Eric Zschiesche Appreciation Thread

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Messages 1 - 84 of total 84 in this topic
deuce4

Big Wall climber
the Southwest
Topic Author's Original Post - Jan 22, 2008 - 08:18am PT

I remember when I first met Eric when he came to the Valley around 1986. Now back then, boulderers generally didn't get the same respect as people firing up Astroman in a day or guys climbing El Cap a dozen times a year, but Eric, with his incredible stories (in that southern drawl) and his prowess on the rock, made him welcome in every campfire in the park.

One of the most amazing things I ever saw was Eric climbing up the tree in the parking lot, with nothing but fragile flakes of bark for hand and footholds. Every move was like climbing both 5.12 and A5 at the same time.
Maysho

climber
Truckee, CA
Jan 22, 2008 - 08:32am PT
Good one John, always liked that guy, classic southern live-wire. Wonder what he is up to now? Still cranking, or maybe holed up in some backwoods 'holler' selling moonshine to middle schoolers.

Peter
artmusicsouth

climber
VA
Jan 22, 2008 - 10:30am PT
http://www.ericzschiesche.com/
Steve Grossman

Trad climber
Seattle, WA
Jan 22, 2008 - 10:50am PT
"All I know for sure, is that I am part of all this," the ever humble philosopher Zschiesche. Damn what a good climber! He could get up 5.12 in his Hushpuppies and then sit and seriously discuss their performance aspects.
can't say

Social climber
Pasadena CA
Jan 22, 2008 - 12:54pm PT
I remember hanging with Eric, Gary Slate and their friend from NC back during that wet spring in 82/3. We were hanging out in the Awahanee during one of the many storms that rolled thru that spring amd looking for anything that would fend off the boredom due to the rain. Well, we were all on tickets and trolling thru the giftshop, sort of looking and feelin electric, when Eric, who was chewing a rather sizeable plug. He grabed a cut glass goblet out of one of the display cases and spit his plug into it. He looked around, gave it that sheepish Zschiesche look and placed it back on the shelf. It was quite the humorous moment.
Brian in SLC

Social climber
Salt Lake City, UT
Jan 22, 2008 - 01:01pm PT
I think he has a "corridor" here...:


Local folk were a tad itchy there...

Rumor has him somewhere's in Utar?

-Brian in SLC
prunes

climber
Jan 22, 2008 - 01:09pm PT
I remember along time ago staying on rescue and on a rainy day we all took tickets except for Eric. Thank god no one neede help that day. Eric was living at Devils Lake Wi for about 10 years and a few years ago he moved to Salt Lake. He is still climbing as strong as ever. Listening to his stories about sodomy done south is just to funny.
deuce4

Big Wall climber
the Southwest
Topic Author's Reply - Jan 22, 2008 - 01:16pm PT
Nowadays I hear people say "Holy Moley" fairly often. I am certain it was Eric who brought the term back into vogue.
Jaybro

Social climber
The West
Jan 22, 2008 - 04:59pm PT
Glad to hear he's not selling moonshine!

Anybody have a scan of his 'Ethics Police' cartoon form an old Mt Lemon(?) guide?
Tarbuster

climber
right here, right now
Jan 22, 2008 - 05:10pm PT
Last time I saw him was in the Valley, musta been late 80's/early 90's. ...Or mid 90's. (Or maybe post 9/11, but not last week).
He'd not been climbing much (none), maybe bouldering some (if any), but decided to tick Astroman right off the sofa.
That dude has an insightful-whimsical style for sure.
WBraun

climber
Jan 22, 2008 - 05:19pm PT
Eric and I one day went to the left of the base of the Zodiac to try and do the first ascent of the route called blank out.

Ice was falling off from high up on the Captain and we were getting pummeled. We failed that day vowing to return in a day or so.

The next day Croft unknown to him we were there the day before does the FA ascent. Hahaha

Eric is one awesome cool dude.
the kid

Trad climber
fayetteville, wv
Jan 22, 2008 - 06:10pm PT
i ran into eric during one of my slide shows and he was doing well. doing his art and living on a farm i think and still climbing. He looked the same as ever, skinny and strong...
he invented the grunge look 10 years before it hit seattle bands...
KS
Watusi

Social climber
Newport, OR
Jan 22, 2008 - 06:11pm PT
I used to always hang with Eric when he came to the Tree. He always had the coolest attitude and boy could he crank! Even in those Hush Puppies of his...
By the way...That's some artwork there Eric, if you're out there...
J. Werlin

climber
Cedaredge
Jan 22, 2008 - 08:16pm PT
Hueco, maybe '96 or '97. The day before I had run into some mates from Wisconsin, Scott and Angel, and, Santa Cruz being my hometown, gave Scott a hug. From his reaction I realized this may not be typical MALE cheesehead behavior.

