Discussion Topic |
|
This thread has been locked |
Anastasia
climber
Not here
|
|
|
Jun 10, 2009 - 11:42am PT
|
We might not have the greatest climbing areas, but what is lacking in geography is made up by good climbers making the most of it. Malibu is good for making a person strong and Stoney is full of Kamp's magical spirit.
Now that Erik is the newest member of SoCal thanks to Skip, this place is super good.
Hope you enjoy your stay. Now if anyone doesn't mind me coming along... Erik, just get Skip to give me a call.
:)AF
|
|
ydpl8s
Trad climber
Santa Monica, California
|
|
|
Jun 10, 2009 - 12:21pm PT
|
I live in Santa Monica, so about the same place as you will be. For a day trip, I'd second Malibu Creek (and yes watch out for those itchy leaves). If you've got a weekend, Tahquitz can't be beat, get some elevation and cooler breezes on the rock where Robbins and the boys worked out their chops.
|
|
Fat Dad
Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
|
|
|
Jun 10, 2009 - 02:16pm PT
|
Glad this thread is having a happy ending. I work in Santa Monica but too bad my schedule is too crammed to join you.
Donini wrote: "Sorry FD, I was referring to the climbing. Culturally, LA is OK, but JUST OK."
I certainly can't argue with the former, alas. As for the latter, OK, it's not New York or London but that's likely the topic of a whole new thread.
|
|
klk
Trad climber
cali
|
|
|
Jun 10, 2009 - 02:38pm PT
|
"Culturally, LA is OK, but JUST OK."
Ok, I'll bite.
LA is the quintessential 20th century city, so if you hate 20th century culture, then you'll have to go to Rome or Paris. Otherwise, LA is one of the world's major art cities-- only NYC rivals it in North America, and when it comes to contemporary art, LA is arguably more significant.
Probably the best collection of modernist architecture you are likely to find anywhere-- from Neutra to Frank Lloyd Wright (who do more of his modernist houses in SoCal than the rest of the US combined).
When it comes to pop culture, nowhere else comes close-- from custom cars to body culture to street fashion and food. Miami is the only other place I've been that can compare, and it's both smaller and less diverse.
LA is grimmest if you spend all yr time with stupid boring rich white people on the westside. Palisades? Westwood? Brentwood? Most of Santa Monica? Rich white 'burbs in the valleys? Probably sucks to be you. Get a real local to give you a tour in a respectable muscle car.
And London blows.
|
|
Levy
Big Wall climber
So Cal
|
|
|
Jun 10, 2009 - 03:55pm PT
|
What Kerwin said, I have to agree.
The superficiality of many LA-liens is sad. So many fake plastic people here but so many of then gravitate to the entertainment industry & come from all over the world to find their own niche in the "industry". Actors & extras, drivers & the driven, all sorts are present but if you look closely at your own comminities, you'll find some of the same folks in your area too.
What really sets LA apart is the diversity of outdoor options available that are unparalleled. I have snow skiied in July, and waterskiied on New Years Day.. You can surf & ski the same day. Plus you have over 30 different crags within 3 1/2 hours drive from LA, ranging from sandstone, to limestone to granite. I've met some really great folks over the years here & some of the folks who showed yesterday at Purple Stones were new to me but we just clicked & I imagine we'll be friends for long after this. There really is a great, supportive community of climbers in LA, but don't tell anyone else. I would be sorry to see crowds & trash increase. Ask your friends to give something back to their respective communities & see what you gain in return. You'll be surprised.
|
|
Brian
climber
Cali
|
|
|
Jun 10, 2009 - 04:17pm PT
|
I have to admit that I've come around to appreciating LA as well. After growing up here, I ran as far as possible. I dropped out of school and moved to Japan. Over my adult life I've left here no fewer than 3 times with the intent to never return. However, now that I'm back (the past 7 years), I've somehow been able to settle in and I've come to appreciate aspects of LA. I'm afraid that I'm more drawn to classical culture than to pop or modernist, but one can't have everything.
Ditto the previous post on the great climbing within striking distance (see my previous post and the contention that LA is 'world class' as a city with weekend-distance climbing), and the many great, friendly climbers here. The only downside is that things are so spread out that I sometimes don't see folks for awhile, running into them here and there over months and years.
Glad to see some other SoCal climbers appreciating the shiny parts of our grimy city!
Brian
|
|
bvb
Social climber
flagstaff arizona
|
|
|
Jun 10, 2009 - 06:02pm PT
|
i'm gonna chime in...all of the stuff that levy pointed out that makes l.a. more than o.k., we had in spades in san diego. i'm so grateful to have been raised there, and it was just a great, great place to learn how to climb...just had the best of times with a great crew. viva socal!
|
|
donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
|
|
|
Jun 10, 2009 - 06:58pm PT
|
KLK,
Nice summation of the LA cultural scene. Don't take anything I say too seriously unless, perhaps, the subject is climbing. Have to remind you that it's now the 21st century.
|
|
pyro
Big Wall climber
Calabasas
|
|
|
Jun 10, 2009 - 07:59pm PT
|
climbing is in L.A.
born in Vanuys. family's in Calabasas. each weekend i get out and hit some rock climb in los Angeles. (Go Lakers!).
also, Jeff Constine ~ Dume is only good for surfing.
|
|
klk
Trad climber
cali
|
|
|
Jun 10, 2009 - 08:13pm PT
|
"Have to remind you that it's now the 21st century."
I was just being careful with my claims-- I haven't lived in LA since the last century, hehe.
|
|
MisterE
Trad climber
One Step Beyond!
|
|
|
Jun 10, 2009 - 10:35pm PT
|
Bump for Friday:
Joe, Elcapinyoazz, Justthemaid & MisterE are heading out to Malibu Creek Friday at noon.
Joe put up some new stuff we're going to check out - ping me if you're in.
|
|
|
SuperTopo on the Web
|
Let us know!