Discussion Topic |
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Topic Author's Original Post - Nov 19, 2011 - 02:15pm PT
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Some time ago while still a young man in his 50's, I met Dick Bass at Vinson Basecamp. Knowing I was approaching a certain age he said, donini, "three cardinal rules for a man once he turns 60."
*Never let a hard on go attended, even when alone, it may be your last.
*Never pass a bathroom without using it.
*Never trust a fart.
Now, I ask you, wouldn't that make you grumpy?
Yeah there are a few grumpy old men (and one or two women) on this forum. If they are like me everything is starting to go with the single exception of experience, I hesitate to use the word wisdom. A lot of the hot air blowing around here is from that venerable demographic. There are also younger, eager to learn, climbers lurking on ST. So ladies and gentleman, and I use those terms advisedly, what have you learned that has kept you alive all of these years?
As for me, I'm heading to Patagonia shortly in my quest to maximize the number of daylight hours I experience.
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, CA
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Nov 19, 2011 - 02:20pm PT
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Sounds like sound advice for you cranky 'ole f*#kers.
I'm right behind ya, I'll be there too. It's part of life, man.
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Ksolem
Trad climber
Monrovia, California
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Nov 19, 2011 - 02:25pm PT
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Perhaps you meant "unattended?"
Anyway I'm thinking that those criteria are a bit premature for 60??
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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Nov 19, 2011 - 02:25pm PT
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No matter how smart you are, there is always an element of dumb luck. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. Git on it and ride.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 19, 2011 - 02:26pm PT
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Thanks for pointing out that rather bad typo and yes they are premature. Maybe they weren't for Dick Bass.
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Ksolem
Trad climber
Monrovia, California
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Nov 19, 2011 - 02:27pm PT
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The same thing can also be unintended although this could perhaps decrease with age...
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rottingjohnny
Sport climber
mammoth lakes ca
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Nov 19, 2011 - 02:28pm PT
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2 of those cardinal rules can be eliminated by wearing dispoable diapers...The third by pharmecuticals...
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 19, 2011 - 02:30pm PT
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Yes, the advance of technology has not just been with ice tools.
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climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
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Nov 19, 2011 - 02:32pm PT
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Be afraid. Seriously.
I read a ton of books when I got into climbing. Back then very few famous climbers survived to old age it seems. Scary stuff. Made me pay close attention and ask a lot of questions or turn around when I wasn't absolutely sure.
Know you will make some stupid mistakes. Train your skills and plan you climbs such that mistakes hopefully won't kill you. Ie back stuff up and double check your self and partners, be realistic and accurate on time estimates.
For short trips going light ie a day or a few.. pick good weather. Be patient till you get it.
On expeditions planned for a year or longer.. Pick good weather... haha yeah right!!
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buckie
Trad climber
Oregon
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Nov 19, 2011 - 02:35pm PT
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As a fifty something climber in the Northwest for the past 34 years I have learned that knowledge will save you when the gear is gone. Your mind is the best piece of equipment you carry so exercise it regularly rather than depending on some gizmo. Oh, yah, duct tape wrapped around your ski poles comes in handy along with stove wire in your pack. Learn to improvise!
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steve shea
climber
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Nov 19, 2011 - 02:37pm PT
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Jim, you are prolific today. We used to call #3 a G and L. Gambled and lost.
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steve shea
climber
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Nov 19, 2011 - 02:42pm PT
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Good one Cragman!
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TGT
Social climber
So Cal
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Nov 19, 2011 - 02:42pm PT
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What makes me grumpy is that my bones have become accurate predictors of precipitation.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Nov 19, 2011 - 02:49pm PT
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Be polite to grumpy old men.
Pray that your mistakes don't kill you, and make sure that you learn something real from every one of them.
"Do nothing in haste, look well to each step, and from the beginning, think what may be the end," which is to say choose your risks, do not let them just happen to you unexpectedly.
In climbing endeavors big and small, develop and refine your sense of the half-way point.
Beware of conventional wisdom.
Beware of current fashion.
Beware of expert opinion.
Beware of your opinions.
Climb in accordance with the mind and body you have today.
Choose risks for yourself, but not for your second.
Stop thinking you can control everything.
Do as much as you can to control everything.
Have fun, test your limits, and remember your family.
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P.Rob
Social climber
Pacomia, Ca - Y Que?
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Nov 19, 2011 - 02:55pm PT
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Grumpy Old Men is a pejorative. The appropriate appellation is Irritable Male Syndrome on IMS
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Heloise Pendergrast
Social climber
Tahoe City
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Nov 19, 2011 - 02:59pm PT
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Gross. I'm so glad I'll never become a G. O. M.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 19, 2011 - 03:01pm PT
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Yeah, but you could become a toothless cougar.
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TGT
Social climber
So Cal
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Nov 19, 2011 - 03:04pm PT
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My theory in my youth was to wear everything out by the time I was 75.
The reality is you have little influence over the schedule.
Use what little influence you have wisely.
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Nov 19, 2011 - 03:23pm PT
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That's a hell of a lot of wisdom from gifted and gifted grumpy old men.
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Batrock
Trad climber
Burbank
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Nov 19, 2011 - 03:33pm PT
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I received the same exact three pieces of advice from Tommy Lasorda when he came by the fire station for lunch many years ago. My station at the time was very close to Dodger Stadium.
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TrundleBum
Trad climber
Las Vegas
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Nov 19, 2011 - 06:28pm PT
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Jim:
We have had this conversation, but for the rest of the reading audiance...
I was told the "Three Golden Rules of life after 60" by a guy in his eighties.
I got a good chuckle.
Then he stated:
"And life after seventy has an additional rule...
"WRITE IT DOWN"!
I asked him, "So this is an addendum rule?"
He responded, "No it's the number one rule for life after seventy"
I queried, "But I thought that rule number one was never let an erection go unattended? Are you saying that for life after 70 the write down rule proceeds the erection rule?"
His reply was "You bet kid, remember we are talking about life after seventy here!"
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Nov 19, 2011 - 09:30pm PT
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Thank Jah, that at 55, I'm miles away from that demographic!
Ksolem beat(!) me to it, a boner is a sad thing to waste...
I just did the coolest calf lock of my life last week.
