New and Experienced Climbers over 50

Lori Milas wrote:

Having said that, I am aware that I will be 65 and my body is different.  Thank you for all your tips.  I am at the gym 5 days a week, 'strength' training--someone saw a picture of me indoor climbing last week and commented on my sudden arms, but the cardio-aerobic part is harder for me.  Yea... just walking to our local quarry last week gave me shin splints!  I'm watching my elbow joints and finger joints especially... and I don't want to break an ankle or worse.  I think there should be a manual for 'mature' adults... I believe we can be very strong and healthy, but just not like a 20 year old would do it. 

May I ask more questions?  It took me over a year to find a couple of indoor climbing partners... and they are iffy.  How do you find reliable partners to climb with?  (Someone mentioned that they do hold  your life in their hands... don't just trust anyone.)  Do you feel like you have people you could just call and say 'hey, let's meet at the gym (or outdoors)' and they'd be there?  How do you find and develop those friendships?

Can anyone share what they do to stay fit and strong?  How much exercise, climbing, weights etc daily/weekly.  

Is there a good way to meet up with people in places you plan to go?  For instance... Tuolomne Meadows is on my to-do list.  How would I find climbing partners there?   

Lori,

I just got home last week from an extended climbing trip and decided to chime in here.  There's lot of what I feel is good advice but some I disagree with.

Training: YES.  Cross-training (so to speak) is very important to avoid getting injured and then suffering the extended recovery times.   Antagonistic weight training is mandatory, especially for someone just starting out.   My Go To exercise the day after a hard climbing workout is swimming (freestyle, backstroke and sidestroke) followed by a full rest day.  Not only do you get aerobic benefits but the gentle full range-of-motion in your shoulders (rotator cuff) will speed recovery and prevent injury.  I do 30-40 minutes.  (Note: shitty swimmers will argue with this.  Their problem is they can't swim gently.)  

Insert more rest days in your schedule; 5-days a week at the gym is way too much.  A hard day at the gym (10 routes near your limit) should be followed by either a rest day or a "recovery day" (eg. swimming) then a real rest day.  Listen to your body and rest again if you're still sore or not running up the stairs.   Remember this: You get progressively weaker (tired) when you're working out, you only get stronger when you're resting.

Start a gentle but graduated walking/hiking program to develop the strengths for those approaches and descents (which are the worst).

I would also highly recommend professional coaching.  It's worth every penny.   Technique is far more important than strength.   Learn how to MOVE, don't just thrutch your way up the climb.  You'll enjoy your climbing more and avoid injury by doing it RIGHT.  (EG. If your LEGS aren't sore after a climbing gym workout, then you're doing it wrong!)  

And as many others have said, don't spend a minute climbing with bad partners/belayers.  They WILL eventually hurt you both emotionally and physically.   For example, if you're getting short-roped on every clip and/or fall, you'll never develop the confidence to climb well.   A good belayer/partner, at any age, is worth their weight in gold.

John Byrnes wrote:

Lori,

I just got home last week from an extended climbing trip and decided to chime in here.  There's lot of what I feel is good advice but some I disagree with.

Training: YES.  Cross-training (so to speak) is very important to avoid getting injured and then suffering the extended recovery times.   Antagonistic weight training is mandatory, especially for someone just starting out.   My Go To exercise the day after a hard climbing workout is swimming (freestyle, backstroke and sidestroke) followed by a full rest day.  Not only do you get aerobic benefits but the gentle full range-of-motion in your shoulders (rotator cuff) will speed recovery and prevent injury.  I do 30-40 minutes.  (Note: shitty swimmers will argue with this.  Their problem is they can't swim gently.)  

Insert more rest days in your schedule; 5-days a week at the gym is way too much.  A hard day at the gym (10 routes near your limit) should be followed by either a rest day or a "recovery day" (eg. swimming) then a real rest day.  Listen to your body and rest again if you're still sore or not running up the stairs.   Remember this: You get progressively weaker (tired) when you're working out, you only get stronger when you're resting.

Start a gentle but graduated walking/hiking program to develop the strengths for those approaches and descents (which are the worst).

I would also highly recommend professional coaching.  It's worth every penny.   Technique is far more important than strength.   Learn how to MOVE, don't just thrutch your way up the climb.  You'll enjoy your climbing more and avoid injury by doing it RIGHT.  (EG. If your LEGS aren't sore after a climbing gym workout, then you're doing it wrong!)  

