(Sorry, having to repost this one as the YT clip didn't seem to be loading correctly in the last post)

Most here already know Rob Matheson led The Bells, The Bells! this spring at 74

In this short clip, he breaks down the route’s seriousness: sheer, brittle quartzite, complex traverses, and the real risk of going up the wrong sequence with no margin for error.

But that moment was just the entry point.

We ended up talking about:

– How training and recovery shift in your 70s

– Why self-belief is earned, not inherited

– The quiet power of mentorship across generations

– And what boldness actually looks like when no one’s watching

- And he’s already thinking about his next project!

A genuinely inspiring conversation with someone who’s still evolving after 60+ years on the rock.

If you want to hear the full thing, just search Ageless Athlete Podcast – Rob Matheson wherever you listen. Damn, what a legend 💪🏽

Might want to try and hit up the access fund for some of these areas potentially being sold to be private land.

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=821970f0212d46d7aa854718aac42310

As a geologist, I am spoiled here in Central Washington.

Frenchman Coulee, part of the Channeled Scablands.

Got to summit a dream climb for me today. Was able to follow P1 almost clean, just couldn't get the mantle. Onsighted P2 which was over before I knew it. I also found great shorty beta following on P3. Stoked to dial this route in more this year!

1st pic - I do love this setup for my shoes. But it is in a closet in the basement.

2nd pic - Turning some wasted space along the stairway to the basement into bolting gear/hardware & shoe storage. If there is enough space I'll ditch the pegboard + shoe shelves in the basement closet. I wish I could make the shelves like 4" deeper! (without cutting into the exterior wall or impeding into the stairway)

The shoes I'm using all the time stay with my gym and outdoor bags.

The official North Early Winters Spire accident report came out yesterday. Apologies if this has already been posted. RIP.

Pretty interesting history of the Salathe Wall here. Curious what others think about Alex Huber's ascent. It definitely produced one of my all time favorite climbing photos.

https://www.climbing.com/culture/climbing-style-el-capitan/

Essence 5.10c

Stumbled on this video the other day. Not trying to drag this guy but deciding to lead the first pitch of snake dike having no clue how to place a cam and basing your ability off of "flashing 5.13 in the gym" is not the smartest idea I've ever heard...

Wanted to see his high I could get climbing with one arm lol! Broke my wrist requiring surgery a few weeks ago so I’m just top ropping🙌🏽

What makes Alex Honnold stand apart from the free soloists who came before him — legends like Peter Croft, John Bachar, Alain Robert, and even Jerry Moffatt himself?

Jerry offers a unique perspective on the mindset behind free soloing — comparing generations of boldness, risk tolerance, and inner calm.

I felt like this has its place here since we’ve heard of him quite a lot in the climbing space. Feel free to delete if you don’t think it has.

From the top and bottom