by Tom Markiewicz on February 16, 2005
From Climbing.com, Dougald MacDonald reports that winter rains in Southern California washed away a boulder field known as Tar Creek (Swimming Hole). Located near Fillmore, California, the storm and rains destroyed and swept away many boulders.
by Tom Markiewicz on February 16, 2005
The Climbing Resource Access Group of Vermont (CRAG-VT) finalized the purchase of the Bolton Quarry. Used by climbers for both ice and rock climbing, this was the first land conservation purchase specifically for climbing in Vermont. Full details can be found in this press release.
by Tom Markiewicz on February 15, 2005
Two more ice climbing festivals are upcoming. The 8th annual Festiglace du Quebec sponsored by The North Face will be held February 18-20 in Pont-Rouge. Billed as the world’s biggest ice climbing event, the event promises gear demos and expert advice booths, free intro to ice climbing lessons, snowshoeing circuit and demos, professional and amateur [...]
by Tom Markiewicz on February 15, 2005
BBC News reports that four Greek climbers have been killed in an avalanche in the southern Peloponnese mountains in Greece. A group of 28 climbers were caught in the avalanche on Mount Menalos. The other climbers survived with minor injuries. Additional resources: Briton killed in Greek avalanche (Reuters) Five dead, six injured by avalanche in [...]
by Tom Markiewicz on February 15, 2005
As an old school, block gymnastic chalk user, I’ve tried and then given away every other type of chalk to be released over the years. Everything other than the block chalk feels greasy to me. I pretty much assumed attempts at chalk innovation has stopped, but apparently a company called Terra Firma has some interesting [...]
by Tom Markiewicz on February 12, 2005
Sponsored by Red Bull, Cedar Falls, Iowa is hosting an ice climbing competition this weekend on silos. For the past five years, University of Northern Iowa outdoor pursuits teacher Don Briggs has been icing down four silos for the purpose of climbing. The largest ice wall stretches 68 feet from the ground, while two others [...]
by Tom Markiewicz on February 11, 2005
The LA Times has an article on the artificial climbing wall manufacturer, Monolithic Sculptures. One of the company’s current projects is replicating the giant cue-ball formations from Rock City located outside Kansas City. The Rock City boulder in Minneapolis, Kan., is part of a series of “huge sandstone concretions… round balls of sandstone that look [...]
by Tom Markiewicz on February 11, 2005
The People’s Daily Online reports that China is attempting to establish a national mountaineering rescue system. Li Zhixin, director of the National Mountaineering Administration Center, said, “At present, China boasts more than 300 outdoor sports clubs. Along with blooming outdoor activities, a frequent accident occurrence period will come. Statistics show that from 2000 to 2004, [...]
by Tom Markiewicz on February 7, 2005
Whenever the weather stays cold (hmm, like now, in February), I feel like a mad genius scheming plans to build a climbing wall somewhere in my home. In my mind, I’ve developed plans for an attic wall, a free standing bouldering cave in a spare bedroom, a bouldering cave suspended in the basement laundry room, [...]
by Tom Markiewicz on February 5, 2005
According to the Access Fund, numerous climbing area closures go into effect February 1.
by Tom Markiewicz on February 5, 2005
Jack Roberts, climbing guide and author, has some useful “tech tips” on his site. These include secrets to staying warm and keeping winter fun, preparation for long winter alpine days, and Jack’s twelve golden rules for better leading on ice.
by Tom Markiewicz on February 4, 2005
If you’ve ever wanted to see the view from the summit of Panoramas.dk site. In addition to Mt. Everest, they have panoramic views of Jungfraujoch of Switzerland, Bishop Creek in the High Sierras, and the