The Beautiful Ways Supertopo Changed Your Life

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cleo

Social climber
wherever you go, there you are
Topic Author's Original Post - May 17, 2019 - 05:16pm PT
What were some of the beautiful and amazing connections and events that happened to you due, at least in part, to this forum?

This is a positive thread - keep the snark to a minimum, unless it's self-directed and makes me laugh.

For me:
 Met my Spouse, Phil_B, when fattrad organized a Pity Party

 Met a bunch of crushers in Berkeley with their own wide wood machine (Gary, Zander, etc.)

 Found climbers with intimate knowledge and advice that helped with my Yosemite rockfall research (ablegabel, yosguns, and others)

 Ed Hartouni!

 Christmas cards from neebee

and so much more.



Thanks for the ride, Chris!
Bobbleseth

Trad climber
Utah
May 17, 2019 - 05:23pm PT

More than any other color...

I've learned to really appreciate BLUE...
wilbeer

Mountain climber
Terence Wilson greeneck alleghenys,ny,
May 17, 2019 - 05:28pm PT
It is really ,you,LOL


Him,lol,for one.
Lynne Leichtfuss

Sport climber
moving thru
May 17, 2019 - 05:29pm PT
Cleo, did you have your wedding party stay at Tioga Pass Resort?
Ghost

climber
A long way from where I started
May 17, 2019 - 05:29pm PT
Through ST I met some of the best friends anyone could ever hope for.
johntp

Trad climber
Punter, Little Rock
May 17, 2019 - 05:31pm PT
Too many things.

three facelifts.

several gatherings at Gordo's ranch.

sushi fests.

Conversations with Crimpie, Tarbuster, Jeff Lowe, eKat, Tami, kunlun, so many others.

the neebster

nita

barbarian at REI in Tustin

reconnecting with Doug Robinson, Base104 and many others.

In the end, being a part of this forum has made my wasted youth worthwhile and brought back a lot of memories.
wilbeer

Mountain climber
Terence Wilson greeneck alleghenys,ny,
May 17, 2019 - 05:31pm PT
I am going to have a beer with you and Bruce,someday. Mark my words.

You ,as well John.
Bobbleseth

Trad climber
Utah
May 17, 2019 - 05:33pm PT


"It is really ,you,LOL"...

...

Yes, it is...

:-)

johntp

Trad climber
Punter, Little Rock
May 17, 2019 - 05:36pm PT
"It is really ,you,LOL"...

Gotta say locker, you have a talent for f*#king up a good thread.
Bobbleseth

Trad climber
Utah
May 17, 2019 - 05:37pm PT


My posts are sincere and meaningful...


Have a GUD day!!!...


wilbeer

Mountain climber
Terence Wilson greeneck alleghenys,ny,
May 17, 2019 - 06:10pm PT
Thanks for the laughs , I hope you’re smoking the best.
rottingjohnny

Sport climber
Sands Motel , Las Vegas
May 17, 2019 - 06:23pm PT
I thought I had that looser banned....Regards...The Rat
apogee

climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
May 17, 2019 - 06:28pm PT
Missed you here, Locker. Glad to see you here during ST's final days.
Tarbuster

climber
right here, right now
May 17, 2019 - 06:48pm PT
All of these gatherings definitely constitute some real highlights por moi, and all spawned here on the forum.
Priceless community gatherings just bristling with positive vibes and good memories:

JT 2006
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/181502/Official-JT-Old-Folks-Reunion-Photo-Neb-4-15-16-2006

Official JT Old Folk's Reunion 'Neb *Part 2*
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.php?topic_id=182828&f=0&b=0

Sushifest Snow Creek 2007
http://www.supertopo.com/tr/SUSHI-FEST-TR-WITH-400-pics/t289n.html

Mt Woodson 2007
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/354278/woodson-shindig-april-28th

Ve Boogaloo 2007
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/371546/Veedawoo-Boogaloo-Aug-3-6-2007
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/429230/All-Purpose-Boogaloo-TR-Thread

Moab Sushifest 2007
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.php?topic_id=488230&tn=0&mr=0

2008 Stonemasters JT Dry Lake
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/574993/70-s-Joshua-Tree-Crew-Redux-2008

Crimpie’s Welcome to Boulder Picnic: *Flagstaff Mountain* May 4 (2008)
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/585813/Crimpie-s-Welcome-to-Boulder-Picnic-Flagstaff-Mtn-May-4

Boulder Picnic for Chiloe
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/625941/Boulder-Picnic-for-Chiloe-Wednesday-July-9-Flagstaff-Mtn

Montana-Batholith-Bash-HellYeah! (2008)
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/618490/Montana-Batholith-Bash-HellYeah

http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/616381/A-Montana-Gathering-TRs-pics-etc

Boogaloo 2008
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/581797/Vedauwoo-Boogaloo
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/657168/Vedauwoo-Boogaloo-Two-TR

Boogaloo 2009
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/940673/Vedauwoo-Boogaloo-09-TR-lots-of-photos
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/861546/Vedauwoo-Boogaloo-09

JT 2009 Tarbuster Benefit
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/790064/Stonemaster-Slides-Tarbuster-Benefit-Todd-Gordons-4-25-09

Spartacus Returns to Boulder
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/954723/Spartacus-Returns-to-Boulder-Monday-4-6pm-9-14-09

Moab/Monticello Sushifest 2009
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.php?topic_id=970926&msg=970926#msg970926

