Classic photograph of Joe Brown

[Stevo]

I was re-reading The Hard Years by Joe Brown over Christmas, one of the books that I found most inspiring when I started climbing. In the 1950's this guy propelled British rock climbing light years forward, casually leading climbs onsight that had been declared "impossible" by his predesessors.

This picture really captures the hard man on the fearsome "Cloggy" in Wales equipped in his usual style for climbing new, hard 5.10s in often poor weather and with little or no protection.

Cheers
Steve

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k221/ ... eBrown.jpg

[chossmonkey]

I bet that bowline on a coil would be comfy for hanging belays.


Even with decent gear I wouldn't want to be logging any air time tied in like that.

[Stevo]

Well I started climbing with the exact same gear in the 70's: hiking boots, bowline around the waist, two slings and biners. We just bought a guide and led all the routes. If there was a tree or chockstone on the pitch then you had a runner, but most likely there was no protection.
Actually it was really cool, think I'll ditch the harness....

Cheers

[chossmonkey]

There are some people who still climb in a swami.


Then again there are people who still refuse to use cams and sticky rubber. To each his own I guess. In the grand scheme climbing is pretty pointless, so what ever gets you the most joy when you are doing it.