South Dakota 

Hi! A rack of draws was left behind at sunshine about 6-8 weeks ago. It was a busy day at the main wall and I left them hanging for some friends to use, then had to head home. We know they were probably cleaned off the route(someone in our party is pretty sure they cleaned them off), Black Sheets of Rain, and left on a ledge at the base of one of those routes at the Big Black Face area. There are about 8-10 orange and black petzl draws and 1-2 green and black BD draws. If you see them, or saw them or happened to pick them up, please call 801-641-1962 (or email typhoontravis@gmail.com). Most appreciated!!! thanks, Travis.

Horribly, another Black Hills legend has fallen. Loretta Muehl was REAL. She was one of the most talented people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I knew her as an incredible artist,teacher and sailor. I only new Loretta for thirteen years but her generosity and kindness were unequaled and her views on life constantly entertained me. If you are a frequent visitor to the hills you have undoubtedly heard "Renn Fenton" stories. I would like to quickly share a "Loretta" story. As I said earlier Loretta was real and my favorite example of this was the plaque that she kept on her desk at school that read "what you think of me is none of my business". My only solace in this tragedy is knowing that she is with her beloved Paul now. Loretta, thanks for all of the good times, you will be missed more than you will ever know.
Love,

Dave,Sumer and the Girls

Check out the Black Hills Climber's Coalition Website, it's finally being updated! www.bhclimbers.com/

SUPERPIN 40 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

In 1967 Peter Cleveland led Superpin (5.10d or 5.11 X) which at the time was arguably one of the boldest climbs in the country. The story of how Cleveland send belayer Ron Cox out to the road so he could view the success and not the failure (death fall) is a classic in the history of North American rock climbing. It is well documented in Pat Ament's book "Wizards of Rock".

I do not know the exact date in 1967 so perhaps the 40 year mark has come and gone.

Cleveland went on to put up very hard climbs at Devils Lake (Wisconsin).
According to Ament in 1967 or 1968 Peter did a top rope ascent of "Death Lead 2000" (unrated) but possibly America's first 5.13. In 1968 Cleveland put up "Bagatelle" 5.12, a true Devils Lake testpiece.

Cleveland still lives here in Baraboo and can be seen cragging at the lake and still "pullin down hard".

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to Peter. (Perhaps this could be mentioned at the upcoming Pumpfest 2007 in the Hills)

Check out the profile of the Herb and Jan at the end of the new Climbing. They've been getting lots of exposure in Climbing, Alpinist, and NPR. It's nice to see some Black Hills explorers/icons getting recognition. Pretty soon they'll be wearing shades and signing autographs!

Hello all. I have a bunch of old climbing footage from the Canyon and Baldy that I've been converting to digital. I thought I would throw some of the more interesting stuff onto YouTube. The digital conversion kind of sucks, but I figured there might be a few of you out there that would be psyched to see it. So far, I only have a couple of vids up; one of me on Gale Force (13a) and one of Jeremiah on F5 (12d/13a) at the Thunderhead. I'll continue to post more videos as I get the time. The link for Gale Force is as follows, and I think you can then find the other videos through my username, Sidekickstinky. Hope you enjoy!

Just opened up the latest issue of Climbing. I always love to see some more local guys getting their due. Nice work, Jason and Luke.

Another climbing legend passed on today. Paul Duval died of injuries sustained when he rappeled off the end of an unequalized rope at Moonlight Ridge in the Needles of SD today. He had set up a rappel using someone elses rope that had multiple markings and it appears that he short roped one side due the selection of the wrong rope marking which he assumed was the middle mark. It sounds like he died very quick. Our prayers go out to his family, Karen and all of us who loved him. Paul was a very humble and gentle man. His contributions to rock climbing were numerous. We will miss him.

Well said Brent. I only met Paul a couple of times. Once was with you at the Gash and the other was at the needles on Father's Day this year. He seemed very motivated and sincere. We were doing Pratt's Crack on Photographer's and we chatted for about a half hour. He told me about all the development in Mexico and even though I hardly knew him he invited me to stay with him if I was ever down in Mexico. I took some pictures of Kieth and Rich while on Pratt's from across the the valley and he ended up being on it at the bottom chatting with friends. I will try to post it latter. I am glad I got to spend some time with him. Mike

Just met Paul 2 weeks ago in the Needles Eye parking lot. In the short time we spoke, it was clear to me that his reputation of being a GOOD MAN was accurate. His soft spoken nature and eagerness to share his passion for climbing was welcomed and appreciated. Wish I'd have met him years ago...