Sushifest Monticello
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.php?topic_id=981239&tn=0&mr=0

Boogaloo 2010.
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/1203538/Boogaloo-2010

Englebock Birthday 2011
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/1477625/Boulder-s-Oldsters-Climb-Party-a-2-part-kinda-sorta-TR

JT 2011 Nidever Benefit
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/1465575/Flanders-Fundraiser-Yabo-posters-extras-for-sale-Plus-TR

Vedauwoo Sushi Fest 2012
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/1936460/The-First-Vedauwoo-Sushifest-8-12
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/1798456/Vedauwoo-SushiFest-Aug-10-12-2012

Indian Creek sushi fest 2013
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/1984314/SushiFest-IV-XX-Indian-Creek-4-19-13-4-21-13

 There was an Arctic sushi fest at Indian Creek around 2008. Need to find that one!

..................................................................

If anyone wants to look at the massive load of pictures in those threads, follow these instructions.


SUPERTOPO BROWSER TWEAK

http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.php?topic_id=3191916&msg=3192350#msg3192350

From Nut Again!

Gang, the "hack" is pretty easy in the scheme of things. JLP deserves his own appreciation thread on supertopo for this alone.

1. Install the browser plugin "Custom Javascript for Websites 2":
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/custom-javascript-for-web/ddbjnfjiigjmcpcpkmhogomapikjbjdk?hl=en

2. Left-click on the 'cfs' icon in upper right to pop open a little window where you type in the "hack" code

3. Type in the code EXACTLY as shared in the picture from JLP. That's it!

It is a remote possibility that you have javascript disabled in your browser, but very unlikely. You would not have any normal modern websites working properly or nicely if you did that.

Note, the only reason you can't copy/paste in JLP's code is because it has some symbols that get mangled by forum text processing. So you have to look at his image and retype it yourself.

There is no magical scary stuff in that code... only "hacking" in the simplest sense of implementing a work-around. It takes all the supertopo content, and whenever it recognizes those links to external pictures, just replaces that HTML with the code to view the image inline rather than linking to it. For those who understand a little HTML, it just changes an "a href=" to an "img src=" type of html tag.

I understand the fear/stigma associated with the idea of a "hack" but really this is like using a little bailing wire to hold your muffler on your car.
Dropline

Mountain climber
Somewhere Up There
May 17, 2019 - 06:52pm PT
All hail LOCKER!
mtnyoung

Trad climber
Twain Harte, California
May 17, 2019 - 07:18pm PT

Missed you here, Locker. Glad to see you here during ST's final days.

I gotta agree. When the site was a little more "wild, wild west." Honestly, the same sentiment applies to Fattrad too.

Very sad to see it go.
Tarbuster

climber
right here, right now
May 17, 2019 - 07:48pm PT
Same here for locker, Fatty, and all the other miscreants.
Between 2006 and 2009, my God did we do a lot of goofing off here on the forum!

For me, BVB was a big part of that.
Ghost

climber
A long way from where I started
May 17, 2019 - 07:59pm PT
Tarbuster listed a bunch of gatherings spawned here. To that list I would add one more. It didn't have a big ST thread, and it didn't have any great historical climbing significance, but it sure changed my life for the better.

Not even sure of the date anymore, but definitely more than ten years ago, when Wayno, who was cooking in a Seattle restaurant, decided that it would be A Good Thing to host a Seattle Supertopians dinner. There was some back and forthing, but eventually a bunch of strangers gathered at Angelo's and...

Forgive me if I miss some folks, but among the crowd were Steve Grossman, Mimi DeGravelle, Tom Patterson, Roy Wonder, Dane Burns, Ken Boche...

I know there were others, but from that evening Mari and I began some incredible friendships that are still solid till this day.

Wayno (and Masha), Steve & Mimi, Tom (and Liz, and their son Joseph)... What would my life be without you?

Empty, that's what.
john hansen

climber
May 17, 2019 - 09:11pm PT
mtnyoung, I will miss your Pacific Crest Trail progress posts..

I found this place in 2006. And was amazed to see post's from many of the Stone masters and the stories they were telling. I am glad the archive will remain.

I got to ask Royal Robbins if he had heard about Masteri's bolting his way
up the compressor route before he chopped the WOML. He replied "probably not"

I got to ask John Long if they wore swami's on the first one day ascent of the Nose. He said "Yes we did".

Asked Wayne Merry about a infamous rescue on Denali. And got an answer.

Conspired with Tarbuster over the details of Bridwell, Bacher, and Grammici trip to Patagonia.

Got to know Jeff Lowe and his cousins and uncles and aunts ,,Pica, Mel, and Al. And follow Jeff saga thru his life untill his end.

Learned that people who posted here have died in climbing accidents and from other causes.

Got to go fishing of the Hawaiian Island Coast with Nature and Boodawg and Nohea,,, and I tell you ,it is true ,,he has no hair..

Got to interact with all the people on the Birds thread and put at least 300 of my photo's on that thread. They are still there ,, for now.

Contributed to the Yosemite Climbing Association in 2006 after learning about it here and got to go to Ken Yeagers's house to see the collection.

Held Salathe's hammer in my hand, and saw his rack of pitons that he had made and used on his climbs. He also showed us a couple of the original stove leg pitons.

And one of the first Bat Tents.