And as many others have said, don't spend a minute climbing with bad partners/belayers.  They WILL eventually hurt you both emotionally and physically.   For example, if you're getting short-roped on every clip and/or fall, you'll never develop the confidence to climb well.   A good belayer/partner, at any age, is worth their weight in gold.

John, I'm home sick today so I get to read these wonderful replies as they come in.  Thank you so much for taking the time to write!  

I should correct the record when I say "at gym 5 days a week". For years I have shown up at my local fitness gym M-F at 5 a.m.... most of it spent on the treadmill reading with a cup of coffee. (Well, I'm being honest!)  And some weights... but at 5 a.m., not many.  I'm climbing, at best, 2 days a week.  My fitness must be improving because there is room now for a Pilates class... or yoga... and they don't wear me out.  

Thanks for the advice on rest.  May I ask how you work it when you are having an 'extended climbing trip'?  I will be back in Joshua Tree in a week, and have scheduled climbing days to be 4 hours, every other day.  I WISH I could climb every day I'm out but it seems too much.  

Thank you for the mention of swimming!  We have a lake nearby that I love to swim in... but I am a 'shitty swimmer', but great at breast stroke, side, back....  This lake has fresh, clear water... and perfect temp about 6 months out of the year.  What a great suggestion!  

And I DO have a coach.  I felt a real sense of urgency when I started climbing... I don't have decades to figure it out on my own.  My biological clock is ticking!!!     So 27 yo Ryan meets me at noon every Wednesday, and I don't know WHY (because he won't train friends of mine)... but he is willing to coach me on skill, technique and anything else I need.  Maybe it's because I'm so intensely grateful.  I've just let him be the teacher... let me be the student.  Every now and then I will point to a route I know I cannot climb but want to try anyway...I can go ahead and hurl myself at a problem... but he always takes me back to the 5.8 climbs, to work on technique, balance, and things like stemming.   Then maybe one or two 5.10s.  It's really nice to have a positive person who always points out the successes and gains.  

John, HOW do you find a belay partner?  Gosh I wish I had just one or two friends I could call... say 'let's go'... and we could go.  I'm sure it will come.  

And one more thing.  My calves have become huge.  Maybe it's all that slab work. (?) I didn't realize what was happening to my legs until I started seeing pictures... and some others pointed it out.  OMG.  Now, if only I could add strength to my arms.  :-( 

Lori Milas wrote:
I should correct the record when I say "at gym 5 days a week". For years I have shown up at my local fitness gym M-F at 5 a.m.... most of it spent on the treadmill reading with a cup of coffee. (Well, I'm being honest!)  And some weights... but at 5 a.m., not many.  I'm climbing, at best, 2 days a week.  My fitness must be improving because there is room now for a Pilates class... or yoga... and they don't wear me out.  

Thanks for the advice on rest.  May I ask how you work it when you are having an 'extended climbing trip'?  I will be back in Joshua Tree in a week, and have scheduled climbing days to be 4 hours, every other day.  I WISH I could climb every day I'm out but it seems too much.  

A climbing trip needs a different approach than when you're training.  Practice vs. performance.   I climb fewer pitches per day, sometimes only 2 or 3 and force myself to take rest days when my shoulders/arms/legs tell me to.  

This past trip, 6 weeks, I put up a bunch of new routes.   Development beats the hell out of you.    I had to be pretty strategic to be able to redpoint the last route before I had to leave.
https://www.mountainproject.com/area/114250594/valentines-wall

Thank you for the mention of swimming!  We have a lake nearby that I love to swim in... but I am a 'shitty swimmer', but great at breast stroke, side, back....  This lake has fresh, clear water... and perfect temp about 6 months out of the year.  What a great suggestion!  

Glad you like that suggestion.  Don't exhaust yourself and try to work your shoulders in all directions.

And I DO have a coach.  I felt a real sense of urgency when I started climbing... I don't have decades to figure it out on my own.  My biological clock is ticking!!!     So 27 yo Ryan meets me at noon every Wednesday, and I don't know WHY (because he won't train friends of mine)... but he is willing to coach me on skill, technique and anything else I need.  Maybe it's because I'm so intensely grateful.  I've just let him be the teacher... let me be the student.  Every now and then I will point to a route I know I cannot climb but want to try anyway...I can go ahead and hurl myself at a problem... but he always takes me back to the 5.8 climbs, to work on technique, balance, and things like stemming.   Then maybe one or two 5.10s.  It's really nice to have a positive person who always points out the successes and gains.  

