Charles Duerig, 50, Avid Climber for 30 Years, Falls to Death in California–UPDATED

Sad news coming from WTAE Channel 4 out of Pittsburgh today.  Charles Duerig, while climbing with his brother in California, slipped in rainy conditions and fell to his death yesterday.  His family is from the Pittsburgh area.

Duerig had been an avid climber in the United States and Europe for over 30 years.

For more on this sad story, head on over to the WTAE-4 Website.  I will bring you more as I find out.

UPDATE–08/31/07–1:35 pm

At this time it is being reported  in the SummitPost Forum that Mr. Duerig had fallen in the vincinty of Mt. Hamilton, a 14,000 foot peak near Mt. Whitney in the Sierra.  This accident is being reported as happening this past Sunday, but has just hit the waves.  Mr. Duerig was a well known marathon runner and climber, hailing from Castro Valley.

The 50-year-old Duerig was climbing the mountain with a friend Sunday when the two became separated.

After the friend reported Duerig missing, searchers found his body at the bottom of a canyon at the 12,500-foot level.

Authorities believe he fell 100 feet after trying to anchor himself to a rock, and probably died immediately.

Duerig was an avid climber who had led numerous rock climbs in Yosemite and elsewhere in the Sierra, as well as in Canada and on mountains in Pennsylvania, New York and West Virginia

Was just reading the California wires and came across this. My condolences to his family and friends.

Once again, this was featured over at the SummitPost forum where there continues to be new information emerging.

Mr. Duerig, as posted by another reader, had recently taken part in the Skyline 50k.

Let’s all keep Charles’ family, friends, and associates in our thoughts and prayers.

Mt. Hood: Deep Blue Zone Updated with New Info and Second Printing

 

Hubert A. Allen’s great book covering the December 2006 tragedy on Mt. Hood has been updated and given a second printing.  Mt. Hood: The Deep Blue Zone will now feature a big piece of information that the media has had wrong about the snowcaves on Mt. Hood.

Mr. Allan has recently had the opportunity to journey to Mt. Hood, and climb it, and has come back with some startling new information about what the media was percieving and what the truth actually was.

I would venture and tell you of the new revelations, but Mr. Allen is the expert.  Go buy his book and find out!  This book is available at Amazon, Barnes&Noble, BooksaMillion, and HubertAllen.com.  If you are wanting a signed copy though, you are going to have to go through Mr. Allan’s personal site.

I recently conducted a full interview with Mr. Allen that was featured here on The Adventurist.  This interview revealed an update on what has been taking place in the months preceeding this tragic incident, as well as some personal insight into what actually took place during this time.  Definately interesting and worth the read.  I also done a feature on the first printing of Mr. Allen’s book, Mt. Hood:  The Deep Blue Zone, that might be of interest as well.  It will tell you a bit more about the book itself.

If the subject of the Mt. Hood tragedy interests you in the slightest, I highly recommend this read.  Mr. Allen has spent a considerable amount of time researching the facts and the media, deciphering what was true and fact.

I am only hoping that this second printing of Mt Hood: The Deep Blue Zone can be attributed to the fact of his coverage here at The Adventurist.  Seriously though, it does show that this subject continues to be of interest to not only climbers, but the public in general.  As far as I know, this is the only book out there with everything from this incident.  Check it out.

The Adventurist: A Slightly Different Look and more..

I have finally been able to take a little time and do a bit of “streamlining” with the site.  I think it is a bit easier to navigate once you find your way around.

The first major change–you will notice that the two side-bars on my site have now been switched.  This should allow for a bit easier navigation.  I have also done away with the “Top Stories” area.  These are the stories that are the most “clicked” on this site, and really useless to anyone other than myself.  The next thing to go was all the different stats buttons and ratings. Once again, most of these items were for my own knowledge about who was using the site, where they were coming from, ect.  It didn’t really add anything to your experience.  I have also expanded the “Recent Post” area.  It now features the latest 15 articles put up, rather than 5.

