Final chapter in our early '00's "ice fest" quadrilogy. On the whole a collection of film shorts that were later "dissected" from the lot, some re-worked, for individual uploading to the former website. Most we've previously posted herein in one form or another - Tim and Laura on 'Internet Connection' - Tim and Doyle on 'The Sick-le' - Griz and Brint's brilliant master class in "ice craft" with their on sight FA of 'The Beast', interspersed with selected clips of assorted "constituents of the order" of the time:
'Western Pennsylvania Ice IV' - 2007
Running Time - 38min (Approx.)
Seeing the big picture. Was always drawn to the "time capsule" aspect of photography. Don't exactly recall where we read this quote. A comment from a "first contact" primitive Amazonian tribesman (or something like that) after viewing his polaroid image for the first time... "I shall never die"
Took a one day advantage of the short three day winter last weekend:
All gone by mid-week. Was enough precip and thaw to get creeks a bit up and runnin'. Always like the contrast between the white froth of the creeks and the various shades of brown throughout the woods:
The (seldom mentioned) short run along the final one mile of this Yough feeder stream ain't bad at higher level, just to experience two small drops as it winds through a local park. Is a bit of a narrow flume ride after that. Bit of an amusement ride through two tunnels - the second of which is a several hundred foot stretch of box culvert (under the railroad) before it dumps ya' into the Yough. Was worth a (long ago) one-time experience. The box culvert definitely warrants a pre-inspection, though.
Disclaimer: Mentioned here for historical purposes only. Could be considered a not very bright thing ta' do. And the box culvert is posted railroad property.
Sure did! A return to the "Ultima Thule" of SWPA climbing. As we recall, the 2005-2006 ice season was pretty lean to non-existent. Think that all of the climbing and photography was done during the month of February. May be wrong, but ain't goin' back and checkin'.
Highlights the first productive visit to the cliff - Tim Anderson's FFA of 'Final Obligation', partnered with Tom Kopler and Doyle Tarwater. Tim forced to bail on what would have been the FFA of 'The Beast' because of sketchy conditions. FA on TR of 'Son of Beast'. FA on TR of mixed 'Monsta' - one heck of a photographic line. Also remember that the 300ft of Bluewater static line got froze in on that route and couldn't be retrieved until springtime. Dorky dialog as usual - but we could never find a narrator who would work for the cheap rate of a six-pack of PBR's and two hot dogs that we were payin':
Western Pennsylvania Ice III (2006)
Running Time: 15min (Approx.)
They didn't come more motivated to climb big, steep ice than Tim.
Disclaimer: We aren't condoning anyone venturing into that place. As we understand it has long been posted 'No Trespassing'. Wasn't back during our visits. Encountered a security guard for the lower quarry back in the day who had no problem with us being there. Posting this video for historical purposes only.
This post dedicated to Doyle. If we already did, then now he's got two.
Breaking news, as they say - we were just informed that Strongman Matt and Good-man Rob were newly inducted into the prodigious ranks of the Sons of Hercules! Quite impressive!!.
The boys were whisked up to the heights of Mt. Olympus by none other than the big man, Zeus himself. There a lavish induction ceremony was held, attended by all the gods and goddesses of rank. Above the boys pose for a few photos and share a few laughs with the invitees. That's Zeus and goddess Hera front and seated. Amongst the crowd can be spotted Apollo, Ares, Poseidon, Athena - to name a few. Aphrodite lookin' good as usual.
(Internet Images)
Herc himself bestowed the award and later exhibited a few feats of strength - literally bringing down the temple.
A short four minute video presentation accompanied the ceremony:
Congratulations guys - we couldn't be prouder!
Disclaimer: Not responsible for content going right over the heads of all but the stoutest of 3%'s.
Thanks: A bit of content and format borrowed from YouTube/G. Coker - nice work.
Another amazing tale from the inner sanctum of 'Commander Herdegen's Locker'..... prepare to be astounded:
Commander Herdegen's Locker, Chapter II - Professor Trygg (2023)
Running Time: 10 min (Approx.)
Chapter I replay:
Commander Herdegen's Locker (2023)
Running Time: 12 min. (Approx.)
Apart from live action and still images, photography is entirely stop motion/miniatures and keyed plate backgrounds. We're not goin' into much other detail. We (maybe-maybe not) developed a (simple) process or two that we're keep'n secret - like a magician not divulging his magic. Or, more appropriately, the 'sacred geometry' secrets of the ancient cathedral and temple builders.
The 'Colossus' sequence is paean to virtuoso 'Ray Harryhausen's' brilliant 'Talos' segment from the classic
film 'Jason and the Argonauts' (1963):
(Internet Image)
(YouTube Video)
When this trailer unexpectedly sprang up on the TV tube back in the day, that short glimpse of a sword wielding giant straddling the bay and hoisting the ship out of the water had us in front of the set every night for the rest of the week poised for another glance. No "on-demand", home video nor internet replay available back then. And if ya' didn't catch the flick first run at the theatre, it might be ten years before ya' finally got to see it once or twice a year on television.