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Jan
Mountain climber
Okinawa, Japan
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Nov 19, 2011 - 09:37pm PT
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To bad Fred Beckey doesn't post to this forum.
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WBraun
climber
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Nov 20, 2011 - 12:21am PT
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Donini -- "As for me, I'm heading to Patagonia shortly in my quest to maximize the number of daylight hours I experience."
There's nothing down there that isn't anywhere else including where you are right now ......
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Nov 20, 2011 - 01:25am PT
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Here, here, GOM speak. (I'm one of them, and what Jim says is
SO true).
In fact, I was the recipient of a wonderful call toady from none other
than the Cosmic man himself, wishing me the best for Thanksgiving.
Thanks, Dwain!!!!!
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Sierra Ledge Rat
Social climber
Retired to Appalachia
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Nov 20, 2011 - 08:03am PT
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...what have you learned that has kept you alive all of these years?...
I have just reached that age where I no longer trust a fart.
I didn't learn anything that kept me alive, I bumbled through life as a mountaineer, big-wall climber, cave diver, class V whitewater kayaker...
If I were a cat with 9 lives, I'd be dead by now. I think I've gone through about 15 lives thus far... From zippering pitches, to rodeo-riding down avalanches, to head injuries from rock-fall, to getting dislocated shoulders in class V rapids...
But what did I learn? If I had known that I would have lived this long, I would have taken better care of myself when I was young.
None of this sh#t really matters. What really matters is your loved ones. Find a good woman and be her best friend. You may need her to take care of you...
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Nov 20, 2011 - 08:40am PT
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hey there say, donini...
most likely, you know this 'thing' that i have learned, that is so very needed AND IMPORTANT for not only our age in life now, but, for all realms of the "age" in the body's 'time frame':
patience...
(not JUST in what you are doing... but, in what you are THINKING to solve, in things that seem complex at the moment)
:)
IMPORTANT EDIT:
course, if and when you learn to master the art of PATIENCE, well, then:
you will NOT be a grumpy old man...
hmmmm, you must therefore, weigh, if this is relevant...
*some folks, after all, enjoy and relish, being grumpy, ;)
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Nov 20, 2011 - 11:01am PT
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A few grumpy old men stroking each other.
STOP IT!
DMT
Dingus has a point, the thread is way short on wisdom and way long on commiseration. For my part, I plead innocent, though my attempt may be lacking in depth and perhaps even in content.
One thing is clear: if the GOM's made it to this day by sheer dumb luck as the Rat suggests, then they sure as hell ought to get over their grumpiness and notice that, unlike many of their less fortunate brethren, they are still alive to bemoan their sorry decline.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 20, 2011 - 11:20am PT
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Commiseration was never my intention. I just love to get out and do it and I suspect the same is true for you. Luck is certainly a factor, one you can't control. You can control your lifestyle which along with luck and genetics is pretty much the package. There is always a strain of ageism on ST as if making it thru life's gauntlet in pretty much one piece is somehow just not right. Your how old? Something must be wrong with you, vegetables and fruit aren't very good when they get old.
I wanted to give that "lucky" demographic on ST a chance to display the wisdom they have accumulated along the way. Sigh...I guess it's a part of life's journey for people to complain and seek commiseration from others on the same path. Not me, I plan to climb more days next year than this year, visit new countries, do the Nose and the Salathe in a day.......Who knows what else...only time will tell.
My advice for climbers of a certain age is do not bemoan what you can no longer do, celebrate what you can and, here's the kicker...get out and do it!
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steve shea
climber
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Nov 20, 2011 - 11:38am PT
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I'm with ya! I've never done the Salathe. I want to go back to the Eiger for the Harlin Route. And I have a vendetta with the GCC on Kitchener. And I'm on my way out the door to go ice climbing. My 12 yr old twins keep me young. And I fully intend to ski over 100 days as usual. SS
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Sierra Ledge Rat
Social climber
Retired to Appalachia
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Nov 20, 2011 - 11:48am PT
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...they sure as hell ought to get over their grumpiness and notice that, unlike many of their less fortunate brethren, they are still alive to bemoan their sorry decline...
I enjoy every ache and pain. I enjoy every agonizing pain in my knees as I descend stairs. I enjoy seeing my hair disappear down the drain. I enjoy watching the brusies spontaneously appear in my shoulder joints every time I try to go weight lifting.
But most of all I enjoy knowing that I've been getting laid longer than most of you have been alive.
(:
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 20, 2011 - 11:57am PT
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A statement like "sorry decline" is both ageist bullshit and stupid. It's also probably the path the author will take. Every age has it's trials and it's compensations. Enjoy where you are and make the best of it!
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P.Rob
Social climber
Pacomia, Ca - Y Que?
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Nov 20, 2011 - 12:00pm PT
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While America does have a ridiculous infatuation with youth - seemingly at the expense that experience of wisdom does have to offer- witnessed by the obscene amounts of money spent (and made) attempting to slow down entropy, much of “Grumpiness” is really nothing more than biology. The endocrine systems not as effective as it use to be, lower testosterone, HGH, etc. If one does not want to subscribe to the burgeoning growth industry that is Human Performance/Anti Aging Medicine and embrace supplementation to combat the GOM factor, a combination of irreverence, humor and humility can go a long way.
With apologies to all with offence to none (acknowledgement to New Hampshire’s Joe Morrissey)
**Lately it’s occurred to me
That I am not the Man I used to be
I still paint the Town
…. Just use a smaller brush
Still drink my whiskey
….. I just water it down**
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AKTrad
Mountain climber
AK
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Nov 20, 2011 - 12:07pm PT
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Sheer dumb luck has kept me alive. I should have been dead many times and long ago.
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MH2
climber
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Nov 20, 2011 - 12:11pm PT
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I was supposed to be accumulating wisdom?
I'm screwed.
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rich sims
Social climber
co
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Nov 20, 2011 - 12:25pm PT
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Dumb Luck or being Aware?
Was it dumb luck that out of the corner of my eye I saw my partner start to lean back on a rope he had not tied back into?
Somewhere tow thirds of the way up RNWF.
I reach out with one hand grabbed his shirt front and pulled him into to me.
As I was pulling him in his eyes widened with the realization of what had just not happened.
It’s not like I consciously saw, and then though oh! I better grab him.
