First Annual Viewer Choice Awards!!

... the results are in and we're proud to announce the winners of the first annual 'Wildfilm Blogspot  Viewer Choice Awards'... the 2015 awards are based upon the most viewed posts of 2014... each winner selected by YOU, the viewer!!!*...

*...(...Disclaimer: all contest results were tabulated by the local SWPA law firm of 'Dewey, Cheatum and Howe' - copies of all viewer tabulations as well as contest rules and restrictions may be obtained upon request by sending a check or money order in the amount of $500 and self addressed stamped envelope to the same...)...

... anticipation was high and the crowds arrived early for the festivities...

... each anxious to get a view of their favorite celebrities!...

... such as jet-setting superstars 'Brad and Angie' - here adding another tick mark to their social calender...

... as well as many local political figures!!...

... there were plenty of pre-ceremony games...

... festivities...

... local artisans displaying their fine work...

... as well as plenty of gourmet food...

... and beverages...

... it was soon time to move in to the convention hall (Police orders) for the evening ceremonies...

... but the fun didn't end there...

... a closed circuit "Jumbo-Tron" video link was supplied outside for those unfortunate enough to be unable to purchase tickets to the sold out event...

... the festivities were carried live via local 'Public Television' as well... call-takers were on hand - shown here with just one of the several benefits offered to new subscribers...

... the multi-talented and local climbing icon 'Tim Anderson' served as 'Master of Ceremonies' for the evening...

... he had 'em standing and going wild with his hilarious opening monologue and zany antics... he agreed to return next year to the crowds delight...

... it was finally time for award presentation - the big winner for the evening was 'Ig the Cat' - by far and away unanimous - he's been dominating the "charts" week after week for over a year... here he is receiving the good news - not big on "material" possessions, the judges awarded him a large can of his favorite desert - 'Reddi Whip' whipped cream...

 

... second place went to anything labeled 'Muscle Girls'...

... here's 'Muscle Girl Sarah' receiving the trophy for all, accompanied by MMA trainer and coach 'ZMan'...

... we gotta' include 'Fifth Dimension' muscleman Tom as well - lots of consistent views for only the one post... wasn't able to attend the awards but we surprised him later - former "world champ" IFBB pro 'Mr. Olympia' 'Jay Cutler' surprising him with the big news above - he was blown away by the announcement...

... was a close one with regard to "things" or "activities" with 'Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)' just nosing out 'rock climbing'... although, mostly 'musclegirls' on the 'SUP's' probably made a difference...

... 'Bellefonte Quarry' (rock climbing) won for the most viewed "local" (PA) area...

 

... with 'Seneca Rocks, WV (rock climbing) the most viewed (outside PA) "destination"...

... which culminated the evening with a live and direct "satellite feed" of "legend mountain man" Rob Goodman's award acceptance from high atop the 'South Peak'!!! ... the crowd went "!!!XXX nuts"!!!...

... a great evening was had by all... here's to an even better 2015...

... thanks folks!!!!...

Huntington Beach, CA

... 'Surf City'...

... received a pretty good photo book over the holidays...

'Jaws Maui' 

(1997 - authors Charlie and Leslie Lyon, photography by Patrick McFeeley)

... documents early development of the monster Hawaiian surf break, 'Pe'ahi', as well as the wilderness of the north shore of the island of Maui... a bit dated but still excellent, none-the-less...

... setting in land-locked SWPA and leafin' through this thing in the midst of the "dark days of winter" (if you want to call it that) got us thinkin' about a west coast trip a few years back...

... Huntington Beach, California - 'Surf City, USA... beach and surf break viewing north from atop the 'Huntington Beach Pier'...

... and south...

... 'buddy Matt', 'Laide' and 'Foxy' hangin' out on the pier boardwalk... where's 'Foxy'? (look close)...

... a shot of the pier about 5am... note the early morning 'ebb tide'...

... prior to headin' into the famous 'Rubys' restaurant for breakfast...

... mainly just hung out on the beach and in town for a few days while drink'n some beers, eat'n and gettin' to check out some pretty good surfers...

... the 'Pacific Ocean'... surfer for scale (Ha)...

... some guy rippin' on an SUP...

... he was pretty good on that thing...

... 'body boarder' - the pier was a good place to get some decent photography...

... some very good 'short boarders' as well...

... not long breaks but guys were gettin' some pretty decent rides this day...

... good sequence of events - Matt doin' some 'bodysurfing'...

... before renting a board and wetsuit...

... not bad - said he was havin' a lot of trouble with the long and "blunt-nosed" rental board - hard to keep the nose down - said that he learned on the short boards which he had back at his (Vegas) home...  he sent me a photo years back surfing at 'Ocean City', MD in the midst of a school(?) of Dolphins - was a pretty cool photo - can't find my print and he lost his...

... back to the locals...

... very early morning seemed like the best time to be out on the water - this is probably a little after 5am...

... appeared that a lot of the best guys were out then as well... zero crowds a big bonus...

... lots of beach volleyball as well... settin' up early morning above...

... the 'AVP' pros had a lot happening this day as well as a tournament...

... could easily live there...

Monster Ice (Ice Climbing Part 8)

... currently experiencing some abrupt single-digit temperatures (not good, really) and snow with some moderation (freeze-thaw) beginning later this weekend (good)... combine more snow (even better) - should be OK conditions for some decent ice formation later next week...

... Secret Cliffs...

.. pulled a few photos from the archives... have a few hundred from over the past years, so really no "ryme or reason" to the order... also may not recollect a few individuals in a few of the "distance shots"...

... always a grand entrance... climbers (L-R) - Regina Schulte-Ladbeck, Tim Anderson, "Dr. Bob" Coblentz, Laura Hahn...

... 'Central Wall' with climbers for scale...

... lone climber contemplating the upper 'Beast Wall'...

... Tim - years back - on a "first ever" 'Beast Wall' route...

... 'Right Wall' in not-so great condition - a baby 'Sick-le' upper right...

... Tim and 'Monstra'...

... 'Dr. Bob' and 'Son of Beast'...

... and a lot higher up...

... another 'Central Wall' angle...

... Tom Kopler climbing the steep hill from the "belly of the beast" - some depth and good indication

 of the "scale of the landscape" in this photo (our opinion)... looks (almost) like an illustration from an old 'Jules Verne' tale...

... Regina "amp'n up"...

... and again on the 'Central Wall'...

... one big, steep wall - 'Dr. Bob' climbing...

... a trail of gear...

... this is pretty cool (our opinion) - like the "candle wax" texture... Tom Kopler climbing...

... late afternoon and high on the 'Awakening' - Laura climbing...

... there's a name for this route - but don't recall... 'Dr. Bob' (climbing) and Regina...

... Laura ..."at home" and "cleaning house"... just like a "good girl" should be doin'... 

... she also loves "critters" and can handle a "double-barrel slingshot"...

... Ha - hangin' out with good people - was and always will be the best part of this "job"...