Links Updated

Every so often I go through the links area just to make sure that, for one thing, they are all still working.  You would be amazed at how fast sites come and go.  I deleted a couple of them that were not relevent to what I was doing here, but I also added a few more that were. 

additions:  Topia Road, Out and About, and Topix.  Topia Road is a new online publication dedicated to skiing and snowboarding.  Has some great articles and will be of interest to those of you that Ski or Snowboard.

Out and About is a blog dealing with Outdoor Adventure and Sports written by Julie Jagg of the Santa Cruz Sentinal newspaper.  Great site that offers a bit of everything–especially if you live in California and the surrounding areas.  Julie currently has an article up on The Adventurist that you will find right beneath this post.

Topix happens to be a web based news site.  Their strength is the community built around their site.  Many of you will already know that I am the Editor of three different areas on Topix.  I currently edit the Mountain Climbing, Extreme Sports, and Outdoor Recreation areas.  I have included links to all three.  I did have the RSS feed for the climbing area up on the site, but I felt that a link was sufficent.

Speaking of RSS feeds

You will notice that I have taken this area way down from 7 to 2 at this time.  I have kept Alan Arnette’s and The Adventure Blog’s–the rest are gone.  This is not a done deal.  Some the the RSS’s I featured are once again not being updated on a continous basis–or–their content has changed a bit from what I find useful.  The feeds I did take away, I have ensured that they do have links up on the site to the info that was previously carried there.  I don’t feel that staring at the same story title for two months was helping out the cause here.  I will be adding new material as I run across it though.  I have my eye on a couple of new ones, as well as at least one of the old ones to possibly put back up.

On to other news…

I currently have articles up on Adventure Sports Weekly as well as Topia Road that I have written.  They are both up if you want to check them out. 

Adventure-X, my new syndicated column featured on Topix, has recieved pretty good reviews and quite a bit of traffic.  Looks like this will be an ongoing project.  You will notice a link at the top of this page titled “Adventure-X”.  This will take you to the articles being done on Topix.  I will be putting up a new column once a week and you will be able to find it in this area.

That about does it.  I hope the new look is ok, I am interested in hearing feedback regarding this.  Likes, dislikes ect..Let me know.

 Jason A. Hendricks, Editor

Film Follows Climber Chris Sharma’s Search for Difficult, Picturesque ‘King Lines’

By Julie Jagg

SANTA CRUZ — When it comes to sports superstars, few fly farther under the radar than world-class rock climber Chris Sharma. His talents in climbing are considered on par with Michael Jordan’s in basketball. His ego, however, would seem more closely matched to modest tennis great Pete Sampras.

But all that’s about to change. The man who has been called humble, spiritual, even reticent in innumerous articles and interviews said he thinks, in truth, he’s a bit uppity.

“A lot of people focus on climbing. I focus on climbing hard routes, but I’m kind of a snob, I guess,” he said Tuesday while taking a break from his world travels to do some skateboarding here in his hometown.

“I want to climb hard routes, but I want something that inspires me”

Sharma, 26, has the ability to climb just about anything anywhere. But he said he turns up his nose at any problem — no matter how challenging — that’s not also picturesque.

“The esthetics for me, that’s the thing,” he said. “To find these amazing pieces of rock that also have another element. That’s kind of the definition of king lines: They’re big and hard and amazing, but they also have that esthetic”

Sharma began searching the world for rocks to climb at age 17. In the nine years since, he has found and conquered many of the gnarliest rocks in the most beautiful corners of the planet. Now his search for these “king lines,” as he calls them, is the subject of a documentary by the same name that will be shown Sept. 7 at the Rio Theatre as the headliner for the Reel Rock Film Tour.

Directors and college buddies Josh Lowell of Big Up Productions and Peter Mortimer of Sender Films teamed up to make “King Lines,” which has the highest budget of an climbing film in history and won an Emmy for a high-definition segment that appeared on NBC earlier this year. Mortimer said the project came together organically once Sharma told them the location and difficulty of his most recent project. It was Es Pontas, a line up a towering limestone arch encircled by sapphire blue waters off the coast of Mallorca, Spain.