Good to hear it.  He brings your back to 5.8 because you should always work technique on climbs that are easy for you.  I usually do it on the warm-ups.

John, HOW do you find a belay partner?  Gosh I wish I had just one or two friends I could call... say 'let's go'... and we could go.  I'm sure it will come.  

Well, that depends on your individual situation.  There's been some good advice already (MP Partners, mid-week & mid-day gym sessions).  Does your gym have a partner board?  How confident are you?  Feel good about just walking up to someone you've been watching climb and asking if you can climb in?  I don't know if that's cool at J-Tree or not.  

And one more thing.  My calves have become huge.  Maybe it's all that slab work. (?) I didn't realize what was happening to my legs until I started seeing pictures... and some others pointed it out.  OMG.  Now, if only I could add strength to my arms.  :-( 

Slabs will do that to your calves.   Sounds like it's time to get off the slabs and on to another style of climbing ;-)

I think John is spot on about everything.  I'm one of those crappy swimmers he mentions, so swimming doesn't work for me, but I understand the idea.  

At this point, I try to have two rest days for every intense gym or outdoor climbing day, except when I'm on a trip, in which case I typically and rather stupidly boogie till I puke and then take a rest day.  A rest day from pulling plastic or cragging can be a hike or what I call trail running (a spectator might be hard-pressed to detect a running pace, but my aerobic system thinks I'm running).  

My outdoor trips more recently tend to prioritize the length of the climb over the difficulty, so I'm not usually tweaking fingers and shoulders and instead am simply getting all-over tired from the approach and the climb and the descent.  I can do at least some of these back-to-back if I alternate short and long days.

Lori Milas wrote:

Chris... do you think your numbers have gone down because your strength or endurance has lessened... or because you are enjoying the journey more and don't need to prove yourselves now?  (Or some other reason.) 

I think the reason is fairly simple - we don't climb nearly as much as we did when younger.  Of course we were stronger - and a little fitter etc 35 years ago but for the most part it's frequency and back then we were chasing the numbers so much harder.   I no longer care nearly as much what the rating is as much as if it looks like a fun route or takes us to a good looking summit.

Just one more comment by me.  Been following this thread...mostly cause there is a refreshing lack of MP BS.  I am well over 60 now and still get out.  The three things that hold me back the most, and in no particular order are:
1)  Keeping my weight to strength ratio where it should be.  Evolution has wanted to insulate my vital organs against cold not knowing I have high tech. clothing.  Then there is this stupid new reality where when I work out I get 1/2 the gains I use to while doing 2X the workout I use to do.

2)  My head.  This happened when I was younger though not nearly as often.  Some days I can't lead worth a damn!  So I know how to back off better now and not push it to an injury.  I believe however that continuing to get out and climb, Mt. bike, kayak, etc. (scary muscle sports) keeps us younger and more vital.  I have seen folks who once they stopped just could not  get their heads back into dealing with the scare factor.  So let's keep near the edge and yet conscious of injury while we calculate the risk that gives us joy.

3)  My hands!  I have dupuytrens.  Three surgerys and wont do it again.  No help there, perhaps makes it worse.  Arthritis has made my joints fat and dupuytrens  has bent my fingers to a point now that small sustained cracks are a problem for me.  So...take care of your hands!

Anyway, been good hearing all the sage advice and heart warming stories by the "experienced" ones.  Thanks,  Roy.. https://www.mountainproject.com/photo/112888417 

Roy Suggett wrote: Just one more comment by me.  Been following this thread...mostly cause there is a refreshing lack of MP BS.  I am well over 60 now and still get out.  The three things that hold me back the most, and in no particular order are:
1)  Keeping my weight to strength ratio where it should be.  Evolution has wanted to insulate my vital organs against cold not knowing I have high tech. clothing.  Then there is this stupid new reality where when I work out I get 1/2 the gains I use to while doing 2X the workout I use to do.

2)  My head.  This happened when I was younger though not nearly as often.  Some days I can't lead worth a damn!  So I know how to back off better now and not push it to an injury.  I believe however that continuing to get out and climb, Mt. bike, kayak, etc. (scary muscle sports) keeps us younger and more vital.  I have seen folks who once they stopped just could not  get their heads back into dealing with the scare factor.  So let's keep near the edge and yet conscious of injury while we calculate the risk that gives us joy.

