Search
Go

Discussion Topic

Return to Forum List
This thread has been locked
Messages 1 - 53 of total 53 in this topic
Gene

climber
Aug 16, 2009 - 08:15pm PT
Could not agree more with t*r! The "tribal campfire" is a good metaphor for the Taco, although we do have our moments like any other collective. I hope that you, RR, feel comfortable here and share a story or two. Pull up a stump and chat a while.

gm

And thanks for your visit to Mr. Brereton's MoHi class. My daughter enjoyed your visit and comments on kayaking.
nature

climber
Tucson, AZ
Aug 16, 2009 - 08:34pm PT
wooohooo!


Royal, tell us a kayaking story!
Gene

climber
Aug 16, 2009 - 08:47pm PT
RR had the good sense to hire Peter Hahn who sold me my first pair of blue suede climbing shoes out of the basement of a 10th Street paint store in Modesto. That was about, what, 6 or 7 years ago?

gm
Roger Breedlove

climber
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Aug 16, 2009 - 08:54pm PT
Hi Royal,

Welcome to SuperTopo. I hope that you find the climbing threads interesting and engaging. Lots of climbers that you know from the late 60s and 70s are active participants in this community.

Here are two of the best that ST has had to offer recently (apologies to the political junkies):

[url="http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=861139&msg=861139#msg861139"]Chuck Pratt thread started by Doug Robinson[/url]

[url="http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=268647&msg=268647#msg268647"]Frank Sacherer thread started by Ed Hartouni (a valley climber and physicist like Frank)[/url]

It was very cool when Tamara posted a few days ago.

Hi to Liz.

All the best, Roger
Maysho

climber
Truckee, CA
Aug 16, 2009 - 09:28pm PT
Welcome Royal!!

The rich mix of great folks, old and young at this campfire will be much enhanced by your visits here!

And congrats on the bio! I am eager to read it.

Peter
Jello

Social climber
No Ut
Aug 16, 2009 - 09:37pm PT
Kevin said it right: nothing but respect for you, Royal. Look forward to your contributions here. Please don't be shy!

-Jello
SteveW

Trad climber
The state of confusion
Aug 16, 2009 - 09:40pm PT
Welcome Royal!

I can't wait to hear some of your stories!!!!
Loomis

climber
*_*
Aug 16, 2009 - 09:41pm PT
Hi Royal, Bob Kamps gave a slide show in 1969 when I was in kinder garden(He was my teacher then), he spoke of you kindly. Welcome, Scott.
Ricky D

Trad climber
Sierra Westside
Aug 16, 2009 - 09:47pm PT
WOW - Another of my icons appears on the Taco!

Very pleased to see your words and hear your thoughts around our virtual campfire.

Learn to ignore the prattle of cackling hens and avoid the political trolls for the sake of your sanity...but otherwise, there are a lot of good people with interesting tales to tell as we all relive our lives anew.

Rick

survival

Big Wall climber
A Token of My Extreme
Aug 16, 2009 - 09:51pm PT
Welcome Royal!

This place just gets richer and richer.
Lots of your influence around here.

Good thing you're a good storyteller,...we'll be waiting!
happiegrrrl

Trad climber
New York, NY
Aug 16, 2009 - 10:07pm PT
When I started climbing, the first book I had to have was Basic RockCraft. I poured over the pages, trying to figure out how the words, illustrations and photos squared with what little I had already learned.

Never mind that I started climbing only in 2004, and we didn't use body belays/rappels, and we had cams instead of pitons! I wanted it straight from the master.


jstan

climber
Aug 16, 2009 - 11:11pm PT
I dunno,

Seems to me this place is all about making new lives.

To each their own,

Edit:
My comment was in response to a post that has since been nuked.