Disclaimer: We obtained rights to use of all the soundtrack symphonics and effects - we thank the folks over at Pond5. A background plate or two we obtained on-line from sites tabbed as royalty free. Both videos are "experimental" works for on-line/private viewing only. No monetary compensation is involved.
Figured that we'd re-post this video here considering that it went the way of the website:
Western Pennsylvania Ice (2001)
Running time 40min. (Approx.)
For more information, there's a previous post from 2019, retrievable by clicking here. A bit vintage considering that it's twenty-three years hence. At least one of the boys is no longer with us. The 'Tunnel Cliffs' have long ago been reclaimed by the mining company.
A giant tin gate has since been constructed at the old 'Irishtown' mine entrance. Think that the site is posted 'No Climbing' now, anyway. The road leading into "Krahlak" has been gated - still, only about a half mile walk in. But, may be posted as well. Now'days winters around here are mostly rain, anyway.
Such is life. Bet that currently there's an ice climbing app you can play on your phone, though - don't even have to get up off the couch.
Pulled a few images from the archives of even earlier times. Nearing top-out at the 'Gun Club' above ('84) in good conditions. Bluewater 11mm rope. Stiff plastic Koflach mountain boots. Wool duds and mitts. No ratcheting-type ice screws. Lowe 'Foot-Fang' rigid crampons - those things were a bit of an innovation over the (subsequently obsolete) hinged strap-on crampons for steep vertical ice. Could relax your calves, too. Leashed straight-shaft picks and hammers. Still gets the skin to crawling watchin' guys torquing modern picks on stiff dry-tool routes. Didn't take much to snap those old picks. Particularly 'Forrest' tools. Ya' had to be careful just levering them out of an overstuck ice placement. Broke several that way. Recall that on this route this day we broke a pick lower down. Always carried a hammer as a back-up (left hand in the image). Steep Grade 4 ice was a big deal.
Climber Glenn Thomas on 'Layton Falls' (Grade 3) here. He's got some hinged strap-on crampons. Forest fixed shaft tools.
Bit of top-roping fun at 'Irishtown' on some sketchy-condition ice. Forrest tools. Forgot to bring the gaiters so had to roll the pant legs - always sliced the heck out of the cuffs stumbling around in crampons. Must be cold this day - got out the wool hat.
More TR fun along Meadow Run up in Ohiopyle SP ('84). Lowe Hummingbird Hammer w/ tubular pic in left hand.
Didn't take too many photographs back in the early days. Was more concerned with not killing ourselves. Wish we had been a bit more extensive with the photography.
"When he offered ten grand to any climber who could keep up with him for one day, most of us figured it was all about man versus man, dramatic but primitive game. When we realized that he did most of his soloing in private, nobody watching, we elevated his game to man against nature. Only after knowing him for years did we understand that his was the greatest show on earth - man against himself.
- Climber/author John Long on his friend John Bachar
Enlightening words, Long. Adversity comes from within.
(Internet Image)
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Picked up a "fitness trainer"a few weeks back to supplement road bike training from the comfort of the sanctum. Primarily for days of inclement weather. As well, achieved a pretty decent level of fitness daily riding for the past few months. Don't want to reverse order if stuck indoors be it a sh*tty winter.
Was more interested in a variable resistance-type machine than a high intensity "assault-style" trainer. No desire to go at the thing workin' like a madman. Years of experience has taught us that if ya' can run two and a half miles you can run twenty five. The magnetic resistance technology is pretty interesting - what'll they think of next. Up to this point have kept it set at (low to medium in) high range. Ya' work up a pretty good sweat well into an hour on that thing. Came with some extras we could have done without - twin 1.5kg dumbbells and water bottle holders. Also have no need for the attached computer console (not interested in a machine telling us how we're functioning) - have yet to power it up. We're content listnin' to Joe Rogan interview Rob Zombie and such (gotta' like a guy who can lucidly comment on all the "Jekyll and Hyde" film versions off the top of his head). They could probably have knocked off $200 on the cost by eliminating that stuff. After two weeks on that thing noticed a significant upgrade in the road bike performance - felt like ridin' at least one gear lower in the normal range of gears.
Hadn't been on a "real" MTB ride in darn near a year. Was out this past weekend with these two guys who regularly provide a beatin':
Distanced 'em once or twice, including the "big hill climb" of the route
Probably just pissed 'em off, though. They subsequently smoked this long, technical (leaf hidden) downhill, long ago washed, rutted and fissured, including a rocky drop into a short, washed and rocky chasm, that I'd made the mistake of calling now unrideable considering the deteriorated condition of the past few years. Go f*k'n figure.