It all happened in a second that took forever as some things do.
Dumb luck or being aware, maybe both.
So be Aware of more than the view at the same time you are enjoying that fantastic view.
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mike m
Trad climber
black hills
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Nov 20, 2011 - 12:33pm PT
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Learning from your mistakes.
Such as: knowing that taking a ice axe to the face once is enough.
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Norwegian
Trad climber
Placerville, California
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Nov 20, 2011 - 12:51pm PT
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yesterday my dad and i were standing
beside a smokey fire as snowflakes fell
around and upon us.
a seasonal ale in his hand,
he relayed to me
the last time he ever saw his father.
the family had traveled to folsom lake
in the old pickup.
i guess back then, the only
approach to the backside of the lake
was thru placerville.
after a day of pick nicking
they traveled home thru the
west-coast summer.
along winding and climbing
highway 49.
the damn fuel pump was acting up.
they'd roll a hundred feet then
the crew would haveta get out
and huff the beast to the shoulder.
blow the crap outta the filter and
tinker with live-wires,
and then wagon-up and onward...
over and over they repeated this struggle.
....well let it be known that my grandfather
had rhumatic fever as a young lad
and it damaged his heart.
as a man he became a ranger
in world war two by lying about his
health record.
he thrived for years in this pursuit.
when he reached 40 his heart gave out
and he spent a year in the hospital.
he begged for release and the doc's
reluctantly granted his wish....
now again we're shoving an iron beast
outta the lane. my dad, 14 at the time,
says he remembered
seeing his dad's heart bulging in the chest,
twice it's normal size.
they made it home,
and the man died that night.
they just don't make last days like they used to.
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TYeary
Social climber
State of decay
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Nov 20, 2011 - 12:54pm PT
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My advice for climbers of a certain age is do not bemoan what you can no longer do, celebrate what you can and, here's the kicker...get out and do it!
Pure gold.
TY
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Nov 20, 2011 - 01:05pm PT
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pretty sure I got the oldest guy to date ascent of this 5.12 OW, even if it was a TR, guess I'll bring some o them new fangled cam thingies, next time...
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flyingkiwi1
Trad climber
Seattle WA
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Nov 20, 2011 - 01:18pm PT
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I find this paradox about adding years when it comes to the giving and receiving of advice: The older I get, the more wisdom one would think I'd be accumulating, the more I value listening.
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mike m
Trad climber
black hills
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Nov 20, 2011 - 01:35pm PT
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Ahh Kids these.... er I mean seniors these days.
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phylp
Trad climber
Millbrae, CA
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Nov 20, 2011 - 01:40pm PT
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Even when I turn 60 next year, I don't think I'll be a grumpy old woman - I'm quite a happy person - but I would like to put forth a few suggestions for the younger woman climbers out there:
A lot of you start by climbing exclusively with your boyfriend, husband, or significant other. When climbing together...
Don't just blindly follow along. From the very beginning, take some responsibility for the day's activities. Look at the guidebook, know where you're going, make sure you understand the "worst case scenario" plan etc. Learn as much as you can.
Trust your own gut. If something doesn't feel right to you, don't do it. How many times have we all seen a guy urging his female partner to do something she clearly didn't want to do. If you want to prove something to yourself, that's fine. You don't need to prove anything to anyone else. Don't be bullied or cowed in the name of encouragement. Don't go along with an idea just to keep your guy happy.
Both of the above suggestions, and many others, apply to the less experienced partner climbing with the more experienced. But because of the special dynamic between male climbers and their novice female partners, I am emphasizing it here.
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mike m
Trad climber
black hills
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Nov 20, 2011 - 01:54pm PT
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Nice job Jay, shouldn't you be teaching about now?
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flyingkiwi1
Trad climber
Seattle WA
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Nov 20, 2011 - 02:03pm PT
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Isn't showing the most effective form of teaching?
Ian, goin' skiin'
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Nov 20, 2011 - 02:05pm PT
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Every day before I get out of bed I spend 5-10 minutes doing excercises in bed - that kick-starts my day and keeps my body and mind as fresh as can be.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 20, 2011 - 02:06pm PT
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Great one Hankster. Who is she Marlow? I can recall when 5 or 10 minutes wasn't nearly long enough.
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Nov 20, 2011 - 02:10pm PT
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She's one of my dreams... and still it doesn't last more than 5 minutes...
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AKTrad
Mountain climber
AK
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Nov 20, 2011 - 02:10pm PT
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It's an attitude: you just keep going, in spite of the little aches and pains.
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P.Rob
Social climber
Pacomia, Ca - Y Que?
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Nov 20, 2011 - 02:12pm PT
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Age in the Eye of the Beholder: I had two gentlemen patients - one 93 years old the other 96. As I was explaining to the 93yr old the exercise/activity that we were going to do, he voiced some concerns as to his ability to accomplish the task. Quickly and with all vim & vigor the 96yr old shouts out words of encouragement to him, punctuated with the injunction “YOUNG MAN, WAIT TO YOU GET TO BE MY AGE”!!
True Story :0)
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MikeL
climber
SANTA CLARA, CA
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Nov 20, 2011 - 02:17pm PT
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It's turned from "grumpy old men" to "wisdom" in this thread.
It's what people hope for: all the stuff that they've gone through in life must mean that they are wiser for it.
Alas, no. If age was correlated or causal to wisdom, then the world would be getting better over time. I don't think it is.
No matter what a person does (climbing, whatever), it seems that awareness--not age--is the issue.
Wisdom = Awareness
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Nov 20, 2011 - 02:44pm PT
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A statement like "sorry decline" is both ageist bullshit and stupid. It's also probably the path the author will take.
Wow, harsh words Jim. For the record, that was supposed to be mildly sardonic humor. I guess I have to label such attempts with smiley faces, or else face the wrath of grumpy old men.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 20, 2011 - 03:57pm PT
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Those were your words Rich? I saw them in another context. From you I would have seen the humor, I was being a little tongue in cheek myself, although on a re-read it sure doesn't come off that way- sorry.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Nov 20, 2011 - 04:01pm PT
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Not to worry Jim. Happy Thanksgiving!
