It’s always an exciting time of the year when the American Alpine Journal arrives in the mail. This year I was delighted to see my photograph on the cover featuring David Lama and climbing partner Daniel Streuerer walking in front of Cerro Torre in Patagonia. This particular edition of the American Alpine Journal is special to me because it includes two different stories that I was intimately involved with. The first, being my trip to Patagonia with David Lama, Peter Ortner, Hayden Kennedy and Jason Kruk. The second was a trip to Alaska, specifically the Arrigetch Peaks in the Brooks Range, that I made with Tommy Caldwell, Hayden Kennedy, Tommy Thompson, Todd Offenbacher and Dane Henry. Special thanks to Tommy Baynard for making this trip possible, what an adventure! Both trips are featured in this issue of the American Alpine Journal and each was significant and exciting in there own ways.
**Climber is Tommy Caldwell. Caption should read, “Tommy Caldwell during the decent from Deep in the Alaskan Bush, with the unclimbed south face of Xanadu behind, Arrigetch Range, Alaska.”
While reading the newest edition of the American Alpine Journal, I am always reminded of the small tribe and tight community that we live, play, and work in. It’s amazing how many alpine expeditions share similar athletes, crew, and stories. A particular adventure that stands out is “The Shark’s Fin Redux” trip with my close friends Jimmy Chin, Conrad Anker and Renan Ozturk. Their story and adventure is prominently featured in the 2012 AAJ. Looking through the journal, I saw many other names of close and long time friends doing amazing things in the mountains. While taking a close look at climber Hayden Kennedy’s “Alaska” story, I realized that my name is misspelled in the photo credits. Coincidentally, I tend to see this a lot as my name gets mixed up with fellow adventure photographer Cory Richards. By the way Cory, if you’re reading this and any checks have arrived for me please send them my way :). If you haven’t had a chance, re-up your membership with The American Alpine Club and get your free copy of the American Alpine Journal! Support a great organization and a good cause.