3)  My hands!  I have dupuytrens.  Three surgerys and wont do it again.  No help there, perhaps makes it worse.  Arthritis has made my joints fat and dupuytrens  has bent my fingers to a point now that small sustained cracks are a problem for me.  So...take care of your hands!

Anyway, been good hearing all the sage advice and heart warming stories by the "experienced" ones.  Thanks,  Roy.. https://www.mountainproject.com/photo/112888417 

Roy! I love what you’ve written! I think when I started this topic it was around  the questions of aging on performance.  What’s real, what’s possible and what is no longer possible for an aging body.

8 years ago my doctor sent me home with a book “Younger Next Year” written by a doctor and a lawyer.  I read it in one sitting and have carried it around with me ever since. It is solid science and advice about how to live well in The Third Act.
It turns out that we don’t have too many liabilities and most can be fixed. Those that can’t be fixed we work around. (As you are doing with your dupuytrens.)But you keep on climbing.

I started climbing in my late 20's and am now in my early 50's.  I'd say that the big difference for me is that my body hurts a lot more now!  I've always been one to just keep climbing through the pain and I do still believe that's a good idea - as a physical therapist said to me, "Motion is lotion."  There are inevitable changes but the most important thing is to keep doing things; staying active and finding new passion for the sport is always good.  I've got friends who are 20+ years younger than me who I can still outclimb thanks to years of honed finger strength and wily footwork.  That said, there are climbs I did ten years ago that feel a lot harder now.

Is anyone interested in the subject of nutrition?  (If not, I'll leave it alone).  Thinking about what Roy wrote, especially on keeping the weight to strength ratio where it should be.  I'm well aware of how much easier climbing would be for me if I carried 20 less pounds.  That would be my college weight, which looked great then, but today would look and FEEL sickly.
 
I'm always reading up on diet, and now especially the nutritional needs of 'mature' adults.  One study that sticks in my mind states that we should be eating .8 gram of protein for every pound of body weight for light or non-training days.  1-1.2 gram of protein for strength/power training.  And 25-30 grams of protein within first half hour of post-event training (for instance, a serious climbing day) to aid recovery.  

That's a hell of a lot of protein.  My diet didn't even come close to that amount. So... I made it a goal to hit that .8 gram... 30 grams of protein per meal, plus an additional 30 in snacks.  It has made a huge difference in my energy level, sleep, and endurance.  

What seems to go at this age is muscle mass and strength.  Could it be that it 'goes' because we're not feeding right?  

"A Johns Hopkins University study found that a diet with protein levels above current recommendations led to a greater reduction in blood pressure, bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides than a traditional higher carb diet. Other research shows that people who eat diets with higher levels of protein can fend off obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes, and especially heart disease.  The Optimal Macronutrient Intake Trial to Prevent Heart Disease (OmniHeart) reported that both higher protein and higher fat improved 10-year heart disease risk better than a high carb diet did. "

Nutrition is really key once you get over 40. To answer your question about muscle mass, though, it "goes" because it requires constant use. As we age our bodies replace muscle tissue slower than they did when we were younger. So you might lose 1 lb of muscle in a month of sickness or inactivity but it will take you 6 months to regain it. Those ratios make it really difficult to stay fit unless you are consistent.

Personally, I do better on consistency when I'm training toward a goal. For example, I cycle so I like to have a goal like I'm going to ride a century ride in the fall. Training for that is no big deal but keeps me focused on putting in the time in the saddle. Similarly, I'm taking my kid up Mt. Whitney in the summer. I could do it tomorrow if I wanted but it'd be hard. So I'm making a point to put in time on the 300 feet of outdoor stairs near my house a couple days per week and get in some longer high-altitude hikes, so I'll be able to just cruise up Whitney. At the gym it's good to always have a project climb that's a little outside your comfort zone and be working on that. The eventual goal makes it easier and more exciting to put in the time. Simply "not atrophying" is not an exciting goal for me.

Lori Milas wrote:

Chris... do you think your numbers have gone down because your strength or endurance has lessened... or because you are enjoying the journey more and don't need to prove yourselves now?  (Or some other reason.) 