As Lily Tomin says:

Never mind.
Patrick Oliver

Boulder climber
Fruita, Colorado
Aug 16, 2009 - 11:38pm PT
When, Royal, you called me your "lifelong friend," in that
dust jacket about-the-author, for Spirit of the Age,
it meant all the world to me. I have always seen myself
in that role. We met when I was 17 and did many climbs
and first ascents, that amazing aid climb on Longs Peak.
We free climbed the Yellow Spur, did the first ascent of
Final Exam and Athlete's Feat, travelled together
to the desert, did those spires, finished in starlight,
and of course to have you as my first tour guide of Yosemite,
and to have come so close to being on that NA ascent, but
the thoughts I had about you on the freight trains that
lonesome trip home from California, and then all the times
we reunited in Eldorado year after year, that morning we
raced up T2... I wrote a poetic text for one of your
clothing catalogues, and we have engaged in postal chess
(you well remember that time you almost beat me once)...,
that Thanksgiving at the cabin at Pinecrest, and
and my love for you and Liz has never changed, even when
at times we have seemed to lose the way a bit,
lost touch, or let some "spirit" drift between
us. It was a joy to edit
your latest book, to bloody those pages and then have you
mainly keep most of your own wordings in the end. That was
fine, because in that "honest" way of which others have
spoken, you told me your writing was imperfect, and you were
too, and that was a kind of match. That touched me. I've
always been pretty rough around the edges. If I can offend
anyone I will somehow find a way, though I never really mean
to. It's just one of those raw imperfections I seem to have
brought with me to this life. Yet I cherish every memory
of my time with you, every word we shared, every edge of
rock both our shoes touched... Write twenty volumes, my
friend. It's a good way to relive those times, and to
remember. As I was in my youth, when I first read your
writings, I will remain a faithful reader and admirer. I
can recite many lines from memory, one in particular
that stayed with me for years as a young man... and comes
to me alas again...
"And what was the meaning of our adventure? None.
So we took it for what it was: a meaningful experience
that awakened our minds to a lust for life and a
keener awareness of beauty."

Patrick Oliver
jogill

climber
Colorado
Aug 17, 2009 - 12:03am PT
Welcome to ST, Royal. Good to see another old codger show up here. In my mind, for the 1950s and 1960s, you will always be - as Pat describes you - The Spirit of the Age !!
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
Aug 17, 2009 - 12:06am PT
hey there say, royal robbins...

welcome and god bless...
i'm not a climber, my brother's the climber of the family, but i stepped in here, due to wanting a bit more of the feeling that comes from stories and trips, as to the greatoutdoors... and due to seeing my brother's name (mark chapman, ol' chappy to many) here... sure felt like home, then...

hope you get a chance to share some of your stories, as to this wonderful "majestic magic", that the good lord put in the greatoutdoors...

:)
zip

Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
Aug 17, 2009 - 12:06am PT
Mr. Robbins,

Welcome aboard, and thanks for helping me lose my virginity.
Wade Icey

Trad climber
www.alohashirtrescue.com
Aug 17, 2009 - 12:06am PT
The Illiac, or the Oddity...

Welcome Royal Robbins!
Welcome Royal Robbins!

wooohooo!
You're rad!'
You're rad!
wooohooo!
wooohooo!
Royal,
tell us a story!
wooohooo!

Royal, tell us a story!
wooohooo!
!you spoke in one of my classes
you were so humble and modest
the way you described conflict between yourself and other climbers in yosemite was ultra-classy. bravo!
bravo bravo bravo bravo bravo
RR had the good sense to hire Peter Hahn
ultra-classy. bravo!
nothing but respect for you.
nothing but respect for you.
Look forward to your contributions here
Look forward to your contributions here
Welcome Royal! Welcome Royal

WOW - Another of my icons appears on the Taco!
WOW - Another of my icons appears on the Taco!

Very pleased to see your words and hear your thoughts around our virtual campfire.

Very pleased to see your words and hear your thoughts around our virtual campfire.
not to be redundant but...

Your crew took the bull by the horns
Your crew took the bull by the horns
Your crew took the bull by the horns

Learn to ignore the prattle
Learn to ignore the prattle
Learn to ignore the prattle

This place just gets richer and richer
in that
dust jacket about-the-author
Yellow Spur

your latest book
pretty rough around the edges
just one of those raw imperfections
So we took it for what it was: a meaningful experience

So we took it for what it was: a meaningful experience
keener awareness keener awareness keener awareness
that awakened our minds

Pull up a stump and chat a while.
It was a joy to edit
Welcome Royal!
nothing but respect
for you
Your crew
took the bull by the horns
The rich mix
of great folks, old and young
at this campfire will be much enhanced by your visits here!
It was very cool when Tamara posted a few days ago.
wooohooo wooohooo wooohooo
It was very cool when Tamara posted a few days ago.
Thank you for gracing us with your presence at our campfire
!you spoke in one of my classes
Your crew took the bull by the hornz.
Welcome Royal!
nothing but respect
for you.

edit


[wooohooo!)
JuanDeFuca

Big Wall climber
Stoney Point
Aug 17, 2009 - 12:09am PT
Who is Royal Robbins?

