This is climbing. But do you really love hte outdoors?

[Wicked Tribe]

So true.

ynot, Dwayne and I had a pretty good day one crowded saturday out in the undergrowth of Indian Creek. Part of the fun was knowing that no one else every goes to those obscure crags.

[tomdarch]

I don't like the options, but you are on to something with the intent of the poll.

I sport and trad climb, but I'm not much of an outdoors freak. I don't mind dirt, but I hate bugs and I dislike heat and humidity. If a 'climate control' system was installed that kept things in the 70's with moderate humidity in the summer and in the 50's with low humidity in the winter, I wouldn't object on 'ideological' grounds. Similarly, if the bugs all disappeared, I wouldn't complain. (Of course, the broader environment requires that temps swing wildly across the year and bugs are a fundamental part of the eco-system - I'm just trying to explain my feelings about the outdoors in regards to climbing). I know that the PC thing is to say that 'the outdoors are great, indoor anything sucks', but that's not how I, personally, feel. Part of what I love about climbing is the outdoor experience, but it isn't the exclusive thing for me.

Whenever there are these discussions about 'the outdoors' or 'wilderness' there are a bunch of sub-texts that usually are not discussed. I often wonder how much people really like the direct experience of the outdoors as opposed to valuing 'the outdoors' as a set of signifiers representing something else that is valued. (Is it really a 'phenomenological' thing, or is it really a 'semiotic' thing for most people?)

[pigsteak]

right on tom....since when is "outdoors" such a hallowed thing. I read somewhere a while back....100 years ago our ancestors intentionally tried to escape the supposed "great outdoors"...the only reason we love it now is because we are chained inside for most of our lives. it has very little to do with "outdoors", and more to do with discontent in other areas of our lives...(the "to get away" idea)

[charlie]

It has to do with birds, wildflowers, and the fact that my cell doesn't ring and it's only the 'friendlies' that can find me after Friday night.

It's really not so much about climbing as it is minimizing buzz kill. Anyway that's how it works for me.

[Guest]

me too, Charlie. Until the climbing obsession got a full hold on me, I was an avid backpacker, skier, fisher(wo)man, mountain biker, and star gazer. I also love the ocean and water sports. While the Red may not offer a true 'wilderness' experience, there are plenty of remote crags where you can enjoy solitude and peace if you choose.

How many of you turn around at the top of a climb and take in the view? I know I do. Also, if you aren't traveling to other places to climb once in a while, you are missing out. The Red is certainly beautiful, but slogging up a scree slope for 3.5 miles and topping out on a desert tower is something else all together.

This poll is messed up, though. WT, your 'cuteness' made it so confusing that you probably aren't seeing the results you were looking to find. I know my vote isn't accurate now that you have explained yourself.



Is anyone else sick of all the freakin polls around here lately?

[kclimb]

Although I have to admit that part of the beauty of being outside is that I'm not stuck inside, I do love what being outside has to offer: fresh air, beauty... especially this time of the year... wide open spaces, blue sky, sunshine, and life all around us in so many forms.

It's not always perfect... such as during thunderstorms... for climbing, but that's all part of it. It's still better than being cooped up inside!!

As far as all the polls... I don't mind. If I don't want to participate for whatever reason, I don't. No problem.

[Wes]

I don't need to go to the red to see the beauty of nature, I can find it everywhere. I don't need to bushwack to the middle of nowhere to find a sense of peace, I can find it at Roadside/The arena/fotress on a busy day. I don't have to travel to India to have a spirtual experence, I can have one in my car, stuck in traffic.

I do find the beauty of being able to latch a hold that seemed 12 inches to far away 5 minutes before, even if it is in a crowded gym. I can feel the joy that comes from watching someone work a problem until you just want them to quit, for their own well being, only to see them send the next go. I do have moments of enlightenment while climbing, when I totally forget where/who/why I am.

People aways think places make the mood, but in reality, you make the mood, regardless of where you are.


Wes

[charlie]

I can feel the joy that comes from watching someone work a problem until you just want them to quit, for their own well being, only to see them send the next go. Wes

Is this anyone I know?

People aways think places make the mood, but in reality, you make the mood, regardless of where you are.
Wes

Agreed.

[Lucinda]

Yet another poll thinly disguised as an opportunity to spray! Goody! I started out running around naked in the Gorge, that was around 1977 or so. For all you young ones, it was OK to run areound naked in the woods back then. Then I moved away to the flatlands and spent as much time lurking in what passes for woods in central Indiana. Then I moved to the big city and fought with all the uppies on they way to the beach and Walden Pond...ya wanna see environmental impacts? Now I'm back home and try to climb in order to escape the mind numbing implications of my existance (with clothes on thank you) The only thing better than a quiet choss pile, or crack or flake is a good hike with all kinds of wildflowers, critters, snow, leaves and stuff on the way.

[ynot]

You mean you cant run around in the woods naked anymore? O shlt!
The saddle between symphony wall and Jazz rock is an amazing untrodden spot. I wish I could be there with a camera when the leaves peak in a few days.And there's that huge never before done crack right in the corner.........