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bit'er ol' guy
climber
the past
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Nov 20, 2011 - 05:13pm PT
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Ha! Being a grumpy old f#%k is something I'm proud of. Just last week I made a bouldering chick cry
at the gym just by snarling at her. You know who you are. Take your green smoothie and get outta
my way. Don't come back! If you don't wanting me staring at you put on some god damn clothes.
Sorry the men's bathroom was locked. heh...heh....heh. I've been biter since '71 went she left me for
him.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Nov 20, 2011 - 05:29pm PT
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It is all very simple; when you get to a fork in the road then take it.
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Nov 20, 2011 - 06:57pm PT
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When the epic detector warning light starts flashing, never put duct tape over it.
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gonamok
climber
dont make me come over there
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Nov 20, 2011 - 09:14pm PT
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When the red light goes on in your head, listen to it. Doesnt matter if youre leading, soloing, skiing or playing tiddlywinks, listen to that innate inner guardian. When it says go down, dont rationalize or screw around, go down.
The other one is dont cheat on your wife
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climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
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Nov 20, 2011 - 09:15pm PT
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Don't climb with her if you do
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Nov 20, 2011 - 09:35pm PT
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I was supposed to be accumulating wisdom?
I'm screwed.
I'm with Andy on this one. I never figured I'd see thirty, so when I did, I didn't really know what to do.
And all these many decades later, I still haven't figured anything out, so I just take each day as a gift and try to enjoy it as much as I can.
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Fritz
Trad climber
Choss Creek, ID
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Nov 20, 2011 - 10:08pm PT
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Donini! Thanks for the thread.
All I can add is:
Seriously! -----learn to take decent photos, bring a camera, and take a lot of photos. It is good for your career, if you are a hot climber and also good for our later enjoyment------- if you are not that hot.
Remember! High altitude sun is the enemy. Do not allow a bad sunburn to happen in your teens or 20's, wear hats, and sunscreen, and believe you may live long enough to regret excessive sun-exposure.
Remember to have fun & laugh a lot and you may not become a: BOC, NOF, or ---Godless forbid-----a FALAB!
(BOC=Bitter Old Climber) (NOF=Nasty Old Fart) (FALAB = Fat-Ass-Loser-Aging- Blogger)
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TGT
Social climber
So Cal
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Nov 20, 2011 - 10:25pm PT
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Dumb Luck or being Aware?
Back when I was a wee child, my dad would line me and my siblings up before a hike, make us stand at attention, "Stomach in, chest out" and lecture us to
"Walk as quietly as possible"
"Keep your eyes and ears open"
"and your mouth shut"
It was a simple but effective lesson in awareness that has proven an invaluable amplifier of "luck" in all aspects of life.
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TGT
Social climber
So Cal
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Nov 20, 2011 - 10:42pm PT
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You "walk as quietly as possible" because you are aware of and in tune with your environment.
You should climb the same way.
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wack-N-dangle
Gym climber
the ground up
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Nov 20, 2011 - 10:45pm PT
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Where is ouch and bear #39?
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TGT
Social climber
So Cal
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Nov 20, 2011 - 10:47pm PT
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I thought it was #46
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Nov 20, 2011 - 11:48pm PT
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MIke, actually, ever since they moved 5.12 ow into the special Ed curriculum, my life has been going swimmingly!
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Fritz
Trad climber
Choss Creek, ID
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Nov 21, 2011 - 12:03am PT
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Tami & Jim: Thanks for your thoughts!
Couldn't drink (much) right after the surgery, I'm able to refill the glass now!
I have learned to Never be a FALAB-BOC!!! (fat-ass loser aging-bloger-Bitter Old Climber)
OH Yes! I do envy your Canadian Health Care. I have "high-deductable" insurance that takes care of everything after $5,000.00.
From early quotes, I suspect this proceedure will set me back about $2,000-$3,000 out of pocket.
However!
It is the season to help out those less fortunate! My Dermatologist will likely be able to make the payment on her BMW this month, and the surgical assistants, pathologists, and receptionist will all stay employed.
Puts a smile on my face: to know I helped them to a happy holiday season!
Happy Holidays to all!
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bvb
Social climber
flagstaff arizona
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Nov 21, 2011 - 12:04am PT
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I'm turning 54 in January, but I'm not grumpy. I'm psyched. Two day of bouldering at Santee, including a couple of epic whippers, and I've got a fire in my belly for craggin' that I haven't felt in years. Let the games begin!
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scuffy b
climber
dissected alluvial deposits, late Pleistocene
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Nov 21, 2011 - 01:32pm PT
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It took a while for this to sink in.
I think the best thing you can do, and you're never too young or old for
this:
Help someone.
Some great advice paraphrased from Bruce Cooke, ca. 1973:
"Listen, Punk. Being a great climber has nothing to do with being a good
person."
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jogill
climber
Colorado
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Nov 21, 2011 - 02:21pm PT
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If 70 or above
One thing you should know
Ignore all advice
From those who’re below!
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ydpl8s
Trad climber
Santa Monica, California
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Nov 21, 2011 - 02:30pm PT
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Fritz, I just went to the surgeon last week and he has me scheduled for one of those (on my nose), aren't deductibles wonderful? :-/
One thing that is true for me, finding a good woman does help with the grumpy's and aging, but being with the wrong one (notice I didn't say bad) will make you prematurely grumpy and old. PGOM :-)
I have the right one now, thankfully.
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Snowmassguy
Big Wall climber
Boulder
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Nov 21, 2011 - 03:10pm PT
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I truly feel sorry for grumpy old folks. While I believe anti depressants are over prescribed and likely abused by many, the elderly seem to be reluctant to seek help when needed. It must be a generational thing. Recently, I was at Costco and a dude that was probably pushing 80 gave me a good ol' tongue lashing for crossing his path with my cart. He was coming through and I sure as hell better get out of his way. I think he called me a God Damn Idiot. I wished him a good day and he called me an as#@&%e. No provocation what so ever. Dude was just bitter. I would rather be dead than end up like that. Sad in my opinion. If not Prozac maybe some MMJ would help.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Nov 21, 2011 - 04:26pm PT
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Before we start knocking grumpy old climbers, it is perhaps worth noting that a certain number of them started out as grumpy young climbers and simply failed to mellow.
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flyingkiwi1
Trad climber
Seattle WA
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Nov 21, 2011 - 04:28pm PT
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jogill - you don't really believe that do you?
just wondering.
