Friday, October 05, 2012

"Memories Of Pitons..."


I so enjoyed a recent Article by Stewart Green on About.Climing about pitons, especially the very old ones. At times out there, usually up quite high, often in precarious places, we glance over and discover an old piton simply waiting there...
They always seem to have a story to tell - about their past, their placement, who has gone before us, and how they have become part of an adventurous climbing experience...
My own favourite one was found way up on Pinnacle Mountain in Banff, during a challenging ascent, over rock I was not feeling sure on. A storm was not far off in the distance, and later when we heard that rumbling, we knew it was time for a speedy descent and a series of focused rappels. For whatever reason, and even though we didn't use it, that old piton gifted me with a sense of sureness...
Stewart's musings about the history of pitons is a very enjoyable article as well. He also describes the types of pitons and their unique uses. What seemingly at first appears to be a simple piece of metal, has contributed so much to the development of climbing, and even moreso to the fulfillment of so many of our adventure dreams out among the high places.
Great articles and thanks for inspiring the memories Stewart..... DSD 
My gratitude for your sharing these images my Friends.

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