A Tribute to my Climbing Mentor

A Tribute to my Climbing Mentor

I would like to pay tribute to my original climbing mentor, Randy Friedlander, who taught me that climbing is awesome but not worth dying for.  It was his respect for the dangers of climbing that helped me take safety more seriously.Within days of graduating high...

Plant restoration efforts create positive feedback loop.

Have you seen the dead zones in Joshua Tree National Park? They are a growing problem. Fortunately, there are rangers and volunteers (like Friends of Joshua Tree) who are working to repair the most impacted areas. A large number of volunteers turned out October 13-15...

The Chalkstones are jamming in Joshua Tree

You may know them as superheroes who rescue climbers just before they take hideous falls.  And you may know them as the founders of the California Climbing School Rock Rescue Crew.Many have heard tales of Ron the Ropeman rescuing climbers with his special rope, or of...
Kids climbing classes teach skills and ethics

Kids climbing classes teach skills and ethics

It’s been a year and a half since we started our kids climbing classes, and we are impressed with the tenacity of these local youths.  Many kids are coming back for class after class,  and now understand the fundamentals of outdoor climbing.   This season we...