Join adventurer Forest Altherr for a rockin’ presentation about his climbing experiences in Yosemite. Courtesy/PEEC
PEEC News:
Community members and especially stone monkeys are invited to the Los Alamos Mountaineers meeting Tuesday, Aug. 22 to hear from adventurer Forest Altherr about his rock climbing experiences in Yosemite.
The presentation begins at 7:15 p.m. at the Los Alamos Nature Center. The Los Alamos Mountaineers meeting starts at 7 p.m. and cover information about upcoming outings.
Altherr has been exploring the cracks, crevaces and faces of Yosemite’s largest granite slabs since 2008. Inspired by the valley’s iconic monoliths, Altherr initially dedicated himself to the craft of honing the intellectual, psychological and physical skills necessary to climb many of the classic routes on El Capitan. While primarily a rock climber with a taste for big routes, he enjoys all aspects of climbing. Not only is the sport thrilling, but it also provides a sense of connection among dedicated climbers worldwide.
Altherr will explore the contrast between dichotomous styles of big wall climbing: vertical camping and speed climbing. Drawing from recent experience with the Nose (5.8 C2) and Freerider (5.12d), he will focus on the skills required to have a good time. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to not only hear from Altherr, but also determine which big wall routes are within your grasp. As long as you have the willingness to learn and the drive to push through perceived barriers, you may just be the next Forest Altherr.
Yosemite National Park is North America’s birthplace of big wall rock climbing, and the park’s reputation remains global in its reach. Climbers from every continent congregate in this granite mecca annually to live out their dreams on the soaring faces of grey and gold rock. El Capitan captivates the attention of the vertically obsessed. Sheer walls rise 3,000 feet from valley to sky within a short walk from the parking area. When observing the rock from a quarter mile away, the seemingly minuscule features mask the fine detail that a climber experiences on a vertical odyssey. The ability to engage with the landscape and leave the crowds on the valley floor behind propel a monkey’s appetite for upward motion.
The Los Alamos Mountaineers meetings are always free to the public, and no registration is required.
For more information about this and other Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) programs, visit www. peecnature.org, email programs@peecnature.org or call 505.662.0460.
PEEC was founded in 2000 to serve the community of Los Alamos. It offers people of all ages a way to enrich their lives by strengthening their connections to our canyons, mesas, mountains, and skies. PEEC operates the Los Alamos Nature Center at 2600 Canyon Road, holds regular programs and events, and hosts a number of interest groups from birding to hiking to butterfly watching. PEEC activities are open to everyone; however, members receive exclusive benefits such as discounts on programs and merchandise. Annual memberships start at $35. To learn more, visit www.peecnature.org.