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JEleazarian
Trad climber
Fresno CA
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Nov 21, 2011 - 04:38pm PT
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Some great advice paraphrased from Bruce Cooke, ca. 1973:
"Listen, Punk. Being a great climber has nothing to do with being a good
person."
Hear, hear, Steve. I doubt that I'll ever stop smiling when I think of Bruce -- even though I realize that I'm now older than he was when I was at Berkeley.
John
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tolman_paul
Trad climber
Anchorage, AK
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Nov 21, 2011 - 05:43pm PT
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I'm half way between punk kid and GOM, so I don't know if I get to post to the thread. As far as what's kept me alive, I look at that question in two ways.
Specific to climbing, working in industrial safety has really drilled into my head that most accidents fall into two broad groups. People that couldn't forsee the risks they took and the attendent results, which is sometimes noobs, sometimes experienced people involved in activities that were out of their normal work activities, or experienced people that through complacency couldn't when new risks were introduced to a situation and they went through their routine mindlessly.
Which applied to climbing is to say that gravity will kill you just as dead on your first route as your 100th, 1000th, or however many you've climbed. Double checking everyones harness to make sure it's properly buckled, double check the knot, inspect gear, inspect anchors, etc. A climber needs to mindfully undertakes these tasks. The equally important task is that when something is discovered to be amiss, take a moment to re-evaluate things. Catastrophes are almost always a chain of failures, not a single failure. When something goes awry, that is not the time to take shortcuts on rappel anchors, knotting the end of the rope, etc. It's the time to be doubly vigilant.
Now the philosophical question of what has kept you alive, to me that is having dreams, setting goals, and achieving them when life permits. Having passions in life keeps the mind agile and the spirit strong. I was fortunate to have a mentor when I was in my early 20's who at that time was in his early 60's. He was (and still is at 79) a bundle of energy and theories. I knew from that point that old is in the head, and I've made it a point to do my best not to get old in the head.
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jogill
climber
Colorado
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Nov 21, 2011 - 10:08pm PT
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jogill - you don't really believe that do you?
just wondering.
In my 60s I had a certain perception of life after 70. Now, rapidly approaching 75, I find myself in a world that differs somewhat from what I had expected. All one can do is continually adjust,and, yes, that means paying little attention to what younger people have to say about how their elders should think and behave. What exercises, physical and mental, they should and should not do, etc. You're on your own, babe, when you move out of the "young-old" stage, and those older than you suddenly appear to be a bit wiser than you might have expected.
There are always exceptions. But growing truly old - and maintaining your dignity and physicality - is frequently a free solo. Look out for the youthful yoga instructor who tells you what you can and should accomplish. Set your own goals - only you live inside your body and know its capabilities.
Last weekend I went over to a nearby school playground and did my suspension bodyweight exercises. After I finished, a young lady with two young boys came over and asked how old I was. When I told her, she was astonished I could do the things I did, and explained she was a physical trainer for USAF Academy cadets going into pilot training. She said she would never have dreamed that an old geezer could keep up such activities and admitted she would have counseled someone my age in a far different and less stressful form of exercise.
edit: Didn't mention the really important point. I have severe athritis in both shoulders that is painful in the left and restricts motion in both. Doing the bodyweight exercises I do would probably violate evry rule in the book according to the youngsters!
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Fritz
Trad climber
Choss Creek, ID
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Nov 21, 2011 - 10:16pm PT
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Jogill: Very interesting to hear your comments.
Since I'm a youth of 62: it is inspiring to see what you have to say.
She said she would never have dreamed that an old geezer could keep up such activities and admitted she would have counseled someone my age in a far different and less stressful form of exercise.
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
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Nov 21, 2011 - 10:47pm PT
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I'm 60 and had a old man tell me once when I commented on his disposition "you'd be grumpy too if you felt like sHIt everyday and all your friends were either dead or near it!"
I asked if he had any advice for me, his reply was "try not to live so long".
I asked further if he'd like to live to be 100 and he said, "ask me when I'm 99". I departed and he yelled out, "hey it isn't for whimps!" as I glanced over my shoulder and waved he was smiling ear to ear.
My advice, keep moving and avoid injury after all we're just a hunk of soft tissue in a world of sharp and hard objects, we don't need to accelerate any of the processes.
We can think of how we'd like to be when we arrive but who knows, we can only hope we have a long wait. Enjoy!
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Nov 21, 2011 - 11:09pm PT
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As one of those youngsters John was referring to at 68, I would go even a step further: you can't listen to what your contemporaries have to say either. There is no question that his admonition, "learn to adjust," is the critical insight.
It is also true that those of us who have been active for most of our lives have a sense of what is appropriate or not for our bodies. I'm guessing most of the grumpy old men here, whether or not the deem themselves in or out of shape, are in vastly better physical condition than the average person of their age. But because we can do things that are challenging for ordinary people twenty or more years younger does not mean that we are, in some sense, twenty or more years younger, and that the experience of younger folks is therefore relevant to our situation.
And genetic differences in aging mean that we are not comparable to our contemporaries either, not, on the one hand, to the most exceptional ones like Donini, nor on the other hand, to the average person of our age who forms the basis for the opinions of the sports and medical professions.
As John says in other ways, this is something everyone has got to figure out for themselves, and be ready to modify too, because you never know what's around the next bend in life.
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flyingkiwi1
Trad climber
Seattle WA
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Nov 21, 2011 - 11:09pm PT
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Jogill, thanks for the thoughtful explication. I tend to think bias closes more doors than it opens, but I can understand where (when?) you're coming from now.
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gonamok
climber
dont make me come over there
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Nov 21, 2011 - 11:14pm PT
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Yeah, but youre JOHN GILL... nuff said
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Karla
climber
Colorado
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Nov 21, 2011 - 11:36pm PT
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Jim, I thought you were a "gumpy" old guy, not grumpy. Here's wishing you & Angela happy holidays, and awesome adventures down south. I'll catch up with you in the creek come spring time. Continue to live large Gumpy!
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Dr.Sprock
Boulder climber
I'm James Brown, Bi-atch!
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Nov 21, 2011 - 11:55pm PT
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i had to drop a deuce in somebody's birdbath the other night,
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Oxymoron
Big Wall climber
total Disarray
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Nov 21, 2011 - 11:57pm PT
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Yeah, well f*#k them if they can't take a joke.