Seeing Angel again at the Dragon's Den I asked, "So, do guys not hug in Wisconsin?"
"Uh. . .well, Scott--" she was starting to say, when this super-skinny guy with huge glasses, white-plaid bermuda shorts and lank brown hair charges up to me and grips me in a bear hug.

"Hey brutha! Good to meet you!" He shouts with a Southern drawl.

That was how I first met Eric.

From his website:


with Jeff G.

on S. Six Shooter:

Class human being, hilarious, an inspirational climber, driver of sedans you'd typically associate with your grandmother, a last name you couldn't spell at gunpoint, but mostly just all-around great guy to hang out with.

Verm does justice to Eric's vibrant personality, gold-grade character and southern story-telling humor in Stone Crusade. Highly recommended reading.

Cheers Eric, always wishing you the best.

-Jeremy

Jonny D

Social climber
Lost Angelez, Kalifornia
Jan 22, 2008 - 09:39pm PT
In the spring of 1982 Todd Bibler and Catherine Freer were at the last belay of Zenyatta Mondatta on the second ascent. They were sitting on their portaledge, under a waterfall, shivering. Eric Zschiesche showed up on top of the climb and poked his head to see where the climbers where. Todd Bibler yelled: Throw us a rope! Zschiesche disappeared from view. A while later, the waterfall stopped pouring on the stranded climbers and Zschiesche poked his head again and explained: I diverted the stream.
The climbers topped out soon after.

As told to me by Todd Bibler.
FeelioBabar

climber
Sneaking up behind you...
Jan 22, 2008 - 10:03pm PT
Eric lives in Utar now...funny ass bastard that he is. Draws the best damn Pasmead I ever dun seen, among other great artwork. And that laugh...unmistakeable.
Mimi

climber
Jan 22, 2008 - 10:36pm PT
One of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. Can't wait to see him again. Here's a comical shot of Eric from a very early Phoenix Bouldering Contest. Lycra was so out there.

Steve Grossman

Trad climber
Seattle, WA
Jan 22, 2008 - 11:37pm PT
Here ya go Jaybro! From John Steiger's groundbreaking 1985 guidebook. Eric drew it for this daring gentleman.


One of his many talents.......

Jaybro

Social climber
The West
Jan 22, 2008 - 11:39pm PT
Thanks Steve, that's the one I meant!
Geno

Trad climber
Reston, VA
Jan 23, 2008 - 06:40am PT
I never met Eric, but he was a legend amongst Climbers in the South back in the early 80s. Somewhere I have a zerox copy of a drawing he made of the Wonder Wall at Jamestown, AL. I'll post it when I find it. It really was our first reference. It was a nice topo and and for me it was an inspiration to get out of the house and go climbing.

I climbed quite a lot in Alabama 82-86. Eric had done a short crack at Jamestown that was something of a test piece for us. Only by word of mouth did we know he did. Rob Robinson told me about it: "Zschiesche did that crack-it's hard." We called it 5.12a but that was a sand bag.

Jamestown was closed for nearly 20 years. But The Southern Climber's Coalition worked out access recently. Here is the description from The Dixie Cragger's Atlas that was published by Chris Watford in 2005:

"WHITE LIGHTNING 12a/b
FA Eric Zschiesche and Tim Mcmillan, 1983 [I am pretty sure it was earlier]
Originally worked on by Shannon Stegg, this line begins near the right edge of the steep wall of the dihedral. A shallow crack and corner system leads to a beautiful crack-too wide for fingers, too narrow for hands. Horrendously hard."




Steve Grossman

Trad climber
Seattle, WA
Jan 23, 2008 - 11:44pm PT
Eric put up a 5.12 called The Mule on Ripple Rock in Tucson. He couchflashed it the second time that he was on the route after being rained off initially.