It was fun to hear all the stories of the Monkey generation with Ammon, Dean, Micky, and how it progressed to the present day has evolved to Jim Herson's son climbed the nose free at fifteen years old.

And Shipoopi, Flourine, Anker, the Fish and Werner, Dingus and Jody and Mighty Hiker, the Ghost. Crimpie and Brassnuts, Eric and the muppet,
Goldstone, Don Luria, Mclean, Yerian .

Got to follow all the gatherings that the supertopo has brought about.



Both good and bad, incredible trip reports and, some times grim news about the death of people who have posted here for a long time.

I recognize most of the names on this thread and have been interacting with you all for years and years.

It has been a blast..

The Bird thread was always one of my favorite's. I think I put in a couple hundred photo's when I would go and travel on the Mainland, I have them backed up, But soon they will be gone from the supertopo world.

I am sure the Facelift will go on and it is a great force to show the kids that go up to Yosemite and participate and learn about ecology and how the world is connected in all ways and how we must preserve it.




These days..

Honnhold solo's El Cap.











Lorenzo

Trad climber
Portland Oregon
May 17, 2019 - 10:51pm PT
Honnhold solo's El Cap.

That didn’t actually happen here....
micronut

Trad climber
Fresno/Clovis, ca
May 17, 2019 - 11:21pm PT
Met Mark Hudon here and he has become a close and dear friend and we have shared many adventures since.

Met some amazing fly fisherman and have met them on various rivers and lakes for some big fish and fun times.

Wrote over 25 trip reports and it really was a great venue for me to scratch my writing itch and share the stoke for many of my silly adventures

Held my first ever climbing festival BALCHFEST 2013 and made some fantastic friends around the campfire after a hard day of climbing. I still have my T-shirt.

Thinking about starting a Facebook Supertopo Refugees Group if anybody is interested in trying to stay together for a short while until some other platform has figured out.

Thanks for starting this thread Cleo. It’s been nice seeing how this place has generated a unique community and lots of great memories.

Scott
NutAgain!

Trad climber
https://nutagain.org
May 17, 2019 - 11:59pm PT
^^^ hahaha micronut, sign me up! I also started a public group called "supertopo refugees" on Facebook a few days ago... I think I stuck Jaybro in it because I needed to pick at least one other person to get it started... and then I had second thoughts and didn't follow up with promoting it. I did join the supertopo campfire group from L. We'll see which one if any of them stick.

Friends, experiences, advice, support, learning, creative outlet... so many positive changes for me linked to Supertopo.

And secret Santa! I got my favorite T-shirt from that, and actually didn't wear it for a few years because I didn't want to mess it up :D Now it's in regular rotation.

Reilly

Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
May 18, 2019 - 01:40am PT
I’ve become close to Max, the Jack Russell wonderdog.
A Essex

climber
May 18, 2019 - 06:29am PT
tiny violin
Tom Patterson

Trad climber
Seattle
May 18, 2019 - 03:52pm PT
Ghost said:

Tarbuster listed a bunch of gatherings spawned here. To that list I would add one more. It didn't have a big ST thread, and it didn't have any great historical climbing significance, but it sure changed my life for the better.

Not even sure of the date anymore, but definitely more than ten years ago, when Wayno, who was cooking in a Seattle restaurant, decided that it would be A Good Thing to host a Seattle Supertopians dinner. There was some back and forthing, but eventually a bunch of strangers gathered at Angelo's and...

Forgive me if I miss some folks, but among the crowd were Steve Grossman, Mimi DeGravelle, Tom Patterson, Roy Wonder, Dane Burns, Ken Boche...

I know there were others, but from that evening Mari and I began some incredible friendships that are still solid till this day.

Wayno (and Masha), Steve & Mimi, Tom (and Liz, and their son Joseph)... What would my life be without you?

Empty, that's what.

I agree, David. I (we) would have have met you and so many others without ST, and our lives are so much richer for it. Some of my most fairly recent epics involve climbing with you! :-) You've certainly left an indelibly positive mark on our lives, and on Joe's! He cherishes the help you gave him when he was still a high school kid.

And P.S.--to the rest of the readers here: while ST is still up and running...if you haven't read David's book "Deadly Vortex," then what the heck are you waiting for? Great adventure, action, drama and intrigue, written by a guy who actually knows how to write like a climber.

And P.P.S.--David, when you guys are back down this way, always know that you have free Seattle digs with us in a legit guestroom! Definitely take us up on that!!
Phil_B

Social climber
CHC, en zed
May 18, 2019 - 04:42pm PT
Lynn,

Cleo and I had our wedding at Tioga Lake and our reception at the Tuolumne group campsites, but we housed her folks at Tioga Resort. My mom didn't want to sleep that high so we had her stay in Lee Vining.

cleo

Social climber
wherever you go, there you are
Topic Author's Reply - May 18, 2019 - 04:44pm PT
Lynne! Yes we did stay at TPR! Thank you for your help with that. I still have the little cross you gave me as a good luck charm in my overnight bag
Phil_B

Social climber
CHC, en zed
May 18, 2019 - 04:48pm PT
Besides Cleo, I found Nature on here and went to a couple of SushiFests! I even got a t-shirt around somewhere.
Zip was there too
ontheedgeandscaredtodeath

Social climber
Wilds of New Mexico
May 18, 2019 - 05:04pm PT
Some fun meet ups, climbing partners, lots of laughs while toiling at the office, amazing photos and stories, a few face lifts, occasional disgust, a fun way to connect with the climbing community. Bummer it's going away!
shipoopoi