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scuffy b
climber
dissected alluvial deposits, late Pleistocene
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Nov 22, 2011 - 01:01pm PT
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Yeah, some doctors don't seem to get it.
I had a GP scolding me pretty hard about my dangerous lifestyle, based on
two injuries that happened 19 years and 24 years previously.
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ladyscarlett
Trad climber
SF Bay Area, California
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Nov 22, 2011 - 01:28pm PT
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you know, I might have more empathy for your guys if you didn't look like you are having so much fun...
plus, I barely believe you! Every single time I've gone out with you folks who call yourself 'old' you get me panting and sweating long and hard. And yeah, you guys get me smiling the good smiles...
I think back to the last time I've had a partner call off from fatigue and/or whatever and he was only a couple of years older than myself and I thought to myself....'Really? Just did this with my 10+ years older buddy and he was 1/4 mile ahead of me the entire way and carrying the booz!'
Just sayin' very little empathy here, as my experience has you guys going longer, stronger, harder, and higher than any folks (young or otherwise) that I hang with...and somehow, you folks get ME to match you in what I previously believe is impossible!
G.O.M you may be, but so far, you've always shown me a good time.
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers!
LS
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ladyscarlett
Trad climber
SF Bay Area, California
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Nov 22, 2011 - 01:38pm PT
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well...if we're smiling the whole time you're sucking....
Aren't you doing something right?
hehehehe
Cheers
LS
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ladyscarlett
Trad climber
SF Bay Area, California
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Nov 22, 2011 - 01:48pm PT
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we have to be...
newbs aren't allowed to start thread drifts.
and what could YOU be thinking about.
You coloring my pure and innocent words?
Your mind, not my words...
mwahahahaha
ls
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ladyscarlett
Trad climber
SF Bay Area, California
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Nov 22, 2011 - 05:59pm PT
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Some things I've learned from those who have more experience than I
A different angle can make all the difference...
And an imagination is a terrible thing to waste.
Cheers
LS
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Fritz
Trad climber
Choss Creek, ID
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Nov 22, 2011 - 06:14pm PT
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It's getting hotter in here.
I feel old guy confidence swelling.
Then you know what comes next?
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YoungGun
climber
North
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Nov 23, 2011 - 09:28am PT
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bump!
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TGT
Social climber
So Cal
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Nov 23, 2011 - 11:40am PT
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Adult truth #24
The print for #1 to #23 is too small to read.
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jopay
climber
so.il
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Nov 23, 2011 - 11:50am PT
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Ever hear the line "Never pick a fight with an old guy, cause they got no wind and they'll try to take you down with the first punch".
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TGT
Social climber
So Cal
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Nov 23, 2011 - 12:25pm PT
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Never stand behind an old guy because they've got plenty of wind.
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tolman_paul
Trad climber
Anchorage, AK
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Nov 23, 2011 - 12:27pm PT
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My favorite, youth and enthusiasm is no match for old age and trechory.
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HighTraverse
Trad climber
Bay Area
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Nov 23, 2011 - 12:34pm PT
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they'll try to take you down with the first punch Ha, that's where you make a BIG mistake.
If you're looking for a punch, you're toast!
We've got to take every surprise advantage we can. My preference is to RunLikeHell
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TGT
Social climber
So Cal
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Nov 23, 2011 - 12:44pm PT
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I prefer the P.J. O'Rorke version. (he probably stole it from elsewhere)
Age and Guile always trumps youth, innocence and a bad haircut.
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ladyscarlett
Trad climber
SF Bay Area, California
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Nov 23, 2011 - 01:21pm PT
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If you're looking for a punch, you're toast!
We've got to take every surprise advantage we can. My preference is to RunLikeHell
I don't think this is an G.O.M thing as I use it rigorously and often...like...heheheheheh! So much for innocence!
Cheers
LS
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MH2
climber
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Nov 23, 2011 - 01:48pm PT
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I went back to the first post to check, and it suggests 60 as some kind of adversity milestone.
By that measure I would be old, but am I grumpy? Of course not! Because once you've done the red 12b everything else takes its proper perspective.
My judgement and wisdom are evidently lacking, though, because I should know better than to attempt climbs too hard for me. But I made the mistake of trying one because I'd done all the easier ones. Then I made the further mistake of almost getting it.
Then it was 2 weeks of thinking of nothing but the red route: how to start it, where to rest on it, how to grab the holds, how to make the moves, thinking only good thoughts, living pure and clean and focused.
On the 5th try spread over the 2 weeks and 3 days, success. With success comes joy, serenity, contentment.
Then I tried the pink 12b.
I'm not grumpy but I am senile and have forgotten most of what I once knew, although I confess I'm not sure about that.
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laurel arndt
Trad climber
phoenix
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Nov 23, 2011 - 02:40pm PT
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After years of just pushing through, I know now that if it doesn't feel good, don't do it.
We all know the difference of not feeling like doing something scary vs being scared. Know and honor the difference.
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Steven Amter
climber
Washington, DC
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Nov 23, 2011 - 03:25pm PT
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These days when I am at the climbing gym and someone (usually a new belay partner sizing me up)asks how long I've been climbing, instead of saying "37 years," which might be far longer than they've been alive, I now say "Oh, a pretty long time."
Must be careful not to freak out the young'ins....
On they other hand, I've also been known, when directly asked my age (55), to add 15 years and wait for the inevitable "Wow. You look really good!" which I would never get for my real age.
Wisdom?
Between doing all the hard, responsible stuff that provides the foundation blocks for a good, hopefully long, life, take time off to do those things which can only be done while you are young. The arrow of time only points in one direction. As Joni Mitchell said, "you don't know what you've got till it gone"; this applies to the body physical as much as anything else.
And remember, grumpiness is a thing earned, not a birthright!
