Oh DTressler,
THANK YOU for sharing Your Dreams & Adventures. Your writing style is Great and Your pictures "take me there".This is one of the Best TR's that I've ever read!! I take it that the long crack, that goes out of the frame and trails down forever is El Cracko Diablo!?!? You look real solid! THANK YOU for sharing. You've Inspired me, and I'm certain that You have motivated a lot of other folks. There is a "Tic-Toc" for each one of us. This Life is Sweet, but it is a "time sensitive" matter. Let us make the Most out of it....Looks like I'll be leaving the snows this winter to go surfing in Costa Rica. Its just the other side of the coin.
I'll be back to the Bugs, for certain. In fact, I would go there again just to spend a few days at the hut. What I really covet is Pigeon Spire. Looks like a pleasure cruise.
You wrote an excellent article, phrasing perfectly the feeling of many of us.
I'm a flatlander, too, living in Hungary, and having the nearest true mountains in 5 hours driving distance in the neighbouring country. Up to now I felt unlucky that I can go for mountaineering trips only 4 times a year (and having the same planning "pains" during 10 months of every year). I see you are in even a bigger "trouble"! But perhaps the passing time can help you, too. You must be near going to retire. Can't you move your home when you will have less constraints about work in Florida?
your thoughts and words are very powerful. I can relate to counting how many big adventures are left, before I leave climbing behind me. The number is finite, the opportunities are endless, and as you said the clock is ticking.
I have embraced this lifestyle, and wondered sometimes if I'm wrong. My friends put their career first, climbing various "ladders" and making more money. But I think my choice is right. You passion and clarity about the time and choices in front of you are energizing.
The philosophy you appear to embrace is one in which you value experiences. Work to live rather than living to work. I wish I were better at applying that philosophy, but I am "working" on it.
bigwally - Oct 13, 2009 9:40 am - Voted 10/10
Another Florida Mystery ExplainedOh DTressler,
THANK YOU for sharing Your Dreams & Adventures. Your writing style is Great and Your pictures "take me there".This is one of the Best TR's that I've ever read!! I take it that the long crack, that goes out of the frame and trails down forever is El Cracko Diablo!?!? You look real solid! THANK YOU for sharing. You've Inspired me, and I'm certain that You have motivated a lot of other folks. There is a "Tic-Toc" for each one of us. This Life is Sweet, but it is a "time sensitive" matter. Let us make the Most out of it....Looks like I'll be leaving the snows this winter to go surfing in Costa Rica. Its just the other side of the coin.
DTressler - Oct 23, 2009 7:57 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Another Florida Mystery ExplainedWhat will that Tower do all Winter, without you "Big Wally"?
DTressler - Oct 23, 2009 7:52 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: My HeroThanks for your kind words. If you get those kids climbing, it will make some priceless memories for you all.
DTressler - Oct 23, 2009 7:50 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: As for flat horizons....I think you may be right mon ami.
SpiderSavage - Oct 20, 2009 12:07 am - Voted 10/10
One Word for youAs a sometimes Floridian have one word for you that most Floridians don't know: California. (nice story)
DTressler - Oct 23, 2009 7:47 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: One Word for youI could certainly use a week in Tuolomne Meadows. Thanks.
ktnbs - Oct 21, 2009 9:49 pm - Hasn't voted
I can dig it!do it now
DTressler - Oct 23, 2009 7:43 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: I can dig it!Couldn't agree more. Everything you put off is likely to become one less thing you get to do.
dfrancom - Oct 22, 2009 4:22 pm - Voted 10/10
AwesomeI climbed in the Bugs this summer and Devils Tower. Classic areas with nothing but solid rock and spectacular views, thanks for a great story.
DTressler - Oct 23, 2009 7:37 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: AwesomeI'll be back to the Bugs, for certain. In fact, I would go there again just to spend a few days at the hut. What I really covet is Pigeon Spire. Looks like a pleasure cruise.
climber555 - Oct 23, 2009 9:13 am - Voted 10/10
nice reportGlad you had time to come enjoy the Black Hills and Devils Tower. I think I would go insane living so far from any mountains or rocks.
DTressler - Oct 23, 2009 7:40 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: nice reportYou live in close proximity to some of the most beautiful, accessible rock I've ever seen. You are a lucky man, if for no other reason.
SzaniUherkovich - Oct 26, 2009 5:50 am - Voted 10/10
Hold outYou wrote an excellent article, phrasing perfectly the feeling of many of us.
I'm a flatlander, too, living in Hungary, and having the nearest true mountains in 5 hours driving distance in the neighbouring country. Up to now I felt unlucky that I can go for mountaineering trips only 4 times a year (and having the same planning "pains" during 10 months of every year). I see you are in even a bigger "trouble"! But perhaps the passing time can help you, too. You must be near going to retire. Can't you move your home when you will have less constraints about work in Florida?
DTressler - Oct 26, 2009 3:48 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Hold outThank you for your kind words. Yes we all have our dreams. I do have plans to build in Montana one day, although I doubt I will ever fully retire.
jmc - Oct 30, 2009 9:07 am - Voted 10/10
very eloquentyour thoughts and words are very powerful. I can relate to counting how many big adventures are left, before I leave climbing behind me. The number is finite, the opportunities are endless, and as you said the clock is ticking.
DTressler - Oct 30, 2009 5:42 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: very eloquentI have never heard tell of a man who, in his final days, laments all the trips he took, mountains he climbed or friends he made.
mvs - Nov 26, 2009 12:08 pm - Voted 10/10
You are so rightDo it now. Go. GO WHILE YOU CAN.
I have embraced this lifestyle, and wondered sometimes if I'm wrong. My friends put their career first, climbing various "ladders" and making more money. But I think my choice is right. You passion and clarity about the time and choices in front of you are energizing.
DTressler - Nov 30, 2009 4:46 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: You are so rightThe philosophy you appear to embrace is one in which you value experiences. Work to live rather than living to work. I wish I were better at applying that philosophy, but I am "working" on it.