When I asked the obvious question about the name, he grinned and said "when I got off that thing, I felt like I had been kicked by a Mule!" all in glorious drawl y'all.
J. Werlin

climber
Cedaredge
Jan 24, 2008 - 10:13am PT
bump for more Zschiesche stories.
Tarbuster

climber
right here, right now
Jan 24, 2008 - 10:21am PT
Zeesh on Jtree's now defunct Loose Lips.
Bowline on a coil, EB's, pajama shorts, & all the lovely goofiness.



Steve Grossman

Trad climber
Seattle, WA
Jan 24, 2008 - 11:31am PT
Nice shots of the philosopher, Roy!
Tarbuster

climber
right here, right now
Jan 24, 2008 - 11:37am PT
Thanks Steve; 'wish I had more.
Next to Eric are:
Swiss Michi, Mike Paul (Watusi), unknown hashish smuggler, and belayer John Mallery.
Circa 1984.
TrundleBum

Trad climber
Las Vegas
Jan 24, 2008 - 01:00pm PT
Tarbuster:
John Mallory (sp?)
The hang dog specialist from New Hampshire ?


I have been waiting for this thread ;)
About time, zieche got some press.

I met Eric with a group of N.C climbers, in the valley. I think it was 1980.
He was with Bob Rotert and a couple other guys that season.

One quote and one story, both I will never forget.
quote:
"smooth climbers, they are a dime a dozen and no fun to watch. I love watching the guy with a huge ego, a small rack and even smaller huevos, go up on something he has no business being on. Now that's entertainment"

Story:
Can't fully be relayed, however picture Zieche doing a full animated account of approaching the base of the crag (somewhere in N.C) to hear cursing and grumbling. Looking up he sees Bob Rotert following some 5.11 overhanging offwidth, about 2- 3 weeks after Bob's accident or should I say his brother's.
Bob was accidentally shot in the checst by his brother (frigg'n redknecks) and faired quite well considering.
So here's Zieche, in the parking lot, contorting, wincing and laughing his arse off as he is reproducing the toungue lashing that Rotert gave his partner, for convincing him to go up on some nasty offwidth while he still he still had bandages around his chest.
TrundleBum

Trad climber
Las Vegas
Jan 24, 2008 - 01:15pm PT
Wow what other stories can do for the memory.

I just remembered that the one time I ever tried 'Butterballs'...
I went down there real late one afternoon with Zieche and Dave Altman.

It was still pretty hot and we were avoiding the heat by going up there really late in the day.
I had never been on the 'Nabisco' before and felt completely honored to be 'towed' up this thing by those two.

Altman lead, Zieche followed and I ... well...
In the car riding back to camp, I asked the rating and said "wow I climbed a 5.11 finger crack today."

Zieche turned around and smiled at me and said something like:
"way'elll Jaaaahn, I'd say your ascent was a little on the continental side."
I gave him a funny look and said "continental?"
He said:
"Yeah it was getting dark on us so Altman and I gave you a healthy proportion of 'French free' in the belay, but that's ok, you got further on it than we expected."

I asked what he was thinking? Why would they bring me along if they thought I was going to totally 'thrash and dangle'?

Zieche said:
"Remember what I told you as good entertainment, watching climbers, climb?
Well we just didn't have the time to enjoy the show before dark so we turned on the winch"
Russ Walling

Social climber
Out on the sand.... man.....
Jan 24, 2008 - 01:32pm PT
Quick one:
We go to Fresno from the Valley to watch movies, me, Walt and Eric. Digital watches had just really come out (damn!) and I had one that Bachar was all hot on for some reason, the Casio J50. I think it would count down time and beep at intervals, so JB was all over it for his hangs and stuff... anyway.... Eric decides he is going to get some beer before the movie while me and Walt eat at some hideous buffet. He asks for my watch. I figure it is to make it to the movie on time. Anyway, Eric is AWOL by the time the movie starts so me and Walt go in..... Eric shows up way late in the theatre, and is ripped. Seemed he was using the J50 to time how fast he could guzzle a 40 bottle! I guess he had 2 of them, funnel style, before the movie. He spent the rest of the movie dancing in the aisle, literally, and laughing like a nutcase while talking to the actors on screen.

