Trip Report
Airstream
Monday July 10, 2017 12:23pm
So I'm really not one for posting much online. But I felt that this day was special, and wanted to share.
When my friend coach and I planned this trip to the Hulk to try Airstream, I did not know he was planning on bringing some of the ashes of our dear friend who had recently passed.
The meaning of this trip has changed for me now. To honor a friend and enjoy another climb with him.

Our first day there for coach and I was a bust. No climbing. Too windy we thought. And besides we had an extra day.
The next day we woke to Dark Skies but no wind. Time to climb. The first few pitches went smoothly and slowly, getting sprinkled on a little bit on the 4th pitch. But the real rain held off, and the clouds fly over us. Atop El Hulk Tower, AKA (El honk Tower) we spread some ashes and prepared for the next pitch. Neither of us showed emotion. this pitch guarded the cruxes above by two giant detached flakes you must climb over. Relieved to be done with that pitch it was time for the business.

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the flakes pitch
the flakes pitch
Credit: the Swami
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The first 12C went quick. Coach followed with no problems.
I started into the 13B stemming, and before I knew what happened I was in a kneebar at the start of the slab/face Traverse. My nerves rattled me across the Traverse to the next anchor. The next pitch was beautiful! And nothing but fun. The clouds continue to float by and keep us company as well as the memories of our friend. Two more pitches bring us to the final Arete. My legs are tired and Shake all the way up that final pitch.

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last pitch
last pitch
Credit: the Swami
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Coach and I dance across the Summit Ridge through the chimneys and over the talus to The Summit. Our friend is feeling heavy on my back at this point, but we wanted to get him to the top!

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coach giving matt a hand
coach giving matt a hand
Credit: the Swami
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We get Matt out of the pack, and Coach prepares him for another Journey. This time we cannot hold back the emotions, and the tears flood our eyes. thoughts and memories of our friend fill our minds as we send honky to the sky.
Coach exclaims! "Well honky we took you up the biggest baddest route in the Sierras we could find. I think you'd be proud."

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summit smoke for Honks
summit smoke for Honks
Credit: the Swami
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So we smoked one down and a short little scramble lead us back to the ground.But one last thing! Some mushroom tea! and a hike back to town.





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the Swami
About the Author
the Swami is a gym climber from bishop.

Comments
Mungeclimber

Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
  Jul 10, 2017 - 12:40pm PT
real nice!
micronut

Trad climber
Fresno/Clovis, ca
  Jul 10, 2017 - 01:37pm PT
Proud line and proud send. A fitting tribute. Thank you for sharing.



Strength and honor,

Scott
L

climber
Just livin' the dream
  Jul 10, 2017 - 07:06pm PT
Really nice.
Brought tears to my eyes, too.
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
  Jul 10, 2017 - 11:13pm PT
hey there, say, the swami... wow, thank you so much for sharing with us!! been busy, and can't stop to read much... but saw this...


happy good eve! thanks again!

edit:

i will remember this, all eve, now:

The meaning of this trip has changed for me now. To honor a friend and enjoy another climb with him.
SC seagoat

Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, Bozeman, the ocean, or ?
  Jul 10, 2017 - 11:24pm PT
Oh. Boy. That was good. Blessed friend.


Susan
Ezra Ellis

Trad climber
North wet, and Da souf
  Jul 11, 2017 - 02:55am PT
Respect.
Matt is clearly loved.
Gnome Ofthe Diabase

climber
Out Of Bed
  Jul 11, 2017 - 03:55am PT
Props for that!

To Matt !

And to you two too

Thanx as the share is one of grief & joy,

A working definition of the Passion for life

That so many of us fail to recognize till after a end

Nice share Swami !
Nick Danger

Ice climber
Arvada, CO
  Jul 11, 2017 - 07:55am PT
That was a really righteous thing to do for your friend and I thank you for share the story of this journey with us. You did both him and yourselves proud.
Peace
snakefoot

climber
Nor Cal
  Jul 11, 2017 - 10:00am PT
bump for climbing and the celebration of a wild man.
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