“The arch is something where if you imagined a fantasy climb, that’s what you would imagine,” Lowell said. “It’s this perfect arch rising out of the Mediterranean Sea, and the movement that’s required to climb it is pretty amazing, too. If there was a video game of climbing, that arch would be in it.

“We thought, ‘Wow,’” Lowell added. “If Chris can do this thing, it will be the coolest thing he’s done and the coolest thing we’ve filmed.’ ”

Conquering Es Pontas entailed deep-water soloing, a climbing style fairly new to Sharma in which he would use no rope and rely on the water below to break his falls. Near the top of the climb was a 7-foot blank stretch, which he would have to jump, or dyno in climbing lingo, to complete the climb. Sharma estimates he made at least 100 failed attempts to get across that section, each time plummeting 35 feet into the jelly fish-filled water below.

A fall meant starting over completely. Sharma would have swim to the support boat, dry off, change his clothes and shoes and get a new chalk bag to help his muscular fingers grip the small divots and crevices in the slippery stone. Then he would begin again at the bottom of the arch, making at least 25 moves before he arrived back at the daunting blank section.

It took Sharma nearly four months’ time, spaced out over a year, before he finally landed his 7-foot leap of faith and picked his way to the top of the arch. Once there, though, his celebration was subdued, with the joy from completing a difficult task mixing with the melancholy of knowing his time with Es Pontas had ended.

“Obviously really I was ecstatic, really psyched. But climbing is this thing that happens in the process. Once you do it, you’re psyched, but that’s the end of the process,” Sharma said. “When you complete it, that’s great. But then it’s like, ‘What’s next?’ ”

He wasted little time finding out.

Sharma’s sponsors pay him to find exotic climbs, so as soon as his time with Es Pontas ended, the hunt for another challenge began. By the end of the shooting for “King Lines,” the film crew had followed him around Venezuela, France, Greece, Utah and Southern California.

Most recently, they filmed him working on his current obsession. It’s a sport climb across the ceiling of a 300-foot cave off Interstate 15 in the Mojave Desert that has so few changes in pitch it requires an extra-long rope. He’ll return there in October in the hopes of completing it, which Mortimer said would probably make it the most difficult climb ever made.

Once that experience ends, Sharma said he will continue to seek out other new and unique challenges. Undoubtedly, they’ll all be set in some of the most beautiful places in the world.

But Lowell and Mortimer said they can’t blame Sharma for picking climbs in the prettiest places. They noted that it makes it much easier for him to draw the attention photographers and filmmakers like themselves [location, location, location]. And, it makes for a much nicer work environment.

Plus, after spending months following Sharma and working with him through some fairly unglamorous situations, they’re convinced his penchant for the picturesque climbs doesn’t really come from snobbery.

“That’s like saying someone who has a palette for really good food is a snob,” Mortimer said. “That’s so not true”

(Editor’s Note:  Julie Jagg, the author of the above article on Chris Sharma, is a Staff Writer and Assistant Sports Editor for the  Santa Cruz Sentinal.  Julie has given The Adventurist special permission to reprint this article.  Julie is also the author of her own Blog, “Out and About” dealing with Outdoor Adventure.  Very Nice.  Julie may be contacted at jjag@santacruzsentinel.com )

If You Go

Reel Rock Film Tour

WHAT: Collection of climbing films headlined by the ‘King Lines’ documentary on Chris Sharma of Santa Cruz. Sharma, fellow climbers Miguel Riera and Daila Ojeda and director Josh Lowell will be present.

WHEN: Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA.

Tickets: $10 at Pacific Edge Climbing Gym, 104 Bronson St, Santa Cruz.

On the Net: www.reelrocktour.com; www.senderfilms.com; www.bigupproductions.com

Laura Bush Injured While Hiking Zion National Park

First Lady Laura Bush has suffered an injury while hiking in Zion National Park.  The injury, while not life-threatening, will keep the First Lady from going to Australia in the coming days with President George W. Bush.

