The Grand Teton // Owen Spalding it with Blake - Mountain trips
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Date: 2023-01-17
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Comments and reviews: 20
WillN2Go1
I don't want to make you guys feel old and you never seem to read any of my comments but this one might someday save you from falling on your butt or freezing in place.
When I was in China hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge many years ago, I was wearing my first pair of bifocals (transitions) Crossing this ratty little bridge over a steep mountain stream that led down to the roaring Yangtze River there was a slat or two missing. I froze. Could not move. I didn't feel frightened I just froze. My son and our friends were already on the other side waiting for me under a mud cliff that was falling apart. I had to move. I finally just forced myself to take the step.
Almost immediately I figured out what had happened. The bifocals made the area at the base of my feet out of focus. Part of my brain said this is too serious to rely on a fuzzy image. Solutions. Wearing bifocals: tuck your chin down a bit more so you're looking through a more upper part of the lenses so you can see the detail where you want to step. Your brain can then calculate the distance. For the Mediocre Amateurs in about 15 years rock hopping down a mountain, don't wear bifocals. If you need glasses for sharp vision beyond say 3' wear them, have an up to date prescription. This is not about okay, this is about tack sharp vision at the distance you need it to be - where you're going to step next. Sharp vision - you're a mountain goat.
If you want to experiment with this concept wear reading glasses and try stepping those spaced exercise/balance posts they have in the parks for old people and children. And great to see you back Blake.
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I don't want to make you guys feel old and you never seem to read any of my comments but this one might someday save you from falling on your butt or freezing in place.
When I was in China hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge many years ago, I was wearing my first pair of bifocals (transitions) Crossing this ratty little bridge over a steep mountain stream that led down to the roaring Yangtze River there was a slat or two missing. I froze. Could not move. I didn't feel frightened I just froze. My son and our friends were already on the other side waiting for me under a mud cliff that was falling apart. I had to move. I finally just forced myself to take the step.
Almost immediately I figured out what had happened. The bifocals made the area at the base of my feet out of focus. Part of my brain said this is too serious to rely on a fuzzy image. Solutions. Wearing bifocals: tuck your chin down a bit more so you're looking through a more upper part of the lenses so you can see the detail where you want to step. Your brain can then calculate the distance. For the Mediocre Amateurs in about 15 years rock hopping down a mountain, don't wear bifocals. If you need glasses for sharp vision beyond say 3' wear them, have an up to date prescription. This is not about okay, this is about tack sharp vision at the distance you need it to be - where you're going to step next. Sharp vision - you're a mountain goat.
If you want to experiment with this concept wear reading glasses and try stepping those spaced exercise/balance posts they have in the parks for old people and children. And great to see you back Blake.
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Dkn
Way to keep it safe! My first time up was a few days after a group had been struck by lightning, launching people and leaving climbers dangling by their ropes off cliffs. Big rescue effort ensued. We could see the aftermath when we got up. On our way down a storm came in quickly as we started the rap and our biners we're humming on our harnesses. Scary! But soooo worth it! I'm planning a trip with my oldest son for this next year as it turns out I summitted the first time on the day he was to be born 3 yrs later.
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Way to keep it safe! My first time up was a few days after a group had been struck by lightning, launching people and leaving climbers dangling by their ropes off cliffs. Big rescue effort ensued. We could see the aftermath when we got up. On our way down a storm came in quickly as we started the rap and our biners we're humming on our harnesses. Scary! But soooo worth it! I'm planning a trip with my oldest son for this next year as it turns out I summitted the first time on the day he was to be born 3 yrs later.
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heywood
Would love to see you guys do some more climbing like this! its awesome. bring a 3rd and dont be afraid to show on camera how scared you guys get, im sure it would add lots of value to your videos. oh and if your toes are curled try a half size up and see if you notice a difference in comfort vs performance. (you will feel when a shoe is too big and your actually slipping) for that type of climbing I believe comfort IS performance
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Would love to see you guys do some more climbing like this! its awesome. bring a 3rd and dont be afraid to show on camera how scared you guys get, im sure it would add lots of value to your videos. oh and if your toes are curled try a half size up and see if you notice a difference in comfort vs performance. (you will feel when a shoe is too big and your actually slipping) for that type of climbing I believe comfort IS performance
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On
Glad to see you back Blake and Aaron! They make mediocre amateur so much more relatable to me - friendship and roughing it out in the wilderness! Finding amazing adventure by simply driving to a trailhead and sleeping in the truck. Even Blake whining is missed - we've all been there - complaining but really deep down loving every moment of it!
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Glad to see you back Blake and Aaron! They make mediocre amateur so much more relatable to me - friendship and roughing it out in the wilderness! Finding amazing adventure by simply driving to a trailhead and sleeping in the truck. Even Blake whining is missed - we've all been there - complaining but really deep down loving every moment of it!
