Erosion [i roh zhun] The process by which the surface of the Earth is gradually worn away by the action of water, glaciers, wind, waves, etc. The gradual destruction or diminution of something. This sport we call climbing is built upon layers of paradox: Creation on the brink of destruction. Pleasure through pain. Finding life…
“Yucca sandals,” I say to myself. “How’d they do this move in yucca sandals?” The sheer sandstone wall below me plunges five hundred feet to the canyon bottom. To my right, I see a Moki step pecked in the rock eight or nine hundred years before. But the move to get a toe on that…
The expenditure of energy on a trip of this sort is massive and one only has so much of this energy. Energy that is accumulated as a person becomes stronger physically, that is called endurance. But the energy that is of such great importance to me is called magic energy. Everyone has this magic in…
The second conversation from our series of interviews in Lander, Wyoming. Steve Bechtel is a local legend in Lander, and runs two successful businesses: Climb Strong and Elemental Fitness. We have a really fun conversation ranging from old climbing stories of his with Todd Skinner, to the modern world of work, business, publishing, and climbing.…
The dance of renewal, the dance that made the world, was always danced here at the edge of things… —Ursula K. Le Guin, Dancing at the Edge of The World My first sense of it is auditory. I am walking toward the rim, eyes straining to see over an edge I can’t yet…
We have restructured our Patreon system to include more offerings and discounts. The Patreon is not only the best way to support our “Dirtbag State of Mind” podcast, but it’s also a great way to score discounts in our Climbing Zine Store. Here’s a look at the three offerings we have: Five On It $5…
The first of our series of conversations recorded this summer in Lander, Wyoming. Shara Zaia wrote a beautiful piece is Volume 24, our current issue, and we discuss that essay and much more. Zine links: Support our podcast on Patreon KEEP THE ZINE ALIVE + Subscribe Score 15% off anything in our online store Our…
Long before we decide, the path is carved for us. Sliced through existence to be forged for this one, and beyond. The goals we strive for in this life, the roles we thrive in, the roads we stride on, all to guide us through the night of our own inner selves, as we run from…