Sending off Hyalite

I believe that the people you are climbing with, are as important as the things you're climbing. I'm truly grateful for all of the great climbing partners I've had this season. This past weekend was the last for ice climbing in Hyalite for the winter. We sent out the season in style, shooting an ad campaign for Kuhl and climbing all around the canyon trying to avoid the sun baked climbs that were crashing to the ground like Scud missiles. Sticky ice and great climbing partners made the past week fly by. I was lucky enough to go six out of the past seven days on tools and or skis, climbing with new and old partners throughout. It was really great.  

Looking back, throughout my seasons journey I've been blessed to tie in with some truly amazing people. My main climbing partner Matt Whitman I owe a ton to. I wouldn't be the climber I am today if it wasn't for him. This winter we've taken down some big and challenging climbs from Cody to Colorado, we've drank some cold beer and have had a good time all the while.  All the people I've tied in with have educated my perspective on climbing and to each I'm grateful. This winter I've also had the pleasure of teaching a ton of new climbers how to ice climb and as the season winds down I find myself reflecting back with a sense of happiness for the season gone by and looking forward with a new sense of purpose to achieve even greater things in the mountains.  

For me ice climbing offers a level of balance and perspective in life to be ever present in both the mind and body. Just beyond the edge of our tools is a reality we can change and shape. I hope we do so for the better. Be good the the people you climb with and the places you get to climb. The values of this game are much more than the events of it.

In yoga there's the concept of taking your practice off your mat, now it's time to take the ice climb off the mountain. Thank you Hyalite for all that you give. Until next season...