For those of you who might not feel proficient in grumpiness, I've outlined a generic rant that can be adapted to nearly any situation:
"What do you mean (fill in the blank issue here) when climbing you young punk. I've been climbing longer than (you, your parents, grandparents, etc) have been alive. I've climbed (list impressive sounding route you did multiple decades ago)and climbed with (fill in legendary climber' name here)! I remember when(fill in some kind of equipment or technique here) first hit the (market or scene). Before then, we used to make our own (fill in equipment in question) out of (rope, webbing, burlap sacks, rocks on the ground) and carried packs that weighed (use 80 to 110% of body weight.) Don't tell me (how to climb, how to take care of the cliff or environment, how to share the bivy site, you can't, where to piss). Have a nice day!"
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KevinC
Ice climber
Colorado
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Nov 23, 2011 - 04:45pm PT
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In climbing as in life analyze your successes as carefully as your failures.
What went right and could you have done it even better?
What went wrong and how can you avoid it next time?
What COULD have gone wrong and how can you prevent it in the future or have dealt wi it if it did?
Other words to stay alive by:
Never confuse luck with skill.
Though the results may appear similar, "bold" and foolish are very different things.
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michaelc
Trad climber
Sydney Oz
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Nov 23, 2011 - 05:52pm PT
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Check the weather forecast, start out early, ensure that safety is a simple routine followed every time and remember what you did wrong that created all those epics.....
http://www.climbingaustralia.com.au
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Nov 23, 2011 - 05:55pm PT
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Ever tried?
Ever failed?
Try again.
Fail better.
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rhei
Trad climber
watertown, NY
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Nov 23, 2011 - 06:51pm PT
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Stop thinking you can control everything.
Do as much as you can to control everything.
rg,
These two lines are reminiscent of the 'serenity prayer':
"Grant me the ability to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can,..."
All that's missing is
"...and the wisdom to know the difference."
All good advice.
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bevka
Trad climber
kelly, wyo
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Nov 23, 2011 - 09:51pm PT
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my advice--don't be a grump
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steveA
Trad climber
bedford,massachusetts
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Nov 24, 2011 - 11:02am PT
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Bump--I like this thread.
I won't say anymore since I'm a grump.
Have a great holiday!
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cornel
Big Wall climber
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
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Nov 24, 2011 - 12:06pm PT
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As a 62 yr who still climbs and plans on climbing till my final day. My primary driver is love. I love climbing today as much as I did the first day I went craging 35+ yrs ago. The body is more fragile now but I still train hard. Yet no matter what we do or how we train there is X amount of age-ing to contend with but the facts are if you really love getting it on in the vertical world, you will make the adjustment in training, diet, lifestyle, whatever.. You will find the way. There is always a way, one simply has to figure it out. Yoga has been a big help as well.. It helps keep my inner voice clear, among many other wonderful benefits. My intuition has always got the final say. If my inner voice says go down, I go down. By the same token if my inner voice says I can pull this section, then I go for it...Keep your dreams alive! Keep playing your edges!
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Nov 24, 2011 - 12:19pm PT
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"And that which should accompany old age,
As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends,
I must not look to have, but in their stead
Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath
Which the poor heart would fain deny and dare not."
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Ken M
Mountain climber
Los Angeles, Ca
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Nov 24, 2011 - 01:05pm PT
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don't criticize another, until you've walked a mile in their shoes.
That way, you're a mile away, and you have their shoes.
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steveA
Trad climber
bedford,massachusetts
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Nov 24, 2011 - 01:26pm PT
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Ken M,
I'll have to remember that quote, the next time my son gets on my case about being grumpy.
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jogill
climber
Colorado
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Nov 24, 2011 - 01:55pm PT
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. . . and it suggests 60 as some kind of adversity milestone
It's not. It's when you start thinking you should be declining. Some do, some don't. Stop thinking about what others (MDs, scientists, etc. )counsel and continue sailing along, tacking to the wind occasionally.
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MH2
climber
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Nov 24, 2011 - 02:08pm PT
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Aha, a dagger of the mind, not the body.
I thought I'd seen adversity under 60, too.
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Bobert
Trad climber
boulder, Colorado
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Nov 24, 2011 - 02:52pm PT
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Numbers are meaningless in this sense. Suppose our numerical system was not based on 10, but something else - say 8. Oh my goodness, how would we know when we became obsolete?
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Nov 24, 2011 - 10:06pm PT
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60 in base 8 is 74. Regardless of whether we write it as 60 or 74 or 111100 or LX, it is still the same number. Obsolescence is not so easily disguised...
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Magic Ed
Trad climber
Nuevo Leon, Mexico
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Nov 24, 2011 - 10:08pm PT
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The devil knows more from being old than from being the devil.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Nov 25, 2011 - 12:03am PT
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Happy Thanksgiving to all the G.O.M.'s. May your days brighten even as your years advance.
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Nov 25, 2011 - 12:09am PT
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Didn'i one of them end up with Anne Margaret?!?
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Fritz
Trad climber
Choss Creek, ID
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Nov 25, 2011 - 12:24am PT
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marlow: Re your post of--
The things that should go along with old age, like honor, love, obedience, and loyal friends, I cannot hope to have. Instead, I have passionate but quietly whispered curses, people who honor me with their words but not in their hearts, and lingering life, which my heart would gladly end, though I can’t bring myself to do it.
That was his reward for hanging with those harsh Northern Men.
Of course: MacBeth already knew his future.
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MH2
climber
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Nov 25, 2011 - 01:29am PT
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Yet he would try the last.
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hobo_dan
Social climber
Minnesota
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Nov 25, 2011 - 10:19am PT
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Remember- you've got Brakes and the ability to go in reverse
Don't be afraid to use either
(Doesn't hurt to have a good set of tires either)
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TGT
Social climber
So Cal
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Nov 25, 2011 - 10:26am PT
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At some point the tires will wear out.
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hobo_dan
Social climber
Minnesota
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Nov 25, 2011 - 03:23pm PT
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I was thinking that as I hit the POST button
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Betty Uno
Boulder climber
Colorado
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Nov 27, 2011 - 12:01pm PT
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Hey. That's my line. No, really, that is my line.
I once had this woman for a private ski lesson. She couldn't explain what was what well enough for them to classify her, so I got her as a potential C level. So we took the slow lift to less challenging territory.
It turned out she was a great skier, and now we were on the wrong side of the mountain, but now we could see the other side, where she'd been.
They took her down the sort of territory you didn't onsite, you had to study it, preferably in the summer, going over it in the lift, as well as all the season before.