Sport or Trad Climber?

Any routes I would be familiar with?


Juan
couchmaster

climber
pdx
Aug 17, 2009 - 12:11am PT
Welcome to ST RR, there's been maybe 6 or 7 icons already post a welcome above, the place just keeps getting better.

Regards:

Bill
Captain...or Skully

Social climber
Boise....
Aug 17, 2009 - 12:20am PT
Hi, Royal Robbins.
How's it goin'?
Glad you're still around. Thanks.
See ya!
Barbarian

Trad climber
slowly dying in the OC
Aug 17, 2009 - 12:24am PT
When I was 12 and just getting started in this sport, I read everything could get my hands on. Royal was so inspiring. I was completely in awe. 38 years later, nothing has changed.
Welcome to the campfire!
johntp

Trad climber
socal
Aug 17, 2009 - 12:25am PT
Hello Mr. Robbins, koo-koo-ca choo!

Welcome to the pool. Dive on in!
Captain...or Skully

Social climber
Boise....
Aug 17, 2009 - 12:26am PT
Sloppy choppin', though.
You must've been angry.
Neater is better. (You know this, I'm sure.)
Sorry to cap on ya, you know how it goes.
Otherwise, nothin' but respect.
the Fet

Supercaliyosemistic climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
Aug 17, 2009 - 01:23am PT
We're not worthy!!!
dogtown

climber
Cheyenne,Wyoming
Aug 17, 2009 - 01:25am PT
Well RR, To the online O.F's climbing forum.

Welcome, I think I still have one of your ropes.

Bruce.
LuckyPink

climber
the last bivy
Aug 17, 2009 - 01:59am PT
this is GREAT, welcome Royal Robbins , lets hope for Liz on the ST also...


Maureen
Rock Ice Mountain
bhilden

Trad climber
Mountain View, CA
Aug 17, 2009 - 03:15am PT
Welcome Royal!

Besides your numerous contributions at the forefront during the golden age of climbing in Yosemite, your writings were just as good if not better. "Tis-sa-ack" is one of my all-time favorite pieces of climbing literature. It does an incredible job of exposing the inner self of those at the leading edge of the sport attempting to do things never before accomplished.

Bruce
Karl Baba

Trad climber
Yosemite, Ca
Aug 17, 2009 - 06:25am PT
Even though I feel "welcome" in my heart, I'd like to take this opportunity to be the first to flame and bother Royal.

Royal, I sure there's something we don't agree about...dang you for that!

Oh yeah, You're looking a bit too young and bright for somebody that old..Stop it, you'll make us insecure.

I wouldn't want you to think the climbing world has become all sweetness and light since back in the day. We have it all on supertopo.

But now that I've given you a piece of my fading mind...I welcome you once again.

:-) .... (That's' internet' for "sorry the post above is geeky")

Peace

Karl
Delhi Dog

Trad climber
Good Question...
Aug 17, 2009 - 08:52am PT
So much of what many of us are as climbers, as people comes from direct or indirect influences.
Know that you contributed mightily to the few "good" habits of mine.
But, of course they are balanced with all the "bad" ones that you didn't have a thing to do with (Warren had something to do with those... wink wink).

Welcome to the zoo!
Cheers,
DD
Toker Villain

Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
Aug 17, 2009 - 09:43am PT
Where?

I don't see him. Avatar??




Last time I spoke with Royal he and Liz walked by me at Snowbird and Liz wanted to know what I was reading. The title SOUNDED like a climbing book, but it wasn't.
The Fatal Impact by Moorehead is about Captain Cook's exploration of the south Pacific and its disastrous effects.

We spoke a bit about Royal's impact on climbing and I was surprised at the extent of his modesty. I recall mentioning that In Cold Blood was often overlooked, but that I considered it a seminal point in wall soloing.