With Cilley in Hueco:
Tarbuster

climber
right here, right now
Jan 24, 2008 - 02:33pm PT
Yes Trundlebum; that John Mal.
TrundleBum

Trad climber
Las Vegas
Jan 24, 2008 - 02:52pm PT

I have a pic of Mallory 'dogg'n the 3rd or so (5.8 corner crack) of Diedre on Cathedral (summer '79)

Mallory was way ahead of his time. I think he invented sport climbing and the fine art of 'take' before the term existed.

And what a salesman, I have never known anyone who could so persuasively convince people to go out and 'dog' stuff way over their limit.

Sorry off topic ;)
J. Werlin

climber
Cedaredge
Jan 24, 2008 - 05:04pm PT
A 2.5 minute video of Eric having fun at the Creek. Nothing earth shattering here, but his character shines though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XjRl6oCi-g

When I first met Eric at Hueco he redefined minimalist car camping: a loaf of Orowheat wheat berry bread, Huarache sandals, a sleeping bag, and a Buick sedan (the back seat for sleeping, the trunk full of his art).

We made a thrift store run to bolster his gear cache: 1 spoon for the occasional yogurt, a tea cup for coffee (he'd hit me up for hot water each AM), a glass for his Foster's, and, of course, some sweet house slippers that had caught his eye.

Ten years later I caught up with Z. at the Creek and the tables had turned. Still driving a nice sedan, but set up with a two burner stove with table legs, a tent, pads, pots, plates, the whole works.
Mighty Hiker

Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
Jan 24, 2008 - 05:08pm PT
"Zschiesche"

A challenge to spell. How is it pronounced?
J. Werlin

climber
Cedaredge
Jan 24, 2008 - 05:14pm PT
zee-shee

36 seconds of tower-stoke from Zee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7-ZuoCTJrY
Tarbuster

climber
right here, right now
Jan 24, 2008 - 09:26pm PT
Thanks Werlin' -those were fun!
Watusi

Social climber
Newport, OR
Jan 24, 2008 - 09:36pm PT
Yeah those are some chestnuts of Eric to be sure!
Steve Grossman

Trad climber
Seattle, WA
Jan 24, 2008 - 10:31pm PT
Eric's last name is rare and singular as the man himself!

Lots of great tales! Here's my favorite.

Shortly after he took to shaving his head regularly to add that special something to his maniacal demeanor, Eric came to a Beanfest. John Steiger was the first repeat Beanmaster and was afire with the Beanzeal that got the whole beaning and tequila ritual off the ground in the first place! Eric was sitting by himself at an empty picnic table quietly reading a book in the midst of bedlam.

John strolled over with the Beanpot under his arm and a gleam in his eye and rather than dispense the customary cross on the forehead reached deep into the pot and plopped a generous, steaming handful right on the top of Eric's monkish head! John and the rest of his drunken entourage checked up for a response. Eric exercised the utmost in restraint to not crack up and deftly grabbed a corn tortilla to carefully pat into level atop the heap of beans. The crowd went wild with a "Hear! Hear!" and Eric had a slash of cactus spirits. The throng pulsed onward seeking the as yet Unbeaned.

The merriment that night was so infectious that several groups of hunters camping nearby put in a request for John's services!
Steve Grossman

Trad climber
Seattle, WA
Jan 27, 2008 - 09:57pm PT
Z-bump!
Bovine

Trad climber
USA
Jan 28, 2008 - 12:15am PT
I never knew that Eric had such a history, but I do remember meeting him once. What a character! I was but a lad and we were in St. Louis of all places. Eric was ther for whatever reason but there was a climbing comp at the local gym. I am thinking back in the mid 90's. He was wearing an interesting get-up...maybe a sports jacket and short shorts? Climbed in some older model rock shoes with tube socks. He was very interesteng to watch. It was like he had never been on plastic before and was enjoying himself. The thing I most remember and have reflected on quite often was this strange realxation technique he used; he would gently feel around on each hold as he progressed up the wall and talk to himself out load " nice hold, yes, very nice, ohh, like it here, very nice", as he flowed up the wall. Thanks for all of the storeis, Never knoew he was so traveled!
deuce4

climber
Hobart, Australia
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 16, 2008 - 08:48pm PT
Original Eric cartoon:



Mimi

climber
Feb 16, 2008 - 09:04pm PT
That's quite a collector's item, John. Wow!
Raydog

Trad climber
Boulder Colorado
Feb 17, 2008 - 04:58pm PT
alright this thread is proof of my failing memory...

did eric tell me a story about doing the P.O. and what happened up there, when he fell???
was it him, a real story? or a daydream I now remember and wonder if real?

anyway yeah - a superb guy and a superb climber - eric was around a lot and it was always great
J. Werlin

climber
Cedaredge
Feb 17, 2008 - 08:24pm PT
Cheers John. Hilarious.