Big Wall climber
oakland
May 18, 2019 - 05:41pm PT
my supertopo highlight was to meet and greet famed utopian crimper girl. ss
Melissa

Gym climber
berkeley, ca
May 18, 2019 - 07:07pm PT
The Big Walls Book fueled my dreams and sometime even informed actual climbs for years. I literally wore out my copy of the original version, and when I posted about it here, Chris sent me a freshie. :-)

So grateful for the folks I've met...many via the BAWC Wide Wednesdays and their variants. It's been a long time for most of you, and I miss seeing you.
Lynne Leichtfuss

Sport climber
moving thru
May 18, 2019 - 07:36pm PT
OK, thought so. It was another TPR happening. Cleo and Phil so glad to have been there with the wedding party at nearly 10,000 ft.
Mike Bolte

Trad climber
Planet Earth
May 18, 2019 - 07:56pm PT
This is really the only forum on the entire WWW I have posted on and read semi-regularly. Getting to hear stories and to interact with the folks who defined Yosemite climbing for three generations or more has been a real privilege and a lot of fun. Thanks to many of you who shared history, your adventures and your thoughts (and old Martin guitar collections!).

best wishes to you folks whom I have only known through the forum and will lose contact with in the future.

Mike Bolte
thebravecowboy

climber
The Good Places
May 18, 2019 - 08:02pm PT
Lynne Leichtfuss

Sport climber
moving thru
May 18, 2019 - 08:05pm PT
Mike Bolte and his young daughter and son came in for years to have a pre climbing breakfast at Tioga Pass Resort. Some where I have the pictures to prove it. Then about a year ? ago I find out his son sended the Bachar/Yerian. Wow!
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
May 18, 2019 - 09:22pm PT
hey there say, cleo and all...


the most beautiful ways, supertopo changed my life:


it made my christmas card list, FULL AND rich-of-friends...

not only for the holiday, but, EACH day, there are those that i
share with, and, we exchange life, hopes, and encouragement...

and-- i have LEARNED SO MUCH about climbs, and far-away-places, and
history of well-known-climbers that i otherwise would NEVER have heard of...

and-- i loved hearing all the YOSEMITE stuff!

friends are TREASURES... my treasure chest is so full, and
they have stood the test of time...



thank you friends, for opening your hearts, and being part of my
life, when i was 'first here' ...



*i will NOT forget to keep sending paintings, dreamcatchers, or,
earrings, etc, or-- SOCKS... throughout the years to come...


SC seagoat

Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, Bozeman, the ocean, or ?
May 18, 2019 - 09:31pm PT
I’m so gonna miss the doggies, the incredible Happie adventures, the never-forget-a-birthday Neebs and cherishing the wonderful soul and heart of Lynnie.

FaceLift will be like a long lost reunion.

Bon Voyage one and all. It’s been a wild ride.

Susan
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
May 18, 2019 - 09:37pm PT
hey there, susan! (seagoat)

i will never forget that great visit, at the restaurant,
when you joined up, with me and the climbers that i had
time to invite (local), after my daddy's memorial...


thank you for being there!
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
May 18, 2019 - 09:46pm PT
hey there, say, thebravecowboy...


still have this one on hold... and a few more paintings too for
other taco-folks...

been extra busy, from my local friend, 96, helping her...
and, new side yard-- leaves, then winter upkeep, and now spring,
oh my, :)


but here is the other one, backgroud ONLY is done, not the painting, yet...

SC seagoat

Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, Bozeman, the ocean, or ?
May 18, 2019 - 09:59pm PT
That was a fun time Neebs. We even got Michelle out!


Susan
Bad Climber

Trad climber
The Lawless Border Regions
May 19, 2019 - 06:44am PT
Meeting great people, including enduring friends in Bishop, our new home. Be well, one and all.

And check yer knots.

BAd
norm larson

climber
wilson, wyoming
May 19, 2019 - 06:58am PT
Not sure it changed my life any, but, it’s been great to interact with climbers my age and older who have seen the change in the climbing scene but who are still getting after it and are not bitter about being the old guys.
hobo_dan

Social climber
Minnesota
May 19, 2019 - 07:30am PT
It was fun to have an audience to read and write with.
Climbers are a pretty interesting group- Conquistadors of the useless-Indeed!
Wen

Trad climber
Bend, OR
May 19, 2019 - 07:47am PT
I’ve read supertaco almost every night before bed, it has been part of my daily ritual. I hope I can sleep from this point on!

I’ve only posted a handful of times, but each time was very meaningful to me. It was a place to practice my writing, hear from the elders, but also to learn about the myriad perspectives of so many others. What a gift to his site has been.

Interfacing with Perry about Squamish's Perry’s layback was my highlight. And writing about the time I met NJL (the notorious John Long), both those experiences still make me smile when I think of them.

