Climbing Over 70

I’m watching this thread with great interest… I have a mere 3 1/2 years to go. Thanks for the inspiration and motivation!

Just ran across this thread.  Interesting to hear from like-minded folks who are also in "late middle age". 

I started climbing in my fifties and rapidly became addicted.  Red Rock Canyon, Red River Gorge, Seneca, the Sierras, Andes, Adirondacks, Wind Rivers, and Moab are some of the places I've been.  Memorable post-70 trips (I'm 73 now) include the City of Rocks (Idaho), Tetons (Irene's Arête, Mt. Moran, Cathedral Traverse), Tuolumne, and annual visits to Red Rocks.  I worked mostly with guides for a long time, and still do occasionally, but began leading a few years ago and now have a small circle of local friends to partner with (some more experienced than me, some less, all younger, and unfortunately all still employed which limits their availability).  On a good day I can manage 5.11 on top-rope, but 5.fun adventure routes are my favorite.  Always on the lookout for new partners.

Philip Highfill

Philip Highfill wrote:

Just ran across this thread.  Interesting to hear from like-minded folks who are also in "late middle age". 

I started climbing in my fifties and rapidly became addicted.  Red Rock Canyon, Red River Gorge, Seneca, the Sierras, Andes, Adirondacks, Wind Rivers, and Moab are some of the places I've been.  Memorable post-70 trips (I'm 73 now) include the City of Rocks (Idaho), Tetons (Irene's Arête, Mt. Moran, Cathedral Traverse), Tuolumne, and annual visits to Red Rocks.  I worked mostly with guides for a long time, and still do occasionally, but began leading a few years ago and now have a small circle of local friends to partner with (some more experienced than me, some less, all younger, and unfortunately all still employed which limits their availability).  On a good day I can manage 5.11 on top-rope, but 5.fun adventure routes are my favorite.  Always on the lookout for new partners.

Philip Highfill

Philip, join the New and Old Climbers Over 50 thread on here ( most participants now well past 50) ---it is a much more active thread than this one ( though currently ,due to the timing, going through a bit of a political diversion--hopefully soon to end). 

Thanks, Alan.  I'll check it out.

Idaho Bob wrote:

..

We have three "ages".  Chronological (can't do anything about that other than ignore).  Physical (diet and constant exercise do wonders).  Mental (the most important, don't accept the limitations suggested by others, including your children).

Especially when they tell you you really shouldn't be driving anymore. Full throttle!

I'd like to visit Kalymnos again, last week of April and first week of May.  Need a climbing partner.  I'll bring rope and lots of draws.  I can lead up to 6a, follow harder.  Plan on staying in Myrties.

If anyone is interested, please contact me.

Climbing at 71, I wouldn't change a thing. Have to be pickier in route selection than I use to be, but leading 5.11 has never been more satisfying. Was out with a young person a month ago, swapping leads and just by luck got the pitch through the crux bulge. When we got down and started out he asked me if I would jump on an 11 hand crack? No. How about a finger crack? No. Any kind of crack? No. So you just slab and face climb? Yep. He laughed, saying well that's obviously sustainable for you. Yep