Last night (Saturday Night) I had the chance to slip out of the Hostel and catch the Kurt Smith's movie premiere at Miguel’s. I arrived late and slipped in behind the gathering of viewers. The film was awesome, I’m not much of a film critic. All I know is, “God! Those guys stuck some fantastic, if not unbelievable, moves”.
As I stood in the dark, looking out over a wonderful diversified group of people. It dawned on me, the climbing community has become...well, “a community”. Yes, I know we have always been close knit. But what impressed me was the diversification. Years ago we all seemed to fit several common profiles. Most of us where in college (or should have been), intellectual by nature and often opinionated. Not that we where closed minded, in fact we often hailed from the left wing, we where prodigies of the 60’s and readily embraced and understood icon such as the Grateful Dead.
Today I see a more diversified multifaceted community. It is a community that includes all ages, nationalities and experience levels. We have branched into multiple styles of climbing, big wall, trad, bouldering, sport, etc. Each brings it own unique perspective and personality to the community. We have developed political groups, embraced technology and documented our history. As I ponder, in the dark, two children came running by. I smiled as I realized, “there goes our future”. It’s a good community and an overall safe community. If it takes a community to raise a child, then wow, what a neat community for a child to be part of.
Oh...I know we have our difference. But, on this particular cool fall night everything was in order. I even believe our prodigal son, JH, was eating at the front picnic table. Sandy had the gear sell going, Miguel was in the back, and the parking lot was full. I took a look around at the ambience, which only Miguel’s can create, and took comfort in the realization that no matter how large we grow, how mature and sophisticated we become, we still feel most comfortable in a setting that is reminiscent of the 60’s. And if Jerry Garcia could have been there last night, I think he would have felt right at home.
What a neat community to be part of! Thanks to all, who make it what it is.
Tribute to Miguel's and the Community
Tribute to Miguel's and the Community
Last edited by TrueNorth on Sun Sep 28, 2003 11:14 pm, edited 2 times in total.
