what is a "jumarless nose"? Does she climb 5.14, or does she clip the aid pieces as she cleans (leads?). Either way great send. I'd like to take my daughter (23 yrs) up the Nose as some point, but we both need a bit more training at this point. ha (I guess I should have read the link - even more wow!)
nice job, dad.
the confidence that your children
gain in these endeavors will
empower their stare,
so that most of life's obstacles
will cower 'neath their scrutiny.
I've been telling people about this whenever sports enters the conversation since I first read of it on the el cap report. It just flies over their heads.
I'm blown away, strong climbing and strong parenting.
Been waiting for this one and HOLY FREAKING COW!!!!!! It delivers. Why do I have a feeling Kara could be the Lynn Hill of alpinism? Not that I recommend the sport.. But wow it's interesting to imagine. Tough cookie. Thanks so much for this TR that makes clear my total gumbieness.. But mostly I just wanna stand up and shout to the world..This is what people can do!! It's awesome!
Ascents like these would have been beyond my imagination for the very best climbers when I started climbing. When I consider the ages involved (young and old), I simply marvel. Fantastic!
While other teenage girls will earn spending money by babysitting the neighbors kids, I predict that Kara will earn hers by being a ropegun for hire for old folks... in their 20s and beyond. Put me on the list of clients please.
But seriously Jim, the thing that was awesome about this TR was seeing you in lycra tights and a pink puffy jacket.
Thanks Jim! That's the funniest TR I've read! Great job to you, Kara, and Mirko. I hope your elbow heals up - fish oil helps a lot. By the way, I'm sorry about telling Christine my true opinion of Lost Arrow Chimney.
Unbelievable indeed.
Kara's determination to excel in all areas of her life is quite inspirational.
It will be interesting to hear about how she continues to use this determination to impact society through her future climbing and non-climbing endeavors.
Hey Jim, it is awesome to see you guys had a lot of fun on route. I talked to you about it after the comp at PGSunnyvale, and really wanted to read about you guys climbing it. This trip report is not just about a huge accomplishment, but also is well written!
Also, noticed you mention doing Evolution Traverse in your report, but did not find a report about it on your site? Did you write one by any chance? Would love to read it if so.
Great job ! Jim, by all accounts, is pretty unusual and his genetics seem to have flowed through enhanced. I can't wait to see what Kara does in the future.
I was totally blown away when I saw this little adventure on the Report, and far more so now that I have this excellent TR to enjoy.
My deepest respect to you and your daughter for breaking out of the parenting mold that is "accepted" these days and causing our society to atrophy to the sound of video games and keyboard taps.
I think my favorite character in Jim's TRs are the wife/mother, an anchoring presence who though mostly out of frame in the storytelling provides the bedrock sanity in the family from which the amazing lunacy of the TR departs!
As a reader you can feel the respect (fear? haha) in the storyteller that permeates every dry quip and witticism, and it seems that these stories are probably mostly written for her, and ultimately you get a sense of the trust that exists there between husband and wife. As inspirational as any other element of these TRs imho.
I'm inspired. Inspired by "the old guys" for their raw audacity and determination. Inspired by the quiet grace with which they forever put to bed the age excuse. Inspired by the dignity and maturity of the 12 year old climbing prodigy -- his eagerness to push his comfort zone and risk setbacks to explore and grow. And finally, although I need to recuse myself for extreme bias and unabashed pride, inspired by Kara. Inspired by her tenacity, mental fortitude, and climbing talents. But mostly I am inspired by her spirit to relish the moment and keep smiling through it all. As I sat there in stunned awe watching her pull that last bolt ladder, all I could think of was "Wow, that is one rad guinea pig!"
Final thought: after the tragedies on El Cap this season I think lots of us felt a cloak of dark and sorrowful vibes pulled over the Valley, or I did at least. That's one part of climbing and has to be respected, and one thing we do as a community is carry on those memories.
Paragraph above, and the feat you two pulled off, is like sunlight pouring into the room.
Congrats Dad and Kara, this is the most inspiring trip report I've read. I would encourage Kara to write her own trip report and post it from her perspective...brilliant..
Jim - I met you several weeks ago when John and I were doing our final NIAD practice run on the lower part of the route when you and Tim flew by us... I was very inspired then watching you two romp to the top... your words to me were... "leave that second rope and just keep climbing"....
well this weekend we did just that.. left the second rope and fired the NIAD (almost.. 36 hours..)
now after reading this TR... im even more inspired.. just amazing!!!!
we haven't met, but as a dad of a 3yo and a 6mo, you are a climbing-dad's inspiration... don't get me wrong, i'll never free the salathe or climb 5.13+ cracks, but i do hope that someday i'll to be able to show my kids 1/2 of what you have. and i'm super impressed how adventurous your kids are, damn! my hat is off to you and your family, well done!
p.s. my wife's first reaction was to echo le_bruce's post
All of your TR's are great but this one is truly my favorite, probably because I am in it! (See group shot on Dolt I am farthest from the camera in a green shirt.) Haha!
Wow Again!
All the single words have already been used up. But I gotta say I Love this story!!
I hope to pitch the same thing in about 5-10 with my daughter.
What's also Amazing, is that it inspired this too..
Norwegian
Trad climber
dancin on the tip of god's middle finger
Jun 11, 2013 - 12:01pm PT
nice job, dad.
the confidence that your children
gain in these endeavors will
empower their stare,
so that most of life's obstacles
will cower 'neath their scrutiny.