The First Lady’s spokesperson, Sally McDonough, revealed that the injury sustained actually came from a hiking trip the Bush’s were taking in the spring of this year at Zion National Park.  During a routine hike in the wilderness, First Lady Laura Bush sustained a painfully pinched nerve.

“The nerve is in her neck area and it is uncomfortable,” McDonough said. The spokeswoman said Laura Bush is not taking any medication for the injury “that I’m aware of”

Mrs. Bush, who did accompany her husband on a recent trip to Africa in June, has been going through physical therapy sessions with the White House doctors.  The White House doctors have recommended that Mrs. Bush not make the trip to Australia due to the long plane rides to and from the country.

Mrs. Bush has been allowed to continue her domestic flight schedule.  She has also contacted the Prime Minister of Australia’s wife and expressed her regrets for not being able to make the flight.

Sources:  ABC News and Earthtimes.org

A Black Diamond in Red China? Equipment Maker Moves Production Overseas

For years, Black Diamond has been a leader in the manufacturing of climbing equipment, and good equipment at that.  Black Diamond has recently announced that some of it’s product line will now be made in China. 

Among American climbers, this has started an uproar.  First, there is the quality issue of the equipment–being made in China, will quality issues be forthcoming?  Secondly, this has opened up a whole can of worms for the US vs. China made products.  China has been in the headlines recently for a few “noteworthy” quality issues..ie..lead paint on toys..  Thirdly, is it right for a company that has prided itself on it’s environmental focus to pick the most unenvironmental friendly atmosphere in the world to produce it’s products, and last but not least, who is exactly producing these items–slave labor..ect..

As you can see, this is a very touchy subject.  Many people that have been fans of Black Diamond for years are spouting their dissapproval for this move.  I actually ran across this conversation taking place at the forums on MountainProject.

The very cool thing about this discussion is that Black Diamond and a couple of other personnel that work for various other equipment makers have chimed into the discussion.  People want answers to these questions, and Black Diamond has taken a note to do something about it.  I think this is great!  Finally someone that will listen and at least address these very concerning issues.

I have never seen a company step forward and publicly address these kinds of questions, on such an open medium.  Even if I don’t believe in the practice of shipping our jobs overseas, at least they are answering..Got to give Kudos to Black Diamond for these efforts. 

I am going to be keeping an eye on this one for awhile and see how it comes out…The Good:  Black Diamond is talking about the issues. The Bad:  Part of production has moved overseas.  The Ugly?  China has the worst Environmental laws in the world.  Will be interesting to watch.

What are your thoughts?  How do companies moving overseas effect your views of the product?  Do you actually look into the issues when thinking about new gear..ie..where it is made, who is making it, and the future effects of where it is made on the environment..Chime in and tell me your views by posting a comment…

40 Year Anniversary of Worst Skydiving Accident Ever

Two days ago marked the 40th anniversary of the worst skydiving accident in history.  Eighteen recreational, though very experienced, skydivers plunged into Lake Erie.  Sixteen lives were lost and two managed to survive.

The skydivers were planning a routine jump off a B-25 aircraft, flying at 20,000 ft.  They jumped into solid cloud cover.  At 4,000 ft. everyone was suppose to deploy their chutes–no one knew where 4,000 ft. was.

In this tragedy, I still think that it is quite amazing that two people took a 20,000 ft. Freefall into Lake Erie and survived.  The survivors happened to be wearing styrofoam helmets, which they were able to use as floatation devices in the water.  The other 16 drowned.

For more on this tragedy, you can click HERE.

The Adventurist Launches a New Column on Topix

I have been very, very busy for the last couple of weeks.  Some of you may have noticed a slight drop-off in the articles put up on here, but I have actually been pretty good about at least getting something up everyday.  I have a few projects going that I would like to take a few minutes to tell you about.

Adventure-X

First off, I announced a week or so ago that I have become an editor over at Topix.  I am in charge of updating the Mountain Climbing, Extreme Sports, and Outdoors Recreation areas over at Topix.  As an Editor over there, I thought it would be nice to add a little personal touch, so I have began a weekly column called Adventure-X in the Outdoor Recreation Area of Topix. 