My wife and I will climb all this weekend in the Needles and do as many of Paul's routes as possible...

God Speed...

Climbers "Free Camping" in the Hills?

Looking for some Beta on "Free Camping" in the Hills. I have camped at Wrinkled Rock adjacent to Rushmore and it was fine. However I did hear something about another area (closer to Sylvan Lake?) that road tripping climbers camp at.

Can any Black Hills climbers hook me up? Would be much appreciated by this touring Devils Lake climber.

Post here or fire me off an e-mail through Mountain Project.

Thanx
Peter Arndt

I wish to extend my condolences to Paul Duval's love Karen and his family. There was a fella from Montana who showed up within seconds, minutes, i don't know, who gave mouth to mouth to Paul until search and rescue showed up. I didn't get to thank him properly or find out who he was. Hopefully someone knows him and could let us know. Thanks too to Dustin from California for his assistance with the cpr.
Bill Ruggieri

Brent, thank you for the information of Paul Duval. I had hoped to join up with him and climb again in the Needles; but guess it will have to be in spirit now. Enjoyed many outings with Paul and will miss him. Paul was indeed a very giving and sociable climber (from the old school!). He enjoyed and respected the climbing in the Hills along with many of the original climbers from the 60's/70's/80's.

I tried to call you, Brent, but could not access a telephone number - email me at dakota_griz@yahoo.com when you get the time. Cheers! Vernon Phinney

Anybody know who stripped out the bolts at the Ice Box area in Spearfish Canyon? I went up there last Friday and found that several if not all of the routes were chopped. Anybody have any idea on who or why this is?

Thanks

Tim

There is a great video of Luke Kretschmar climbing in the VC on the momentumvm.com website.

Great Scanned article in my Photo Albums titled "Herb Conn article from June 1953 issue of Appalachia" Good early overview of the Outlets all the way to the Spires. Almost an early mini-guide with a great little map. Thanks and happy climbing, Joel

Hello to All,

Seriously:
We have again for the last time, set out to complete a new version of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial Rock Climbing Guidebook. I am currently unemployed and not in school for the first time in 10 years; this project will be completed this spring/summer 09-10-11-12????.

We would like to extend an invite to any developers to submit their contributions if they would like them published or be recognized for their work. Please email me at busseandrew@yahoo.com.

Areas to be included in the new version will encompass the terrain from Horsethief Lake to Raspberry Rocks.

Thanks,

Andy Busse

Added a couple historic articles by the Conns (1953 and 1955) and Lawrence G. Coveney (1936) to the photo albums in my profile if anybody is interested.

www.mountainproject.com/u/105829183

The Needles Guide book by Zach Orenczak and Rachael Lynn/Extreme Angles Publishing was the least informative guide book I’ve utilized. I would avoid at all costs. It is a very beautiful book that does has humor but should be reserved for only a coffee table. The locals refer to the book as “the toilet paper” guide book but the glossy pages make it even inconvenient for that. Gear advise, routes, and ratings have been known to even be wrong. Instead of using the pages for photos of routes and areas they thought it to be more important for numerous pages of cartoons. South Dakota Needles: Adventure Climbs of Herb and Jan Conn. by Lindsay Stephens is an amazing book. (light, to the point, and full of useful beta such as accurate topo’s). This is much more cost effective and has many more routes. Also, stop by Sylvan Rocks for great beta, conversation, and great locally comprised guide books.
P.S. Extreme Angles Publishing does other areas such as Devil’s Tower, Vedauwoo and more. I made the mistake of purchasing the Devil’s Tower one as well. I have the same feelings for its level of info quality to cost ratio like their Needles book. If anyone sees Zach tell him I want my $70 back for the two “guide” books.

Spearfish Canyon, The VC and other Black Hills Limestone guide book is being shipped out this week. I should have books ready to send out first week of Sept. Cost is 28.00 and 4.00 shipping. Either contact me directly or goto www.blackhillsclimbingguide.com for more info. If you buy from me 5% goes back to the bolt fund for bolt and anchor repair.