"THE AWESOME BACK OF SHULTZ"

Is there an inside joke on Ben Bloat?
BrassNuts

Trad climber
Boulder Colorado
Feb 23, 2008 - 12:44pm PT
I did several trips to RRocks with the Chicago/Devil's Lake gang back in the early/mid 90's - Eric Z usually joined in. Eric, being the jovial lad he is and not afraid of being the center of attention, jumped up on stage with some cheezy band at the NY NY casino and starting dancing... well, neither the patrons nor the security folks appreciated his fine talents and we were promptly escorted out of the facility...
Mimi

climber
Feb 23, 2008 - 01:00pm PT
I daresay that there is an underlying story about the bloat. Eric sure did a good job of creating an abstract story about it. Let's just say it may have to do with a drowning victim and Eric hearing a conversation in full blown black-humored detail as told by Walt. Just a guess.
J. Werlin

climber
Cedaredge
Feb 23, 2008 - 08:00pm PT
Eric at Hueco in 1997:

Scott Cole

Trad climber
Jackson, WY^
Feb 24, 2008 - 02:32pm PT
I saw Eric in City of Rocks last summer.I heard this pronounced southern drawl coming from around the corner which sounded kind of familiar.When he walked around the corner it was Eric. Still climbing hard.

Scott
Wade Icey

Trad climber
www.alohashirtrescue.com
Feb 28, 2008 - 07:54pm PT
nice guy and a good climber
ericz

climber
Ogden, UT
Dec 27, 2008 - 03:24pm PT
Hello,.. to the energy comprising this appreciation thread,.. I am humbly appreciative. Past remembrances, echoing through the present,.. into tomorrow. On a personal note, I find (oddly enough ) that in regard to climbing and life in general, a greater level of enjoyment comes with each passing year. Maybe,.. as with the condemned / enlightened man, just before his last dawn, the awareness of the brevity of our existence heightens our senses / sense. In middle age (48 at present) one looks back and forward,.. it is a brief sojourn, and in the end, all we have is each passing moment. Moments,... to live / be with our sisters and brothers,.. and all of the Earth's amazing graces; and if we are fortunate,.. to live with a sense of wonder and appreciation.
Happy trails to all, ericz
eeyonkee

Trad climber
Golden, CO
Dec 27, 2008 - 06:37pm PT
Hung out with him for the first time this Spring at Indian Creek. Great guy and still a really good climber. Hope you got that #2 Camalot back from Laurent, Eric.
Jello

Social climber
No Ut
Dec 27, 2008 - 06:41pm PT
Interesting...

I met Eric for the first time just the other day, here in Ogden. He held the door open for me at Grounds for Coffee, then introduced himself. We sat down together and spent an hour chatting about meaningfull things. He lives up in Ogden Valley now. I'm sure we'll get together again. His energy is excellent.

-Jello
Steve Grossman

Trad climber
Seattle, WA
Dec 27, 2008 - 07:05pm PT
A big ole intergalactic bean welcome to you, Eric!!!!

I hope you feel the love here on the ST and stick around to tell a few tales.

Still walking the earth in Hushpuppies?!?
hlehmann

Trad climber
San Fernando Valley
Dec 27, 2008 - 08:08pm PT

Eric in Tucson, early 1986, in the sartorial splendor that was typical at the time.
Jaybro

Social climber
wuz real!
Dec 27, 2008 - 08:32pm PT
Glad you surfaced doing well, Eric. Don't fret, not a chance you'd remember me, from our brief meetings, though we're both lucky enough to share a collection of very cool friends...
Mimi

climber
Dec 27, 2008 - 09:33pm PT
Holy moly, Batman! So glad you're here to be appreciated! LOL!

I was feeling bad posting you in that '86 Phoenix lycra shot but here they are again in Tucson. haha

I have great memories of later that year (or maybe earlier) in Hueco with you and the AZ bunch. I'll never forget that raging day at Secret Sharer. Good times!

