NEWS: Access Fund Jeep Salutes Mitch Underhill

The Access Fund keeps climbing areas open and gives us the freedom to go out and experience these wild, beautiful places and have meaningful experiences. The national advocacy organization keeps climbing areas in the U.S. open and protected through policy creation, stewardship, education and even land acquisition. I deeply believe in the Access Fund, and support its values and mission. In fact I served two terms (six years!) on the board of directors. Over the years, I’ve made a lot of financial and creative contributions to the Access Fund, including allowing them always to use my images.

It’s very cool to see one of my images of my friend Mitch Underhill climbing wrapped on the Access Fund Jeep. Mitch was a very close friend, and he epitomized the spirit of being an adventurer. He was an amazing athlete and an amazing guy—an incredible husband and father of two children. But sadly, in a deep blow to the community, Mitch passed away this last year.

Seeing this image of Mitch on the Access Fund Jeep is even more meaningful in the wake of his passing. And I’d like to think that now, in some way, Mitch is still getting to go from crag to crag.

Thanks, Access Fund, for doing what you do and for instilling the freedom and spirit in all climbers that inspires us to strive to live up to the examples of guys like Mitch.