friends forever
by D.O.

As anyone who is associated with me in some form or fashion knows, I hold my friends in very high regard. A friend who probably takes the cake in being held high is Colby Neal Ivey. The picture displayed before you shows Colby and I atop “Black Cat Bone,” a 9 pitch 5.10d at El Potrero Chico. I opted to post this particular photo for a number of reasons. First, this shot offers a decent idea of how tall this climb is. To Colby’s left you can see down to the bottom of the valley, and all the green stuff are full size trees (if that helps give you an idea). Second, I feel like this photograph give everyone a glimpse into the real Colby, the ferocious monster that he is, and not the meek angel he appears to be when you see him outside Francis Hall. Last, I believe this picture will give you a better look into my mouth than you’ve ever wanted before.
If you happened to be thinking that this was the same route Colby and I were climbing when our Chacos got stolen, well you’d be correct. And for those of you wondering how my decision making has come along on the great conundrum, I’ve opted to hold out for the new, lighter Chaco… but I really don’t know how much longer I can wait.