[2022 Author’s Note] The following chapter was originally posted as a “trip report” on Supertopo.com. In its heyday, Supertopo was an online hangout for various notable climbers, with a heavy emphasis on Yosemite. When I first posted the story, it received acclaim from the community, even garnering praise from climbing legend and writer John “Largo”… Read more

Five gallons. Frozen solid. The jug responded to my foot with a solid thud, and I gave it a determined look as numb fingers lit my first cigarette of the day. The icy desert sunrise began its languid march over the snow-capped ridge to the east, and the dawn air bit hard. Breakfast – and… Read more