Continue with onX Maps
Sign in with Facebook
New Book: Rites of Passage -The Legacy of Adventure Climbing in the Sierra Nevada
|
Hey, All! I wanted to announce my book, "Rites of Passage - The Legacy of Adventure Climbing in the Sierra Nevada" that went on sale today. Instead of posting a huge link, you can get more info on my FB page, "E.C. Joe - vertical20" or at https://vertical20.com/  |
|
Bump! One of the 'Sons Of Obscura'....E.C. Joe did an amazing job putting this book together, recounting the adventures of several prolific pioneers of southern Sierra climbing history. The book was dedicated to the memory of Richard Leversee, who passed away last year. A great man and mentor to many. Be sure to check it out! Thanks E.C.!! |
|
I'm not going to give it away, you'll have to read it to find it, but there's a bit where E.C. Joe is talking about getting involved in guiding, teaching rope skills, etc., and he offers up a terrific description of what constitutes a great guide. He talks about how a guide is constantly "shape-shifting" in their role with their clients. This sage observation follows hot on the heels of a harrowing account of getting blasted by lightening on top of Fairview with two clients. It's a great read. All of this crazy shit happens; loud, cold, windy, fast. But in the next breath he's all Zen about the whole business. |
|
Bump. Big shout out to E.C. Be sure to check out his recently published book. vertical20.com/ |
|
also discussed in this thread: |
|
Thanks for the feedback! I produced a paperback at $34.99 suggested retail for those balking at the premium hardcover price. Costs for producing the hardcover are going up in June. 'Dunno what it's future is quite yet. https://www.facebook.com/RoPvertical20/ A new "trade" review (publish date: 06/26/2023): https://booklife.com/project/rites-of-passage-84959 I'm not so sure why the cover graphic wasn't higher... "Adventurers will value this collection of tales and photographs from climbers who have ventured out into the wilderness of the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. E.C. Joe has compiled stories from men and women who pioneered the sport—from first ascents to training others to follow their footsteps. At times poetic and at times hilarious, these immersive reminiscences stir a sense of what it feels like to be one of the first climbers in the Southern Sierra, climbing untouched rock. Joe closes with a series of touching memories of climbers who have died and an interview with Richard Leversee, a giant in the field, celebrating their glory days. Throughout Rites of Passage, Joe brings together hard-earned wisdom and stories that legitimately will “inspire future generations to explore their limits” (as Vitaliy Musiyenko puts it in the forward). Some of the tales shared are of people doing truly bold, risky things (such as, memorably, in the “Gorge of Despair”), but the contributors also always stress the need for climbers to be careful. The photos, illustrations, and sketchy topos (guides to climbing routes) help the reader feel the reality of these stories. Joe also helpfully includes bios of all the contributors, as well as endnotes and photo credits which would help the dedicated reader chase down more information about the Southern Sierra Nevada mountains. Rites of Passage is full of detailed and technical accounts—such as of mastering complex walls and difficult crack systems with only sketchy descriptions to work from. That is the spirit of the Sierra Nevada which Joe hopes to pass on to a future generation: enabling future generations to “climb as if the route was being done for the first time,” as one contributor puts it, and truly experience the wilderness. For those who love the outdoors, particularly members of the “small spiritual tribe” of climbers, this is a beautiful and inspiring collection of stories, reminiscences and wisdom about the southern Sierra Nevada—and what it takes to thrive there. Takeaway: Gorgeous, inspiring stories and photos of climbing the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Comparable Titles: Clarence King’s Mountaineering in the Sierra Nevada, Lauren DeLaunay Miller’s Valley of Giants. Production grades More info: vertical20.com |
|
Really enjoyed the book Joe, a proud effort. Led White Punks On Dope BITD in 81 before moving to NorCal. Remains one of my favorite and most memorable climbs all these years later. Leading P1 WPOD 1981  |
|
Thanks for your support! - ec |
|
Good stuff Eddie! It was good to be a part of it. And it was great to see Patrick and Kelly Paul. |
|
Thx, Dave. Thank you for all your and Erin's support! - ec |
 |
|
‘Haven’t looked here for a minute. Thx for the good vibes! The Rock Ice & Mountain Club gig was fun. I loved the venue at the Victory House; big-ass screen, etc. I videotaped Randy’s presentation and here’s the link: My presentation which was very much the same as I did with Patrick Paul at the Kernville Museum was recorded already: https://youtu.be/ugcyuuC2Sbo?si=FK81OgSFSq56mULi On Wednesday, March 13th at 6pm I will be at the Kern County Museum. If you or anyone you know are close by and want to attend, BE THERE! - ec |
|
I'm definitely getting the hardcover! Though we never climbed together, I always appreciated the mentoring and the "bro-deals" I got from you and Kim from behind the counter at Sunrise Mountaineering in Livermore. Good work Eddie . . . |
|
Cool, Rich! I remember you. Your welcome. And thanks. Yeah, we definitely had a ”frequent flyer” plan at Sunrise. Brick & Mortar climbing shops like that one are rare anymore. ‘Best job I ever had! Enjoy! - ec |
|
This just scheduled. The time is TBA: |
 |
|
Thx to Matt Schutz, the American Alpine Club, Fresno Chapter, the Crow & Wolf Brewing Co., Clovis, CA, for hosting us tonight - and to all who showed-up! Good times! Great Presentations! |