I'll chime in with my two cents worth here. I'm 57 and have been climbing for a long time. My strength and endurance have declined quite a bit from my younger days but my numbers (at least on my best day) have declined far less. I attribute that to improved technique and experience making up for some of the physical decline.

But note that I said my numbers on my best day. What has really declined is the amount of volume I can handle. In my 30's and 40's I could go on a week long trip and climb fairly hard every day. I can't do that now. Two hard days a week is the limit. Same extends to training. What worked in my 20's and 30's doesn't work now. As John noted rest is important and becomes ever more critical as you get older.

I've noticed the same things as Emil.  I used to climb all the time with no drop offs in performance.  These days, at 61, if I work hard at the gym one night, I don't do well the next.  Same with climbing outdoors.  I'm having a little trouble admitting to that and adjusting but I'm finally starting to get the message. 

Lori Milas wrote: Is anyone interested in the subject of nutrition?  (If not, I'll leave it alone).  Thinking about what Roy wrote, especially on keeping the weight to strength ratio where it should be.  I'm well aware of how much easier climbing would be for me if I carried 20 less pounds.  That would be my college weight, which looked great then, but today would look and FEEL sickly.
 
I'm always reading up on diet, and now especially the nutritional needs of 'mature' adults.  One study that sticks in my mind states that we should be eating .8 gram of protein for every pound of body weight for light or non-training days.  1-1.2 gram of protein for strength/power training.  And 25-30 grams of protein within first half hour of post-event training (for instance, a serious climbing day) to aid recovery.  

That's a hell of a lot of protein.  My diet didn't even come close to that amount. So... I made it a goal to hit that .8 gram... 30 grams of protein per meal, plus an additional 30 in snacks.  It has made a huge difference in my energy level, sleep, and endurance.  

I agree and have had similar experiences.  

What seems to go at this age is muscle mass and strength.  Could it be that it 'goes' because we're not feeding right?  

"A Johns Hopkins University study found that a diet with protein levels above current recommendations led to a greater reduction in blood pressure, bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides than a traditional higher carb diet. Other research shows that people who eat diets with higher levels of protein can fend off obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes, and especially heart disease.  The Optimal Macronutrient Intake Trial to Prevent Heart Disease (OmniHeart) reported that both higher protein and higher fat improved 10-year heart disease risk better than a high carb diet did. "

I've been on the "Grandmother Diet" for a number of years (Don't eat anything your grandmother wouldn't have eaten) but have tweaked it a bit in the last few 5 months towards higher protein and fat levels with much fewer carbs (unless the carbs are fresh veggies).  I do an "intermittent fast" once or twice a week but only following a high protein meal the night before.    I've eaten more bacon in the last few months than the previous few years.  :-)

I really haven't been all that strict about it, just staying aware of what I should buy at the grocery.   Anyway, I lost 5lbs in 5 months, which is what I was looking for and I don't feel hungry during the day unless I really am hungry (you know what I mean).   I feel good and I'm climbing strong.  Now at 6' 1" and 175lbs, I'm 10lbs below my "college weight".

John Byrnes wrote: I agree and have had similar experiences.  

I've been on the "Grandmother Diet" for a number of years (Don't eat anything your grandmother wouldn't have eaten) but have tweaked it a bit in the last few 5 months towards higher protein and fat levels with much fewer carbs (unless the carbs are fresh veggies).  I do an "intermittent fast" once or twice a week but only following a high protein meal the night before.    I've eaten more bacon in the last few months than the previous few years.  :-)

I really haven't been all that strict about it, just staying aware of what I should buy at the grocery.   Anyway, I lost 5lbs in 5 months, which is what I was looking for and I don't feel hungry during the day unless I really am hungry (you know what I mean).   I feel good and I'm climbing strong.  Now at 6' 1" and 175lbs, I'm 10lbs below my "college weight".

You guys are nailing it.   I guess what I'm looking at, in a nuts and bolts kind of way, is what part of decline is inevitable, and what can be fixed?  Could any part of performance and recovery issues be offset... even 10-20%... with better fueling, better hydration, etc.?  I'm so curious, and a bit adventurous with this... certainly willing to experiment.   Also as everyone has stated, 'use it or lose it'.  There's no getting around training, workouts and maintaining muscle mass. (er... in my case, building some.   )
 
I have to say, personally, I've put the lie to the idea that it's all downhill after 'some age younger than mine'.  I have more upper body strength, more general fitness and endurance, and certainly more lower body strength, than ever in my life.  It's those laybacks that haunt me tho'...    

