International Man of Mystery...

My photo
I grew up in the Boston area and lived there until my junior year in high school when I attended the Mountain School, a semester program run by Milton Academy in Vershire, VT. I then attended Colby College in Waterville, ME. During my time at Colby I studied anthropology, spent a semester in Northeast India, and became fluent in Nepali. Before I became a guide I earned my black belt in kenpo karate and taught karate for 6 years. I began guiding in college on the rocky coast of ME with Acadia Mountain Guides and on ice at the International Mountain Climbing School in NH. After graduating I took to the highway and drove from ME to WA for the big mountains and glaciers. I spend my winters in lovely Ouray, CO guiding in the famous ice park. I am currently working towards becoming a certified guide through the American Mountain Guides Association. I live, work and play in the hills and on the rocks. On the rocks both literally and, well, with ice.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Classic Rock...and Ice



All around the world are what climbers call "classic" routes a classic route is a test piece, a proving grounds and, most importantly, really good climbing. Good climbing includes good views, fun moves, and an exciting challenge.

There are so many routes in the world of varying quality, it can be hard to wade through the hundreds of pages of routes in a guide book, not to mention the possibilities for first ascents. Classic climbs are often the ones that you heard of around a campfire in a campground or that friends tell you, "you have to do it!"

One of the best parts about a classic route is the way that when you talk to anyone about the route, old friend or new, their eyes light up in a way that is reserved only for very special experiences. Because of the popularity of many classic routes we get to share this connection with other climbers all over the country and even the world. It is this connection, this set of shared experiences that is the foundation for local and even global climbing communities.

Drinking the Kool-Aid,
Eitan
Enjoy the photos of some classic routes! Top to bottom: Ames Ice Hose, CO, Stairway to Heaven, CO, and Black Orpheus, NV

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