All the best,
Mimi
Steve Grossman

Trad climber
Seattle, WA
Dec 27, 2008 - 10:51pm PT
I recognize Jeff, Leona Mukai, the banded one and who is the mystery man on the right????
Peter Haan

Trad climber
San Francisco, CA
Dec 27, 2008 - 11:11pm PT
God what a cool character. I wish I had met him!

best, ph.
Steve Grossman

Trad climber
Seattle, WA
Jan 1, 2009 - 11:26am PT
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ now!
Tarbuster

climber
right here, right now
Jan 1, 2009 - 12:16pm PT
Zeeeesh!

What a prize to have you on the Forum.
Cameo or occasional daliance here? Much like life at any rate...
Welcome.

'Very nice words too.

Cheers,
Roy
ericz

climber
Ogden, UT
Jan 2, 2009 - 01:12pm PT

Toooooo funny,.... anyway, to all the gals & guys out in the vortex of cyberland,... a very happy 2009 to all! Hope to cross paths in the great outdoors or indoors, with a few of the cast of characters on STCF. The photos are hilarious.
TrundleBum

Trad climber
Las Vegas
Jan 2, 2009 - 01:17pm PT
Woot'ah ! ! !
The Zeech Lives (and posts)
What a smile to my face, don't be a stranger M8.
fosburg

climber
Jan 2, 2009 - 08:03pm PT
Cool thread, also turns out we're neighbors Eric. Not sure if you remember me but I certainly recall your exemplary spirit. We should get together and climb in Echo Canyon. I have some cool projects ready to go.
Kevin
Steve Grossman

Trad climber
Seattle, WA
Jan 3, 2009 - 03:04pm PT
So what was your favorite adventure in Tucson, Eric? The Mule not withstanding ,of course!

Memories from the Vortex, perhaps?
prunes

climber
Jan 3, 2009 - 04:04pm PT
Good to see your alive. I remember having to talk the Baraboo police from sending you to jail after they found you swinging back and forth like a clock pendulum on the keystone of the limestone arch of the front door of the Baraboo bank. Long live the DLFA Rich"Prunes"Bechler
Tarbuster

climber
right here, right now
Jan 3, 2009 - 04:38pm PT
We were all once hanging around a campfire in Joshua Tree.
(That happened a few times...)

I do not remembers the conversation exactly;
 But Zeesh in his infinite and wacky crazy wisdom said: ..."You're a LIFER Roy... heheh yaaaahhw"

...dangit' if that proclamation hasn't proven out in spades.
pk_davidson

Trad climber
Albuquerque, NM
Jan 7, 2009 - 07:11pm PT
Awesome oils Z.


And a remembrance for Jeff...
The Dude

climber
Truckee, CA
Jan 7, 2009 - 08:04pm PT
I saw this guy in the 90s at Devil's lake walking up the trail in cut off jeans carrying his gear in a paper bag. Defenitely not your typical climber in those parts. We found out that guy was Eric Z, met him that day and climbed with him for a few years there after that. We were fairly new climbers and he took me and my brother under his wing and taught us so much about climbing. More so than that, he shared an incredible perspective of the sport and life in general with me. One of the nicest guys I've ever meet.

I'll never forget working on some new projects bouldering there and hearing his yell through the woods... " Haaa! What the hell are you Hambones up to over there"

Stuart E
Maysho

climber
Truckee, CA
Jan 7, 2009 - 09:23pm PT
Big Howdy and Welcome Eric!!

Always enjoyed seeing you in Yos back then.

This place will be better for your presence here...

Glad to hear your still gettin out and crankin! Me too.

Peter
Texplorer

Trad climber
Reno
Jan 7, 2009 - 11:27pm PT
I am not really a contemporary of Zschiesche but even I have a few stories. I first met him at the Creek. Eric and Chick Holcamp were climbing something next to us and taking whippers off of it. When they got down I was amazed that they were using pretty much first generation friends. Later that week I remember Eric giving tricks are for kids (5.13) a try. He was pretty much off the couch and goin for one of the creeks hardest climbs.

Another great moment was once in the valley. I signed up for some kind of clean up day. Whoever was in charge put Zschiesche in charge of party cleaning up the base of el cap. Well, the morning of the clean up I see him walking though camp 4 about 7:00am with a fresh King Cobra. By the time we got to the meadow he was pretty lit up. I remember him stumbling about the base in flip-flops saying, "this is far enough, no-one goes past this point anyway." We were only to about New Dawn.