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Risa
It's nice to see you Blake! I appreciate your honesty Aaron. I have turned around on hikes that have been a lot less scary than this one. I am so happy that you made it to the top. Thanks for getting the old team back together Danny! The filming is just as good as ever.
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It's nice to see you Blake! I appreciate your honesty Aaron. I have turned around on hikes that have been a lot less scary than this one. I am so happy that you made it to the top. Thanks for getting the old team back together Danny! The filming is just as good as ever.
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Nickster
Anyone who complains about someone complaining in the mountains on a big day is a hypocrite and has not had a real big (painful) day in the mountains when you know the only way back is through a lot more pain. Good to see him back
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Anyone who complains about someone complaining in the mountains on a big day is a hypocrite and has not had a real big (painful) day in the mountains when you know the only way back is through a lot more pain. Good to see him back
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Jeremy
Everyman is Blake. In the good way though. Caring and thoughtful. Not wanting to blow the body up when you have people who rely on you. Must've been hard to sit back and watch the homies adventure. Also, send it.
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Everyman is Blake. In the good way though. Caring and thoughtful. Not wanting to blow the body up when you have people who rely on you. Must've been hard to sit back and watch the homies adventure. Also, send it.
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Bee
The 3 amigos! Welcome back Blake, you were missed fellow! I still remember when Aaron got introduced as this guy that Blake knows; -) [and don't worry, Danny's been doing well filling in as the resident curmudgeon]
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The 3 amigos! Welcome back Blake, you were missed fellow! I still remember when Aaron got introduced as this guy that Blake knows; -) [and don't worry, Danny's been doing well filling in as the resident curmudgeon]
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Toby
Ive been watching all the mountain climbing videos and i was just curious has Danny ever been over 15, 000 ft and if not is mt. whitney the highest mountain they have ever done? Thank you for any response
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Ive been watching all the mountain climbing videos and i was just curious has Danny ever been over 15, 000 ft and if not is mt. whitney the highest mountain they have ever done? Thank you for any response
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william
I was there on the grand that day and literally every single team had a rope except these dudes. We were watching from the enclosure and betting at which point they would turn around. Totally nuts.
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I was there on the grand that day and literally every single team had a rope except these dudes. We were watching from the enclosure and betting at which point they would turn around. Totally nuts.
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rickson50
your friend left you midhike to finish the mountain while you were scared? that's unaceptable. no one gets left alone, if you couldnt finish it then he should have come down
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your friend left you midhike to finish the mountain while you were scared? that's unaceptable. no one gets left alone, if you couldnt finish it then he should have come down
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ProfessorPepper
This production quality is so good it feels like I'm watching a movie worthy of the big screen and everybody talks to the camera like they're talking to the homies
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This production quality is so good it feels like I'm watching a movie worthy of the big screen and everybody talks to the camera like they're talking to the homies
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Gear
Only 5. 4 but the consequences of a slip are immense. Even when I was younger and in shape I would be roping up and at least a nut here or there to prevent a catastrophe.
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Only 5. 4 but the consequences of a slip are immense. Even when I was younger and in shape I would be roping up and at least a nut here or there to prevent a catastrophe.
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Oscar
awesome guys. !the grand teton is in my list. i ve done a few hard technical 14 ers in colorado. is the rope a must? i am planning on going to jackson just by myself.
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awesome guys. !the grand teton is in my list. i ve done a few hard technical 14 ers in colorado. is the rope a must? i am planning on going to jackson just by myself.
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Griffin
Super sick. Went to Teton National park this summer and got to see the sun rise onto the mountains and the tips were so red it looked like they were on fire.
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Super sick. Went to Teton National park this summer and got to see the sun rise onto the mountains and the tips were so red it looked like they were on fire.
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Alexa
I love Blakes complaining and honestly missed it. The honesty and realness is extremely appreciated.
Please complain more Blake! Hope youre back soon!
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I love Blakes complaining and honestly missed it. The honesty and realness is extremely appreciated.
Please complain more Blake! Hope youre back soon!
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3x
It's very cool to see Blake is back on trail with you guys. He absolutely crushed it!
Thanks for another great episode as always!
Keep them coming.
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It's very cool to see Blake is back on trail with you guys. He absolutely crushed it!
Thanks for another great episode as always!
Keep them coming.
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Bush
The reason I like the blizz is cause of his unimpressed attitude. This vid makes me glad to be in canada where the mountains are not full of people
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The reason I like the blizz is cause of his unimpressed attitude. This vid makes me glad to be in canada where the mountains are not full of people
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Renaud
So I'm curious about Zach's technique: what does he anchor to and how does he get his stuff back after everyone has rappelled?
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So I'm curious about Zach's technique: what does he anchor to and how does he get his stuff back after everyone has rappelled?
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Chase
Yeah I need to do this. Also as an adventure filmmaker that's just getting started thanks for the inspiration and the content
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Yeah I need to do this. Also as an adventure filmmaker that's just getting started thanks for the inspiration and the content
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