The Start of the Guides Parade in Boulder, Colorado on Sunday
--The biggest news in the climbing world this week took place in Boulder, Colorado. The American Mountain Guides Association and the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations held their annual meeting. Numerous guides from the American Alpine Institute attended. Watch this blog closely for more information about the event.
Northwest:
--The Washington state DNR has a draft proposal that if passed would require users to pay for access to some of the most popular trails in the state, such as Mount Si and Tiger Mountain. The Washington Trails Association supports a fee system that is reasonable to help maintain the trails and provide enforcement. To read more, click here.
--The most prolific first ascensionist and guide book author Fred Beckey will be giving a presentation on Nov. 22nd at Western Washington University. Beckey will be in the Fairhaven Auditorium from 7-9pm, and seating is limited to 150 people; get there early.
Sierra:
--A climber from Lafayette, CA, is vowing to reclaim his speed record on El Capitan. Hans Florine has held the record numerous times, only to see others come in and sweep it away from him. The last record he set he believed would stand for six years; it was broke in just two. To read more, click here.
Notes from All Over:
--We commonly hear from women that they are frustrated with outdoor gear and clothing manufactures. It seems that many high end items simply do not have a female specific option. Well, in steps Teresa Delfin, the owner and founder of Mountain Mama. Specifically, she is making outdoor maternity apparel, and seems to have found quite a niche. To read a great interview with Teresa, click here.
--A climber in Graz, Austria has died after a fall while leading at his local gym. The experienced climber finished leading a route, and as he weighted the rope his less experienced partner lost control of it. The climber fell 30 feet and landed on his head and was rushed the hospital, to be pronounced dead four days later. This is a grim reminder for us to check our partners, and watch them belay you before you trust them to climb. To read more, click here.
--It appears that the controversy over David Lama's bolts on the Compressor route of Cerro Torre is only continuing to grow. Rolo Garibotti chopped 17 of 20 bolts above the col of Patience, and documented many other bolts that Lama's team added that they did not confess too. To read Rolo's post and the following commentary off Supertopo.com, click here. Additionally, Alpinist.com posted a blurb about the forum post, and comments will also pop up there.
--Now is your chance to be a sponsored climber! Moon Climbing over in the UK is accepting applications for sponsorships from climbers who feel they deserve it. Local strong men and women, now is the time to spray about how great you are! They are accepting submissions until December 10th, and you can apply by following this link.