I don’t know but I know most here, but I’ll weirdly enough miss them all.
thebravecowboy

climber
The Good Places
May 19, 2019 - 08:06am PT
Cool stuff, neebee, to see your work in progress, to see more behind the curtain and into the layers of you labors of love. I am honored that you spend your time making art from my photos of my dog-child.
Larry

Trad climber
Bisbee
May 19, 2019 - 08:12am PT
Right on Norm.
wayne w

Trad climber
the nw
May 19, 2019 - 09:15am PT
After posting a short TR about an ascent of Pervertical Sanctuary on the Diamond that I did with my friend Michael Haag in '07, Kevin Stricker, from Evergreen CO posted something about it, and I wrote to him. We became fast friends, and set a plan in motion to climb Eroica with his friend Dave Russell, who is now a close friend, as well. We got hailed on after a few pitches and had to climb out on the Casual route to the Forrest Finish. Then the following year the three of us climbed D7. Thanks for those memorable ascents, and truly incredible lifelong friends, Supertopo. And to Dusty Ross for portering for me!
Thanks also to Chris and Randy for hosting this glorious mess for the last 18 years.
Ksolem

Trad climber
Monrovia, California
May 19, 2019 - 11:48am PT
Let's see...

There was the time when I posted this pic of Max the Jack (on "It's a dog's life, maybe?) and Neebee made a wonderful painting from it and sent it to me.

That was pretty special.

neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
May 19, 2019 - 12:55pm PT
hey there, say, ksolem... ohhhhhhhhhhhh, i LOVE that photo...

i really love it! he is ONE fine, dog!

happy memories... i wanted to surprise you, and i had such fun, painting that! ...



but now:

oh my-- i have a few more dog and cat photos, half started, too...

:(


some, i will not get to do now, as, when i get ready, the folks won't be around, to ASK them for their address, :(
oh my...


:(
apogee

climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
May 19, 2019 - 12:58pm PT
Max the Jack, meet Max the Rat Terrier (your cousin):

johntp

Trad climber
Punter, Little Rock
May 19, 2019 - 12:58pm PT
some, i will not get to do now, as, when i get ready, the folks won't be around, to ASK them for their address, :(
oh my...

now is the time. just saying, if there are people you want to keep in touch with, now is the time to ask for contact info.
Ksolem

Trad climber
Monrovia, California
May 19, 2019 - 01:09pm PT
Max the Jack, meet Max the Rat Terrier (your cousin)

Terriers rule.

Max is all grown up now. Quite a character.

I'm gonna miss this place. So much good stuff, so many great posters...
10b4me

Social climber
Lida Junction
May 21, 2019 - 09:16pm PT
So grateful for the folks I've met

Including Clifbar man?
ECF

Big Wall climber
Ridgway CO
May 22, 2019 - 05:11am PT
People on this forum saved me from suicide.
The impact is far more wide ranging than you can imagine.

The real issue here isn’t that somebody doesn’t want to deal with the hassle anymore, it’s that there is a hassle in the first place. As our society collapses, I am shocked at how the younger generations are embracing the ideals of the Nazis. The control of dialog, suppression of free speech, relinquishing personal responsibility in favor of collective control, it all adds up to a dark future of authoritarianism.
Have been involved with 5 forums over the span of the internet. This is the fourth to shut down. Only MP remains, and they are corporate owned and heavily censored.
Even the free speech forum I read has taboo topics, so there is no free speech anymore.

When open dialog ceases, violence will soon follow.

Many say we are headed for “civil war” or “revolution”, we are not. Those actions are organized by groups with a view of a better future for all. Today, we are fractured and self occupied and lack the fortitude to perform such selfless acts.
Without the campfire to connect to our fellow man, everyone is an enemy, a competitor for the limited resources of the Earth.

The problem isn’t a website shutting down, the problem is a society that forces a website to shut down through insidious pressure of legal consequence. Our system had become the enemy of human freedom.

I had fun in the sun, I smelled the roses, I learned how to live in a world that no longer exists.
As the times comes to pass the torch, there are no runners to receive it and the flame is dying.

When I was a kid, we walked on the moon and were masters of the universe. Here was nowhere we could not go if we wanted. Now, we can’t even agree which bathroom to use.

In the past, it was governments that clashed and created wars. Today we lack the cohesive identity to acheieve this in crisis.

To modernize the words of Jesus, “if all you own is a rack of Camalots, sell them, and buy an AR-15.” Or as Krushna implied to Arjuna, the time has come to kill your brother, for he is wicked and has lost the path.



Disagree if you chose, that is a right you enjoy while we sit around the campfire. When the fire goes out, you’d better be ready to defend your beliefs, for violence is enevitable in the evolution of our species. No great conflict was ever permanently settled without violence.

As Supertopo closes the dialog, fellow climbers with different political opinions become less of someone I try to understand and empathize and more a “them”. Remove the common bond and it becomes easier to dehumanize and destroy “them”.


Did that Yo guidebook ever come out, or will supertopo literally die waiting?
Gunkie

Trad climber
Valles Marineris
May 22, 2019 - 05:30am PT
Locker incarnate. Aside from that, I loved the 'real' story told here.

“These walls are funny. First you hate ’em. Then you get used to ’em. Enough time passes, you get so you depend on them. That’s institutionalized.” — Red (Shawshank Redemption)
johntp

Trad climber
Punter, Little Rock
May 22, 2019 - 07:23am PT
Gotta say BVB's passing was a shocker.

Many friends have passed that were more worthy than I. Sometimes it just doesn't make sense.
Brockman

climber
May 22, 2019 - 07:33am PT
cleo. . .

I'll never forget this thread. . . it was HILARIOUS!

http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.php?topic_id=1013125&tn=0&mr=0
tolman_paul

Trad climber
Anchorage, AK
May 22, 2019 - 10:00am PT
Drinking in the living history of climbing from the supertopo is something that likely won't be replicated, and is/was truly special. When you strip away the bs arguments, you find that the climbers here have stoke for each other, no matter if they were pushing the standards of the day, or just weekend warriors.