Welcome aboard Royal; more twists and turns than a lot of western rivers.
Hang on!
scuffy b

climber
Sinatra to Singapore
Aug 17, 2009 - 10:40am PT
I've always thought Royal Robbins would have to be nuts to join
in on ST. I hope I'm proved wrong and that he will enjoy it
here.
Another articulate perspective is most welcome.
Thanks for joining in (did you join in?)
Ray-J

Social climber
east L.A. vato...
Aug 17, 2009 - 09:58pm PT
Dear Royal Robbins,

Basic and Advanced Rockcraft

Are true and under appreciated classics.

Just as viable now as when first published,

These books advocate simplicity, utility and goals...

Truely great books that have done tons for the sport.

Thanks!
Mighty Hiker

Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
Aug 17, 2009 - 10:17pm PT
Cross link to the autobiography thread.
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=924898
dogtown

climber
Cheyenne,Wyoming
Aug 17, 2009 - 11:02pm PT
Hell Karl:

I insecure. I thinking he doe’s Don’t you? It’s great wall food, You can drink it hot and it goes’ pretty good with sardines.

Bruce.
David Wilson

climber
CA
Aug 17, 2009 - 11:32pm PT
Welcome Royal!

I met you once. It was about 1972 at Indian Rock in Berkeley. I was 11 years old, with white painter pants and maybe a rugby shirt. I was climbing pretty well for a little guy. At that time it was David Moss (sp?) who was the real hot shot. Occasionally Peter Haan would show up and blow us away, like Russell in The Gladiator, "the sword, it sticks in the frost....".

Not to digress. On this particular day I was there with my dad, Les Wilson, when you showed up with Galen Rowell to do some bouldering. Two heroes and one kid with a well thumbed "Basic Rockcraft" book and a dad he was proud of. My dad in an ancillary way had been your competitor, doing routes in the valley that were below your standard, but still had merit, climbs like "Chocktone Chimney" and "Salami Ledge". He even tells of one of his crew putting up early ropes on the NA wall.

So, he felt some pressure. He was at Indian Rock and there were a couple of certified bad asses in the house. He set out on a route just right of "Water Course" as I remember. Dad wasn't a boulderer. This route involved some crimping and tricky footwork. He was going to have his hands full and we all watched. Dad fell. He landed hard and his knees buckled absorbing the fall. He was quickly on his back in the Berkeley dirt, 220 pounds. It was harder and more violent than he expected.

I knew well his tendency in these situations. He would pass out, his eyes would roll back and he would calmly sleep. This had happened time and again skiing hard at Squaw Valley. One time he hit a tree, another he put a ski pole into his leg trying to keep up. Both times his eyes rolled back and I waited patiently for him to return. This was expected.

But this time it was Royal Robbins and Galen Rowell administering! As dad came around, I assured you and Galen there was no need for emergency services.

And that was the time I met Royal Robbins.

Dad still isn't a boulderer.
Blitzo

Social climber
Earth
Aug 17, 2009 - 11:54pm PT
Welcome Royal, this is awesome!
10b4me

Gym climber
Happy Boulders
Aug 17, 2009 - 11:58pm PT
It was my honor to meet you last september Royal.
you were giving the Saturday night show outside the lodge.
I introduced a couple of friends of mine to you. they are newish climbers, but were thrilled to meet you.
Evel

Trad climber
the cliffs of insanity
Aug 18, 2009 - 06:06pm PT
Welcome to the taco Mr. Robbins! I am eagerly awaiting for a campfire tale..........
Mungeclimber

Trad climber
sorry, just posting out loud.
Aug 18, 2009 - 06:20pm PT
Dave, great story.


As I related to Royal once, I had seen him at Dodge Ridge skiing one year, and kept saying to my girlfriend, "hey I think that's Royal, but I'm not sure." So I kept looking to see if I could positively ID him. Well just too many looks, so that Royal started looking at me. Doh! now he just thinks I'm a weirdo if it is him. Better just eat my sammich/eyes down again.

Well, it was him, and we got a laugh out of it later over drinks last year when I got to really meet him in person. He and Liz rock for supporting the climbing community.