In an age where we idolize people for climbing pinkie cracks and infantisimally small edges there are still not that many characters like him.


Steve Grossman

Trad climber
Seattle, WA
Jan 10, 2009 - 04:31pm PT
Speaking of The Mule...From Hard Rock on the Lemmon, Climbing 101,April 1987.

Steve Grossman

Trad climber
Seattle, WA
Nov 6, 2009 - 01:22am PT
Mule bump!
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
Nov 6, 2009 - 01:36am PT
hey there all, say... just dropping in to appreciate all you've shared about a buddy....

really DO love to hear all the "old days" stories, too...
so here is appreciating eric...

thanks for the share...
Tea

Trad climber
Behind the Zion Curtain
Jun 24, 2010 - 02:04pm PT
Just saw the man himself..not 5 minutes ago.

Still at it, climbing and making great artwork...and all with that unique laugh that could rattle the pillars of Solomon.

E Robinson

climber
Salinas, CA
Jun 24, 2010 - 04:17pm PT
Wow, this has just been a nice read. Zscheiche was always one of my favorite people to run into in way back in time. MAybe one of these our paths will cross again.
E
J. Werlin

Social climber
Cedaredge, CO
Jun 24, 2010 - 06:21pm PT
I'll always bump for EZ.
Dave Davis

Social climber
Seattle, WA
Jun 25, 2011 - 02:02am PT
Wow, I wish I had discovered this thread earlier. I remember Eric as a fresh-faced young boy in Camp 4 back in 79. He kind of hung out with the Washington climbers back then and sure kept us entertained.That guy was one ballsy climber as well, and he just kept getting better. Climbed the West Face of Sentinnel with him and a few other shorter climbs. Always entertaining to climb or hang out with.I watched the short clip of him climbing at Indian Creek and I'd say it captured the essence of Zschiesche.It just brought a huge grin to my face and a laugh as well. What a trip down nostalgia lane. Us old guys get rather pathetcally maudlin at times.Eric my bro., I'm glad to hear your still out there and wish you well.
ericz

climber
Ogden, UT
Jul 6, 2011 - 03:14pm PT
Hey Dave, Nice to hear from you,.. and the stroll down memory lane. It was great fun hanging in the Valley from the late '70's to mid '80's. Many fond recollections,.. with numerous ones of the wonderful gang from Washington state. The West Face was a hoot,.. as I recall, done to mirror the Lodge film shown at that time. Dave, thanks again,... and may our paths cross again sometime...
Steve Grossman

Trad climber
Seattle, WA
Jul 6, 2011 - 03:20pm PT
Come up to Seattle sometime Eric, once the rest of the land is sweltering.

You won't be stainin' your swede like back home!
ericz

climber
Ogden, UT
Jul 6, 2011 - 03:25pm PT
Hey Steve, Thanks for the invite,.. one of these days it would be fun to get back up Seattle way. Don't think I've been there since the Sonics took the title in '79. Cheers !
Russ Walling

Gym climber
Poofter's Froth, Wyoming
Jul 6, 2011 - 03:28pm PT
Z-baby! What up? We were just talking about you a few short weeks back.... me and Chez with Dave Groth on the phone. Good times man, good times!
chez

Social climber
chicago ill
Jul 6, 2011 - 03:46pm PT
Z,
Missed you at the memorial. What happened?
Dave Davis

Social climber
Seattle, WA
Jul 7, 2011 - 06:18pm PT
You mean the Oklahoma City Sonics? Wouldn't stand a chance in one of our full contact games at the Yosemite schoolyard.










ericz

climber
Ogden, UT
Jul 9, 2011 - 02:00pm PT
Walling, warm salutations,... myself, just schlepping @ northern Utah, one of these days I'll get out to CA. Chez, yeah, would have liked to make it,.. gave Rich the club salute here in the Wasatch... Davis, Seattle's Pro basketball team,... run & gun!
Steve Grossman

Trad climber
Seattle, WA
Aug 31, 2013 - 02:09pm PT
Giant in American Climbing Bump...just for grins!
Dave Davis

Social climber
Seattle, WA
Aug 31, 2013 - 09:49pm PT
You still there Eric? I sent the link of you doing that crack in Indian creek to Greg McKenna, remember him? He recently started climbing again.Hope all is well and we get a few more good stories.
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