The first time, even the last time, you sometimes did have to crawl down, leap down, what have you, rather than ski, per se, for any number of reasons some various parts of that from Elevator Shaft down into the run below, only to the left there.
Her flucking companions should have been shot. I couldn't believe it, they must have taken her down the long cliff edge at the Nose.
Her equipment, and mainly her boots, were not at all up to it. what she got out of it was a huge sense of fear.
This she put into her next movie, it turned out she produced movies, who knew.
Anyway, on the slow lift to nowhere, looking up and to the side of where her bf and company must of took her, we talked about fear. Her next movie was all about fears in the mountains and it ruined the movie for me.
I even wrote her and complained and she wrote back (and sent T shirts) and in her letter, she said; "It's a mooooovie..." lol.
I wish you grumpy old men would understand that to induce the emotion of fear like that is the same as to give pitocin to induce childbirth. It's really better to take it in steps is what I mean to say.
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The Real Mad Dog
Gym climber
Napa, CA
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Nov 27, 2011 - 03:48pm PT
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I'm a 69 year old, active climber. Multiple injuries. Feel them every morning getting out of bed, or standing up, or sitting down, or just any movement.
No reason to be grumpy. Your life is far more rewarding, if you maintain a positive, happy attitude. Count your blessings. You probably have far more than you would imagine.
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jogill
climber
Colorado
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Nov 27, 2011 - 09:00pm PT
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I wish you grumpy old men would understand that to induce the emotion of fear like that is the same as to give pitocin to induce childbirth
I haven't a clue what you're talking about. Are you sure you are in the right thread?
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TGT
Social climber
So Cal
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Nov 27, 2011 - 10:47pm PT
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^^^^^^^^^^^^
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Nov 27, 2011 - 10:56pm PT
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^^^^^^^^
^^^^^^^^
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jstan
climber
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Nov 27, 2011 - 11:12pm PT
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Natural decline has been designed to be easy.
Your memory goes first.
That way you are not troubled by memories of the things you can no longer do.
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HighTraverse
Trad climber
Bay Area
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A Bump from one GOM to all the rest
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Don't get me started, again.
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go-B
climber
2 Timothy 1:9-10
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Go away you bother me...
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 6, 2012 - 01:37pm PT
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Fighting a cold I picked up when I climbed the Diamond last week.....feeling pretty grumpy.
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LongAgo
Trad climber
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//Some great advice paraphrased from Bruce Cooke, ca. 1973:
"Listen, Punk. Being a great climber has nothing to do with being a good
person."//
Indeed, I continue to think back on Bruce for many things he said and how he was as a man: loyal, wise, joyful with the mountains and perfectly grumpy too at times, and why not given the world we all try to live in and through.
A photo of me and Bruce from way back when. Note the lats outlined by his shirt (from his one arm pull ups no doubt) and of course the classy shoes.
Deeply miss him to this day.
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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Tom: Nice bump for a nice guy.
I mean Bruce, not Donini.
He's a prince.
I simply hate being told I'm old; or being told that, since I'm bumpy, I need to be grumpy; or being told that, since I have poorer eyesight than when I was young, that I have no vision; or being told that, since I'm gonna die shortly, I ought to just sit and take it.
Ain't takin' no more of that shift.
We should better some of us try to adopt some of Doc Sharsmith's attitude.
Or go about mundane things deliberately trying to have fun. You only live THIS life once, that I know of.
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LongAgo
Trad climber
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Mouse,
I don't get told much about being old and therefore I should be x or y, or entitled to be x or y or expected to be x or y. But no question there are unstated vibrations I can feel due to my age, whether in a store checkout line or elsewhere.
One of the glories of Bruce was his grumpy way even when younger, but mostly to set you up for a laugh or reaction, testing you with a kind heart.
Certainly aging is no fun and one needs to a good dose of humor in your step to cope with some parts of the natural downward spiral. Love the pics you posted showing us how. Thanks.
Tom Higgins
LongAgo
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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As of yesterday I lived to be older than my father (outlived his father years ago).
I'm in the bonus round now so GTF off my lawn!
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guido
Trad climber
Santa Cruz/New Zealand/South Pacific
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Nice photo of Bruce Mr Tom-I bouldered regularly with Bruce at Indian for years and always enjoyed his company and pulse on life. Rare man indeed, shame he is no longer with us to teach the young tigers a thing or two.
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Mark Force
Trad climber
Cave Creek, AZ
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"Listen, Punk. Being a great climber has nothing to do with being a good
person."
Tom, Thanks for that wonderful quote; it gives me hope for being a good person since I'm a so-so climber!
Bruce Cooke was amazing and could dance all over Indian Rock. Climbers from all over would show up there in the 70s while on their way to the Valley. They'd run across Bruce and some would make the mistake of saying something like "Hey old man, where are the hard problems around here." He'd show them some glassy overhanging faces and watch 'em sweat and make excuses when they couldn't get off the ground. After they'd embarrassed themselves sufficiently, he would show them how old guys do it by gliding up, while the recent contender stood by slack-jawed, with an ease that looked like a blend of magic and meditation!
After seeing that once, you couldn't wait to see another young buck set himself up!
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Fritz
Trad climber
Choss Creek, ID
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Bump. We are not all grumpy.
In fact, we are having a lot of fun along the way.
City of Rocks last summer. There may be one or two people in their 50's in these photos-----and even one young-folk.
All having fun, and not bitching about anything, except the rocks and the weather.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Apr 14, 2014 - 11:50pm PT
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Ha! I'm almost half a year past my Grumpy Point. I need to get with the program and start complaining about something.
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Fritz
Trad climber
Choss Creek, ID
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Apr 15, 2014 - 12:08am PT
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rgold post on the subject from the start of this thread. All worthy points and thoughts.
Beware of conventional wisdom.
Beware of current fashion.
Beware of expert opinion.
Beware of your opinions.
Climb in accordance with the mind and body you have today.
Choose risks for yourself, but not for your second.
Stop thinking you can control everything.
Do as much as you can to control everything.
Have fun, test your limits, and remember your family.
I really relate to these two points:
Stop thinking you can control everything.
Do as much as you can to control everything.
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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May 10, 2014 - 10:10pm PT
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grumpy?
after this spring I'm grateful...
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| Messages 1 - 148 of total 148 in this topic |
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