our commitment to stand up with you, speak out with you, and give a forum for your voice.
When I was assembling this edition - before the riots began - my intention was to find some lightness amongst the heavy, focusing on the fun, funny, uplifting, and inspiring, lest we get crushed under the circumstance's massive gravity. Unfortunately, the gravity has become even heavier. I hope that this edition comes across with the good intentions that are behind it - think of it as a little assist to help get us through this challenging section of our climb.
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May you find some respite in this month's pages. We offer you:
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Stef contributing to the butt shot footage. Here she is navigating the crux-shrub of Snake Charmer in Red Rock Canyon, NV.
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Feature Photographer: Alex Messenger
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This month's feature photographer hails from England, giving us amazing UK landscapes and angles. As you can see from this photo, Alex certainly has a unique and creative touch to his work.
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Articles
Little Red Riding Hood: The Extraordinary Story of a Climber & Survivor -Sabine Pratt Hunziker (By Dave Barnes) - Sabine Pratt-Hunziker is a rock climbing force with a fighting spirit. She fell about 20 meters in a climbing accident and was put in a coma to survive. Her determination has brought her back to climbing.
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Calling Pat Ament (By Jeff Smoot) - An adventure story of two young climbers just trying to find a place to sleep. (In the photo is well-known climber Hugh Herr flashing a smile - I mean, who can resist that? Apparently Pat Ament...)
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Zac the Interloper (By Keith Bell) - A crag dog holds a special place in a climber's memory - best climbing buddy. Woof.
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A N00bie Climber's Story (By Debbie Fowler) - Common Climber Debbie Fowler started climbing at a later stage in life - quickly moving from the gym to big walls and meeting a few Yosemite "Common Climbers" along the way.
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Climbing in the Bare Essentials (By Stewart M. Green) - There are First Ascents (FAs), and then there are First Naked Ascents (FNAs). Stewart M. Green gives tells the tale of a FNA at the granite slabs of Whitehorse, New Hampshire. (WARNING: If you are offended by nudity, you may want to skip this one.)
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COVID & Climbing
The 5.10 Commandments (By Carrot) - Struggling with the COVID quarantine and the muscle loss that comes with it, Carrot creates the 5.10 Commandments for post-quarantine climbing.
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COVID Climbing Memes (By Bad Beta Bouldering) - Memes almost always makes things a little lighter, don't they? Here's some humor to help get us through some challenging times.
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Guatemalan Worry Dolls Go Climbing (By Melissa Kline) - Author and climbing instructor Melissa Kline also has a hobby as a miniaturist! During COVID quarantine, she got creative. Check out her photos!
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From Couch to Lifting Couches (By Lisa Vitaris) - Australian climber Lisa Vitaris shares the miriade of physical activities she did - or attempted to do - during quarantine.
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Facebook Features: Butt Shots
Submitted by viewers like you!
(Click on the photo to enlarge and see caption)
(Click on the photo to enlarge and see caption)
Hey! If you got a chuckle or appreciated any of the pieces in this edition, can you please share a link and spread the word?
It honors the Common Climbers out there and those who contributed - butt shots and all. Thanks!
It honors the Common Climbers out there and those who contributed - butt shots and all. Thanks!