I'm really psyched to read the stories. Climbing is really about the stories, isn't it?
couchmaster

climber
pdx
Aug 18, 2009 - 11:50pm PT
Bump to the top for Davids great story!!! Thanks for sharing that!
smith curry

climber
nashville,TN
Aug 19, 2009 - 10:35am PT
Royal Sir, How did the rope tied around your waist feel after 9 days of soloing the Muir Wall? I feel like we're all so soft compared with your generation...
eeyonkee

Trad climber
Golden, CO
Aug 19, 2009 - 11:57am PT
Along with Layton Kor and Yvon Chouinard, Royal Robbins tops the list of my all-time climbing heroes. I met him once, at his shop in Modesto, where we bought one rope and he gave us another - a factory defect with a flat spot that he assured us was perfectly fine. We went off to do Mescalito the next day.
Tamara Robbins

climber
CA
Aug 19, 2009 - 12:33pm PT
Hey all, I will let dad know about this new forum - I'm guessing he isn't aware of it yet. I'm greatly enjoying it all... much fun. I've been so touched by the many kind words and encouragement for Dad - thanks from the daughter!
Peter Haan

Trad climber
San Francisco, CA
Aug 19, 2009 - 02:24pm PT
Tamara,

This "Welcome Royal Robbins" discussion is called a "thread", the entire collection of threads and the ongoing site for them is called a "forum". And to add to a thread, you "post".

best to you, Peter Haan
Tamara Robbins

climber
CA
Aug 19, 2009 - 03:10pm PT
Gotcha. Thanks Peter! And for the guidance you sent by message, as well.
Swifter

Social climber
Flagstaff, AZ
Aug 19, 2009 - 10:40pm PT
Hi Royal,

It's been...ummm..."several" years since I met you and Don and Jerry in Camp4, but I've been following your career with
greatest admiration. Looking forward to hearing more soon!
Bob Swift
Tamara Robbins

climber
CA
Sep 2, 2009 - 01:45pm PT
Thanks for the welcome... wanted to let this thread know that Dad has seen it, and thought he posted on it - but I think he mixed up which he was posting to with the "To be Brave" one. Anyhow, it hasn't gone unnoticed by him... :)
rockermike

Mountain climber
Sep 2, 2009 - 03:00pm PT
Hey Royal,
welcome,
I met you a few times too, while living in Telluride in the '70s. even climbed with you once or twice as I recall.

Kayak stories would be welcome here too by the way.
Tell us how it was back in the day.
Tamara Robbins

climber
CA
Sep 2, 2009 - 10:42pm PT
Fattrad: curious what your affiliation is? Dad has mellowed as far as the import of politics in his life... but I'll leave any other input to him... :)
pud

climber
Sportbikeville
Sep 2, 2009 - 11:43pm PT
Welcome Royal,

You have been a great positive influence to me for most of my life!

-wayne
Mighty Hiker

Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
Sep 3, 2009 - 12:33am PT
Tamara: FatTrad (Jeff) is/was a climber, and helps with things like the FaceLift and other community initiatives. He can tell you himself about his political and social views, which he likes to share (and IMHO exaggerate) here.

Your father may do well to avoid the "political" and "religious" threads, at least to begin with. They certainly feature many of the same characters as the climbing threads, but with the addition of some political or religious junkies, including even some non-climbers. Given the lack of accountability (not face to face, often not real names), most of these threads are non-productive.

The etiquette, insofar as there is any, seems to be that:
 Non-climbing threads should be clearly titled, so people know what they're about.
 Climbing threads shouldn't be highjacked for other purposes, especially political/religious.
 Political and religious threads often get rancorous.
 Most of the non-climber political junkies get roundly abused when they stray into climbing threads.
guido

Trad climber
Santa Cruz/New Zealand/South Pacific
Sep 3, 2009 - 04:33am PT
Anders-as always well spoken and precise as we want to be. Nice summation on the evasive word of ST and the concept of etiquette.
Gunkie

climber
East Coast US
Sep 3, 2009 - 08:45am PT
The 1969 solo of the Muir Wall, IMO, still the most ballsy big wall feat ever done.
Messages 1 - 53 of total 53 in this topic
Return to Forum List
 
Our Guidebooks
spacerCheck 'em out!
SuperTopo Guidebooks

guidebook icon
Try a free sample topo!

 
SuperTopo on the Web

Recent Route Beta