It is with great sadness to inform everyone that Black Hills climbing & spelunking legend Herb Conn passed away on 02-01-12. He was 91 years old. Herb requested no services. He was a very gentle & humble person whom was always willing to share beta, maps or a story. May God bless... R.I.P. Herbie. My prayers go to his wife Jan.

New Climbing Wall in Rapid City?

Rapid City is having an open house on the concept plans for the new Horace Mann Swimming Pool as well as the indoor recreation center on Thursday night, May 3rd from 5-8 at the current Swim Center at 125 Waterloo. You can come anytime during that time frame.

If you would like to see a new indoor climbing wall built in that new rec center, the planners NEED to hear that the climbing community wants to see it built. In order to see that the wall becomes a main component of the building and stays in the design we NEED to have climbers show up and make sure they let their desires be known. This is only concept planning so there isn’t a detail drawing of what the wall would look like we just need to make sure it stays in the concept. Thanks and hope you can make it.

2013 BHSU Outdoor Week Schedule
March 22-28, 2013
All week people can stop into the Student Engagement Center to learn about outdoor activities in the local area; check out Ann Porter’s 2-D Design class’s art installation by the lower lobby on the north east end of the Student Union; and see classic pictures of outdoor activities on the website and around campus from the Case Library.

Friday, March 22: Outdoor Week Kick- Off - 2-5 p.m.
• Disc golf demonstration with the BHSU Disc Golf Club.
• Afternoon outdoor activities sponsored by BHSU CRUX, the Student Success Center, Wellness Committee, and Residence Life. Meet at the cul-de-sac in front of Student Union to carpool to recreation sites.
• Slack lining competition sponsored by COLP – 2-3 p.m. in front of the Student Union.

Saturday, March 23:
• Disc golf service project – 9-noon in front of the Student Union – participants will help prepare the new Spearfish Canyon Disc Golf Course for this summer’s state championships.
• Staff and faculty snowshoe at Big Hill under the Waxing Gibbons moon – 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Email Brenna.Olds@yellowjackets.BHSU.edu or call 605-642-6027 for reservations. Snowshoes will be provided.

Sunday, March 24:
• All-day cultural hike with AISES, the Multi-cultural Committee, and Scientia – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. in front of Student Union.

Monday, March 25:
• Clean-up of Skeletal Remains/Community Cave with BHSU CRUX and the Access Fund – 3:30-5 p.m.

Tuesday, March 26:
• Plein Air Painting: Paint a panel of the BHSU campus with art instructor Desy Schoenewies – 12-2:30 p.m. Sign up for times at Jami.Schoenewies@BHSU.edu.
• Astronomy lecture with Fran Bagenal, professor of astrophysical and planetary sciences in the laboratory for atmospheric and space physics at the University of Colorado-Boulder – 4-5:30 p.m. Jonas 305.The talk is sponsored by Scientia.

Wednesday, March 27:
• Plein Air Painting: Paint a panel of the BHSU campus with art instructor Desy Schoenewies – 1-3 p.m. Sign up for times at Jami.Schoenewies@BHSU.edu.
• Steve Bartlett will talk about graphic design – 10-11 a.m. in Jonas 207. Open to the public
• Outdoor Photography Clinic with professional photographer Jeremiah Watt – 11-1 p.m. in front of the Student Union. Sponsored by Shutterbuzz and BHSU CRUX. Contact Steve Babbitt at Steve.Babbitt@BHSU.edu to sign up.
• Presentation by Jeremiah Watt – 1-2 p.m. in BJA-008, basement of Jonas. Open to the public.
• Steve Crusher Bartlett slide show and BHSU Outdoor Week fundraiser – 6:30 – 9 p.m. at Crow Peak Brewery, cost is $10. Sponsored by BHSU CRUX and the Black Hills Climbing Coalition.

Thursday, March 28:
• Plein Air Painting: Paint a panel of the BHSU campus with art instructor Desy Schoenewies – 1-3 p.m. Sign up for times at Jami.Schoenewies@BHSU.edu.
• Outdoor Week Contest Winners will be announced on BHSU BUZZ – 2 p.m.

Easter Weekend – head out on your own outdoor adventure.