Lori Milas wrote:

You guys are nailing it.   I guess what I'm looking at, in a nuts and bolts kind of way, is what part of decline is inevitable, and what can be fixed?  Could any part of performance and recovery issues be offset... even 10-20%... with better fueling, better hydration, etc.?  I'm so curious, and a bit adventurous with this... certainly willing to experiment.   Also as everyone has stated, 'use it or lose it'.  There's no getting around training, workouts and maintaining muscle mass. (er... in my case, building some.   )
 
I have to say, personally, I've put the lie to the idea that it's all downhill after 'some age younger than mine'.  I have more upper body strength, more general fitness and endurance, and certainly more lower body strength, than ever in my life.  It's those laybacks that haunt me tho'...    

I would bet though that you didn't try to maximize your fitness when you were younger. If you had gotten close to your maximum potential back in your 20's to early 30's then yeah it's all downhill from there. When it comes to having fun though it doesn't really matter.

Emil Briggs wrote:

I would bet though that you didn't try to maximize your fitness when you were younger. If you had gotten close to your maximum potential back in your 20's to early 30's then yeah it's all downhill from there. When it comes to having fun though it doesn't really matter.

You are exactly right Emil. Took it for granted but also didn’t have the quality of info we have today. If only I knew then what I know now!

But as for fun...NO CONTEST!  I’m enjoying every moment and am full of gratitude and awe for every day, every minute.  Could never have appreciated these sacred moments in the same way before.

John Byrnes wrote: 
This past trip, 6 weeks, I put up a bunch of new routes.   Development beats the hell out of you.    I had to be pretty strategic to be able to redpoint the last route before I had to leave.
https://www.mountainproject.com/area/114250594/valentines-wall

John,  I took a few minutes to gaze at your Valentine's Wall project.  I'm sitting here, about to turn 65, truly at a crossroads in my life... wondering, is this what these guys do? Just go to these magnificent places to climb?  Is this even legal?
I wish you had pictures, of your climbs, and of the place where you climbed.  I'd love to see that.
Regardless of whether I ever make it to the Caymans, I am so deeply grateful for nature, for the opportunity to climb (however well or poorly) ... for all these gifts.  Thank you for sharing.

John Gill is inspirational. He looks amazing at the age of 80: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hymYIMwlyQA

The video says he has "severe arthritis and advanced degeneration of the lower spine", but watch him move! (that link is to the section of the video where he's doing multiple pull-ups at age 80).

Lori Milas wrote: John,  I took a few minutes to gaze at your Valentine's Wall project.  I'm sitting here, about to turn 65, truly at a crossroads in my life... wondering, is this what these guys do? Just go to these magnificent places to climb?  Is this even legal?

How's that old saw go?  Everything worth doing is either unhealthy, immoral or illegal.   If you're not retired, get that way and start the next major phase of your life.  

Anyway, yeah, that's what I do.   I mostly climb other peoples' routes but when I go to Cayman Brac, I generally put up several new routes.  

I wish you had pictures, of your climbs, and of the place where you climbed.  I'd love to see that.
Regardless of whether I ever make it to the Caymans, I am so deeply grateful for nature, for the opportunity to climb (however well or poorly) ... for all these gifts.  Thank you for sharing.

Pictures?  Oh Geez, most of mine are on film.  But there's more photos from this last trip at:  

https://www.facebook.com/kirkhabitat/media_set?set=a.10155545352077741.1073742071.730492740&type=3

And a recent video: https://vimeo.com/225647750 

John Byrnes wrote: How's that old saw go?  Everything worth doing is either unhealthy, immoral or illegal.   If you're not retired, get that way and start the next major phase of your life.  

Anyway, yeah, that's what I do.   I mostly climb other peoples' routes but when I go to Cayman Brac, I generally put up several new routes.  

Pictures?  Oh Geez, most of mine are on film.  But there's more photos from this last trip at:  

https://www.facebook.com/kirkhabitat/media_set?set=a.10155545352077741.1073742071.730492740&type=3

And a recent video: https://vimeo.com/225647750 

I’m speechless. In fact, for some reason I’m tearful.  You caught pictures of beauty that are purely inspirational. Thank you.