Long story short, I was able to get a copy of a tv segment on Bachar soloing to John. He lost all that stuff in the fire and nobody seemed to have a copy of it, so I had a dvd burned from the VHS tape. I was trying to get him a venue lined up for his slide show in AK and we were talking about skiing/boarding together. Even though I was barely acquainted with John, I'm still saddened by loosing him.
anita514

Gym climber
Great White North
May 22, 2019 - 10:38am PT
I met my best friend through SuperTopo
brotherbbock

climber
So-Cal
May 22, 2019 - 01:20pm PT
Crankloon is part of my regular vocab...
kpinwalla2

Social climber
WA
May 22, 2019 - 05:44pm PT
Met and hung out with Fritz, Donini, Moosedrool and other supertopians at the City... great times.

SteveW

Trad climber
The state of confusion
May 23, 2019 - 10:04am PT
I've met soooo many wonderful people through this site. Thanks for the memories, you all know who you are. But especially Nita and Timid,
Dave and Callie. . . and of course Sherri, who created this for me. . . .
Tarbuster

climber
right here, right now
May 23, 2019 - 05:44pm PT
^^^
Damn: that is one sweet piece of artwork!
Radical Rebirth

Trad climber
Texas
May 23, 2019 - 05:52pm PT
No kidding , Tar !!

That is incredible !!

Wouldn’t mind trying to make one of those one day. That is some beautiful, Art.
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
May 23, 2019 - 10:27pm PT
hey there, say, steve w... say, the last christmas card i sent you came back...

never got the new address?


say--
a neat fun thing-- from bluering and his wife:

when i FIRST moved into the new old house, it was christmas eve:
there was a package that was waiting on my porch :)

chocolate covered strawberries, ... wow, :O


started the house off, right-- the supertopo, way...
:)

and then, soon came the secret santa gift, as well, :)
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
May 23, 2019 - 10:32pm PT
hey there, say anita... i love this:

your quote:

May 22, 2019 - 10:38am PT
I met my best friend through SuperTopo
ECF

Big Wall climber
Ridgway CO
May 24, 2019 - 07:10am PT
That’s the biggest piece of Intarsia I have ever seen, very nice!
Reilly

Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
May 24, 2019 - 07:12am PT
Both the skill and artistry are stunning. Mungo want!

Getting in touch with JTM and being blessed by her stained glass art has been a high point of the Taco for me.
Ksolem

Trad climber
Monrovia, California
May 24, 2019 - 08:17am PT
I’ve become close to Max, the Jack Russell wonderdog

He loves you too...

Largo

Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
May 24, 2019 - 09:46am PT
The greatest gift for me is that whenever I felt like a tribe of one, I needed only long onto Supertopo and rejoin a fraternity where I belonged. And like with any fraternity, arguing, ranting, laughing, crying over our many departed, was all part of the bargain. But as the book says, For everything it's season.
Ksolem

Trad climber
Monrovia, California
May 24, 2019 - 11:30am PT
I needed only long onto Supertopo...

A classic slip if ever I saw one.

I didn't post much on your threads, but I lurk. They've all been interesting.

Gonna miss this scene.
Ksolem

Trad climber
Monrovia, California
May 24, 2019 - 10:43pm PT
Sorry for two in a row, but I forgot entirely that I met Reilly on this site. He lives right down the street, but we would have passed each other like ships in the night were it not for ST.
feralfae

Boulder climber
Montana, on the Divide and around.
May 25, 2019 - 08:31am PT
Wow, I've been mostly out in the field doing archaeology, out where the buffalo roamed. Neebee gave me a heads up on the Taco going quiet.
I love this place, the people, the adventures shared, the Trip Reports posted and all the beautiful photos. I have appreciated all the emotional support when Doug left, the friendships with Flames people and others, and the great Secret Santa surprises of beautiful photography, glorious art, and other gifts. Mostly, I have appreciated the real people here, who opened themselves to share their own lives, loves, and day-to-day events. It is a family here, and I am glad to hear that others are setting up alternate sites.

Thank you to each of you, Lynne, Susan, Neebee, Mouse, Gnome, zB, John, all the wonderful people who helped me to get back to my own balance through some rough pitches. There are not enough good words. When you are in Montana, you are always welcome and I'll do my best to provide a meal, coffee, maps, and archaeology tales. Thank you!— to all the great people, the warm hearts, and the strong spirits on the Taco. It has been a joy, a pleasure, and a comfort to be here with you.

I've saved Doug's posts, and will continue to work for freedom in the mountains and everywhere else, too. Happy trails, perfect pitches, and glorious views from on high for us all. Chris, thank you for the forum and for the many great people it has brought into my life. I hope we can all stay in touch over the years. Climb on!
Much love,
Feralfae
Gnome Ofthe Diabase

climber
Out Of Bed
May 25, 2019 - 09:02am PT
- (I can say it with songs)

"Oh Lonesome Me"

https://youtu.be/AvqG4HQp56Y



"FAIRYTAILS CAN COME TRUE"

https://youtu.be/byxhfGVqRzE



A PLACE FOR EVERYONE, A SECURE PLACEMENT FOR EVERY PIECE

So rare, to find us all here
A climb so good to return again and again
To repeat it over and over
then try the variations as well
the chance to clear the air
so clear up old foolishness
Find new ground yet to go up
And go up and down again