This column will be a weekly feature over at Topix.  I have a lot of very neat ideas that I am going to try to do with this as we explore the outdoor world and some of the issues of today.  The first column, Adventure-X:  Defining Ourselves Through What We Do, has already been posted.  I will be adding a link at the Top of The Adventurist called “Adventure-X” that will explain a bit more about this project, as well as take you to the weekly column.  At this time, this is a Topix exclusive, with possible syndication in the future to other media outlets.  It will not be a feature on The Adventurist, but I will definately put up the links to the pieces as I put them up.

An Article on Topia Road

Besides the Adventure-X column, I also have an article getting ready to be featured over at Topia Road.  Topia Road is a new online magazine specializing in snowboarding and skiing.  Pat Moore, the Editor, is a two-time National Champion in NASTAR Snowboard Racing and has been ranked Number 1 in the country for his age group.

My article, Skiing the World’s Highest Peak, should be up on their site anytime now.  This article takes a look at the history of skiing and snowboarding on Mt. Everest.

It is a pleasure to be working with these guys and I am wishing them continued success on this project.  Stop on over and check them out.

Adventure Sports Weekly

As if this weren’t enough, I will also have an article in this week’s Adventure Sports Weekly.  The new issue should be out tomorrow.

My article, So You Want to be an Adventure Racer, takes a look at what is expected and what could be done to get yourself involved in these amazing Adventure Races.

If you haven’t checked out Adventure Sports Weekly yet, I highly reccomend this Online Sports Magazine.  Editor Wina Sturgeon is an internationally known sports writer.  She has covered the Olympics for Sports Illustrated as well as worked with many other publications.  It is a pleasure to be working with her on this project and I wish her continued success.

The Adventurist All Over the Place

So now you know what has been going on–I have been busy, but it has been alot of fun.  I have been working with some very talented people and definately moving forward.  Hope you check out my items around the Net, and thanks for your continued support.

Jason A. Hendricks, Editor

4WheelBob’s White Mountain Success: 14,246 Ft. in a Wheelchair!

Some people find mountain climbers to be a bit on the crazy side.  They risk life and death trying to get to the top of high places–for the simple fact of doing it.

A few weeks ago on one of my favorite blogs Two-Heel Drive, a plan was enacted.  Two-Heel Drive is a hiking blog.  One of the members that frequents the site, 4WheelBob, wanted to try to scale White Mountain–this would be his third attempt.

4WheelBob, as he has famously come to be known , spent a courageous 10 hours scaling a 14,246 ft. peak—in a wheelchair.  A lot of people wouldn’t even do this that could walk!

I love stories like this.  They show us that with enough drive and determination, that anything can be done–yes, it might be hard–yes, it might be painful–but that is all part of the fun of setting goals and going for it.

This is a great story.  4WheelBob actually got to sign the summit register–and he could very well be one of only a very few people to ever summit a 14,000 ft. mountain in a wheelchair.  A great honor for a great guy.  Congrats Bob!

If you will click this link, you will be able to see 4WheelBob’s amazing push to the summit of White Mountain and hear his story.  Some great photos.

Alan Arnette: Shisha Pangma A Go!

My good friend Alan Arnette has either already left or is preparing to leave for his next goal:  Shisha Pangma.

Many of you that read this blog quite regularly are already familiar with Alan.  I have made quite a few posts concerning him here on The Adventurist and will be making quite a few more in the future.

Earlier this year–actually during the 2007 Mt. Everest climbing season–Alan Arnette announced that he was going to try to back to to Mt. Everest for a third time in the Spring of 2008.  Two previous attempts at the World’s Highest Summit had to be aborted when Alan became ill.  He has yet to reach his summit…

Alan’s journey back to Mt. Everest began shortly after his announcement.  His first big step would be Denali–North America’s highest peak.  Alan climbed strong and hard clear up to the end–the end not being the summit, but a rather mysterious stomach ailment that forced him to abort his attempt, as well as get his first hand view of a high-altitude rescue on Denali. Read more

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