Is Tommy Caldwell the Jerry Garcia of rock climbing? They are both rock stars and they are both missing a finger. I’ll let you be the judge.
On Saturday I got my “hall pass” as Hilary’s Uncle Steve puts it. After the morning with the family I had a majority of the day devoted to solo adventuring. I drove down to Carderock while listening to the latest Enormocast. My Aunt Bonnie recently gave me her really cool 70’s? high end road bike (shimano 600 components). I had taken it for a test ride the day before, and today would be a even better assessement. From Carderock I rode the C&O to the great falls overlook. Then I locked up the bike and did the billy goat trail. Next I rode back to Carderock and did some “bouldering” just before sunset. I drove to Earth Treks Crystal city where ET was hosting the rock project. It was my first visit to the Crystal City gym. I blindly followed my GPS until I pulled into an underground parking garage. Small Earth Treks signs through a winding, narrow, concrete hallway led me to a nondescript metal door with the same ET sign on it. When I opened that door my mind was blown! From climbing at Carderock all alone while watching the sunset I now entered into a pulsing rave of a climbing gym. Techno music was thumping, illuminated climbing walls appeared through the glass overlook near the entrance, the staff welcomed me, pro climbers walked past me, and I stumbled around trying to take it all in. It was more surreal to me that at age 18 walking into a Las Vegas casino for the first time after pedaling my way there through Death Valley on a bicycle, sincerely. This gym is nuts! I got to boulder some more as Jerry… I mean Tommy, and the other rock stars finished signing posters for all their adoring fans. The reason I had the idea for the DC area adventures was to end up at Crystal City where Tommy Caldwell and other pro climbers would be giving presentations. A major point of the night was conservation and preservation of our climbing areas. It made me happy to be a part of it, and reassured me that the service component of our proposed trip was crucial. What outdoor spaces do you cherish? Every user makes an impact. How can yours be a positive one?
11 Comments
Valerie Bateman
11/18/2016 03:21:24 pm
I am finding it very interesting, informative and insightful to read your blogs. The techno music reference reminded me of the time I watched you and fellow climbers participate in a climbing competition at the Timonium gym. There was such a diverse mixture of of people, skills, music and good vibes!
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SeanBeavan
11/21/2016 01:40:28 pm
The greatest thing about pursuing your dreams is in the discoveries of who you are, what you can endure, what you can achieve, who you will meet, how vastly different and how remarkably the same people and cultures are
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Jan Williams
11/24/2016 05:04:10 pm
How awesome to get a "hall pass" like that! That rock climbing gym just sounds mind boggling! It is important to take your passion and make a difference. I am so hoping this scholarship helps you to get to do just that.
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Jennie (Moser) Hill
11/29/2016 05:14:05 am
Good luck Travis!! I think the big decision is coming up very soon. We are all rooting for you and know you deserve this!! I remember from our Res days, you were always that cool outdoorsy guy - hope to hear good news soon :)
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Laura Errera
11/29/2016 01:54:58 pm
Best of luck to you Travis! We are all wishing you the best of luck and blessings as you pursue this honor! Keep us posted!
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GrahamBateman
11/29/2016 05:37:03 pm
The juxtaposition that you describe of a day of solitude and reflection in nature with an evening of spirited comradarie reminds me of our trip to Yosemite. You led me to the base of one of your potential climbs, where I laid my chest upon the big wall and stared up to see the rock touch the sky; this was a truly moving experience, and I will not forget the sense of connection to our world and its overwhelming vastness. From that experience—the switch to running into Elephant Revival on our way back to camp and being invited to a concert, where we danced along with our friends and park rangers.
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Bonnie J. B.
11/29/2016 05:56:00 pm
Travis, I wish you all the best. You are such a good spirit in this world. You are not only an accomplished biker, climber, trekker and belayer, but also, and most importantly, a good person. Even at a young age, Travis, you understood the importance of being present, of valuing the beauty of nature, of seeing the ability to make a difference in others and in the environment, of truly caring, of listening, of teaching, of wanting to make a positive impact. You ask, “What outdoor spaces do you cherish?” For me, it is usually the water that calms my soul. But, what I cherish (truly CHERISH) is the outdoors shared with my loved ones. Cheers to you, Travis, for having the wisdom beyond your years to appreciate what is important in life. - Bonnie
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Patsy Grue
11/30/2016 07:37:09 am
I love watching, reading, and listening to stories about bouldering and rock climbing. I was first introduced to climbing walls (outdoors and dangerously homemade) in the late 1970’s. I was merely a spectator of my college roommates’ creative and thrill seeking adventures in climbing and designing equipment made from bits and pieces of skiing and mountaineering left overs. Many injuries and near catastrophes later my roommates moved out to Colorado to work for a ski rescue patrol company. Off I went to become a teacher and swim team mom.
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abe dyer
12/2/2016 07:41:23 am
Thank you, Travis. Thank you for sharing this inspiring moment in your voice, not only with me, but the world at large, and reminding us we can still escape the daily deluge of electrons, screens, advertisements and assholes that seem only to surge and never ebb in modern America.
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maureen chryssikos
12/6/2016 06:16:46 am
Best of Luck Travis! I can't think of anyone better to honor, enjoy & nurture God's beautiful Earth!
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Susan Redmond
12/6/2016 05:21:49 pm
Travis, I so enjoyed your writings of Old Rag. I have hiked many miles of Shenandoah National Park and I'm glad another family member also found the beauty of that area in Virginia. You spoke of conservation, and it reminded me of the time they required passes to hike Old Rag, as the poor mountain was getting overused. I'm so glad you are involved in the outdoors, the forest is my favorite place.
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