Every piece of gear was here
And we all used every placement too
So much has to be chalked up to Kismet
A feeling
Or two
A cure for what ails you

Too:

KEPT A CAGED MOUSE ALIVE FOR FIVE & FREE FOR LIFE

A place that seems safe
On the face of it
Even though it was not
So much like climbing
and so much real as life
A no-place
A some place to come
And rehab anything
from a sore toe or a broken thumb
to a shut down brain or a wore-out back
all in all what more can one say than
a therapy
A Crate & Barrel for the brain
A Harbor Freight full of the greatest gifts
that gravity gave
What it was what it is
what that there are no words for
A feeling; A consciousness;
A what is mind ...
Aeriq

Sport climber
100-year Visitor
May 25, 2019 - 11:15am PT
Meeting great people, including enduring friends in Bishop, our new home.

Hope you are not having TOO much trouble enduring us! ;^P
Ed Hartouni

Trad climber
Livermore, CA
May 25, 2019 - 11:44am PT
...being a part of this community that resulted, spontaneously, from the SuperTopoForum.

I thank you all for the many ways you enriched my life.

See you on the other side, and don't be late.

Lynne Leichtfuss

Sport climber
moving thru
May 25, 2019 - 02:29pm PT
feralfae, how can I get your contact information?

Aeriq and Ed, God willing see you in September. I will be passing thru Bishop 1st of June Aeriq, maybe Skip, you and I can get together.
Lynne Leichtfuss

Sport climber
moving thru
May 25, 2019 - 02:43pm PT
SCseagoat, I just read what you wrote on May 18. It's been hard to read this thread. Thank you for what you wrote. I have found so much here, friendship, and with that personal growth. I cannot list the names, far too many....and what's crazy is I bet more than 80% don't even realize how wonderfully they have impacted my life. But for those of you that know me, know I will hold you forever in my heart. (I know that sounds corny, but it's true.)

If I had the money I would without question keep this going. But, then, as I said in another thread, life is all about change. Life is change. Nothing can stop it. Change can crash on us like a tsunami wave or creep up on us so slowly we don't recognize it. But as challenging as change is for human beings it can be a good thing. And that's what I'm hoping for here. Love from lynnie
SteveW

Trad climber
The state of confusion
May 25, 2019 - 07:53pm PT
JL
Thanks for your wonderful contributions over the years.
Wish your leg wasn't the way it is.
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
May 25, 2019 - 10:21pm PT
hey there, say, feralfae... wow, i NEARLY EVEN called you tonight, but i got home late...

so GLAD you got the card!!!!!


yes, i will call soon!
you are not forgotten...

so very GLAD, too, that you saved doug's posts!
whewwww... :)
overwatch

climber
Arizona
May 26, 2019 - 02:42am PT
cool picture
cleo

Social climber
wherever you go, there you are
Topic Author's Reply - May 30, 2019 - 05:14pm PT
So crazy how many of you I met here. Thanks for enriching my life, even if I wasn't active the last few years.

Hope to bump into you in real life, or who knows, on some other internet procrastination site.


Reilly

Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
May 30, 2019 - 05:52pm PT
I’ve added two words to my vocabulary: butthurt and woke.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
May 30, 2019 - 05:58pm PT
Met some really cool people that I consider friends. learned a lot about different places to climb and vans and lots of other good stuff.
Will miss you guys.
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
May 30, 2019 - 09:22pm PT
hey there, say, cleo... it sure would be fun to meet up, with various folks, and you too!!


my life is enriched and never the same, from the folks here...

i will keep remembering them, at the holidays...


and, those that helped with tech stuff, and encouragement, and so much more:

you are not forgotten, either...
:)



oh my-- getting so close, to the last day now... :(
GDavis

Social climber
SOL CAL
May 30, 2019 - 09:29pm PT
I grew up on Supertopo.

Not because of it, but since 2006 (13 years now?) I've gone from a 22 year old brat to an almost 35 year old curmudgeon.

Having access to the stories, the feelings, the energy of greater adventure at such an authentic level wasn't something I understood at first, and as time went on I watched myself morph, evolve and grow through these influences.

I've shared too much and too little, I've fought hard and laughed off nonsense. I've used this site to heal, to get away, to feel, to hurt, because I can't reconcile these things so well on my own. Whether therapy or an echo chamber or a shoebox thats going to get buried there are so many thoughts feelings and emotions welled up inside these two bit halls.

Maturing, looking back, I feel this site leaving is part of me letting go of my childhood, of the world of wonder and awe that climbing had meant to me then, and hasn't for some time. Maybe I can get that back somehow, maybe it will look different, but so many questions have been answered in 13 years I just don't know if I have the passion to ask.

Sliding into the back 9, I'm starting to wish that I had that community that I did have, or maybe I do, because we are all still here. We've always been here.
overwatch

climber
Arizona
May 30, 2019 - 09:36pm PT
good stuff GeeDizzl
Lynne Leichtfuss

Sport climber
moving thru
May 30, 2019 - 09:47pm PT
GDavis, you always got the peeps, the hood, the familia....friends. Peace.
From the mamacita.
Mike Friedrichs

Sport climber
City of Salt
May 31, 2019 - 08:24am PT
I made some new friends and reacquainted with some old friends. I found at least the desire people had for political discourse a good thing. Bad things happened when we weren't paying attention. I loved the chance to hear directly from some of the climbers I looked up to in my journey. We were fortunate to have them, even if our perception of them is not always what we found in person.

The most memorable events for me were Disaster Master and Dirtineye's cancers, as well as Juan's battles with depression. They were real, and raw, and sad, and authentic. I'm grateful that they had the courage to share their experiences. It somehow made it seem that for a brief while anyway, we were all part of something more than us and our petty opinions. I don't know exactly why, but it seems there was something beautiful there. We'll all be joining them soon enough. I never met any of them in person but still think of them often.

Don't know if I will join one of the new forums or not. I still climb -- a lot. But I have no illusions that getting older will eventually catch up with me. It's been interesting to see how the older folks have used the forum as a means to stay connected when they don't, or can't get out so much. Maybe that's one of the best things about this medium.

So long folks. I hope to connect with you all again soon, in some fashion.

Mike
Rick A

climber
Boulder, Colorado
May 31, 2019 - 08:54am PT
ST was my sole internet social network and I am sorry to see it go.

It enabled me to reconnect with many old friends and acquaintances, many of whom have since died. In retrospect, I realize that this was a great gift. Collectively celebrating the good times and grieving the losses affecting our little community were beautiful things.

If anyone wants to know what made ST so special, point them to the epic Frank Sacherer thread started by Ed Hartouni. It is the best example of what this forum was like at its best.

Hope to see you all down the road, ideally on a summer day lazing at a picnic table outside the store in Tuolumne Meadows.

Rick

SC seagoat

Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, Bozeman, the ocean, or ?
May 31, 2019 - 09:34am PT
GDavis. Very powerful.

(I doubt you’re a curmudgeon.) But if you are, cool, so am I.


Susan
'Pass the Pitons' Pete

Big Wall climber
like Ontario, Canada, eh?
May 31, 2019 - 10:51am PT
"I met my best friend through SuperTopo"

Aw, shucks. Me too! xoxo <3
anita514

Gym climber
Great White North
May 31, 2019 - 11:46am PT
I was talking about Locker
🙄
SC seagoat

Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, Bozeman, the ocean, or ?
May 31, 2019 - 12:48pm PT
^^^^^. I thought that’s who it might be.

Susan
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
May 31, 2019 - 09:37pm PT
hey there, say... cleo! again, wow...

i have precious friends, from the taco...

here's a note from one...

just today, it came for the LAST TACO NIGHT...





Gal

Trad climber
going big air to fakie
May 31, 2019 - 09:42pm PT
OMG, Bobbleseth, oh hell yes!

I would have been so disappointed if I didn't see you here!!!!!!!!
'Pass the Pitons' Pete

Big Wall climber
like Ontario, Canada, eh?
May 31, 2019 - 09:46pm PT
OFFS!
Gal

Trad climber
going big air to fakie
May 31, 2019 - 09:56pm PT
Mike Fredericks, I really liked what you wrote - so true. I met you because of Supertopo. At Lucille-Fest, and Jaybro, Grugg, Gruggs awesome wife Elizabeth - all the people you are close to.

For me, Supertopo continues through Sushifest. Very amazing people here. I lurked a lot, but for a while I posted a lot (even about climbing) ;-)
Oldfattradguy2

Trad climber
Here and there
May 31, 2019 - 09:59pm PT
I got to pretend I was one of the cool kids

Toddeo in mccall, out, feel free to look me up, I’m the forest water guy
Kalimon

Social climber
Ridgway, CO
May 31, 2019 - 10:03pm PT
The Taco was how I found out that my friend Bruce Bindner had shrugged off this mortal coil. For that am ever grateful. I lost track of my Cali climbing friends when I moved to CO in 1989. King Tut, Todd Vogel, Kenny Morrell, EC Joe, Bill Mac, Norman Boles, Chris Mayr, Robert Burke, Ian, Dimitri, Vince P., Alex Ng, Kim Grandfield, Rob Grandfield, Paul McCandless, Dave Pendleton, Robert Landfear, Steve Letts . . . thank you all so much for sharing quality time with me and helping me pursue the vertical path.

zBrown keep on truckin'.

Drl Jefe, thanks for being the best Taco connect . . . real deal brother.

Peace out peeps, may the four winds blow you safely home.


nature

climber
Boulder, CO
May 31, 2019 - 10:07pm PT
here's one for you...

Zay

climber
Monterey, Ca
May 31, 2019 - 11:21pm PT
Supertopo gave me a chance to discover a love of writing that I never knew I had. Noy only that, it gave nobodies like me an opportunity to interact with real legends amd for that, I am forever grateful.

Thank you supertopo! I will miss you all dearly.
L

climber
Just livin' the dream
May 31, 2019 - 11:30pm PT
Supertopo gave me a chance to discover a love of writing that I never knew I had.

So true, Zay! Same for me.

Made a lot of friends here, and kept in touch with many good climbing buddies through the Taco. And then there were the Trip Reports....so much adventure and beauty and humor from so many.

It's difficult to say all the ways the Taco changed my life, but it certainly did. And it will be deeply missed.
Zay

climber
Monterey, Ca
May 31, 2019 - 11:32pm PT
L

Your writing was some of my favorite content on this forum!

Cheers
Kalimon

Social climber
Ridgway, CO
May 31, 2019 - 11:33pm PT
Goddess bless you nature! You are an inspiring individual. Wish I had made it to a sushifest.
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