Category: News and Reviews

‘We’re going to change the world’

Manoah Ainuu, featured in the film “Black Ice,” grew up in Compton but became a professional climber.

S’lacio Bankston struggled on the icy pitch, lost his footing and backed off. Later, the 20-year-old refocused and invoked Mohammed Ali to pump himself up: “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee!” Bankston sent the frozen waterfall on his second effort as his friends erupted in cheers. If Black climbers are rare, African American… Continue reading ‘We’re going to change the world’

Challenge, camaraderie define 100-mile race

Steven Moore finished in 18 hours, 14 minutes and 57 seconds, setting a new course record for men aged 50-59.

One hundred miles of murderous terrain stretches out the field of Western States Endurance Run, but the legendary race still sees an occasional photo finish. Those in Placer High School’s LeFebvre Stadium in the late hours of June 29 witnessed a sprint for the ages. After more than 18 hours of racing up and down… Continue reading Challenge, camaraderie define 100-mile race

Sierra Summits: “a guidebook with heart”

Sierra Summits, Matt Johanson’s latest adventure guidebook, is his third and best effort.   Sub-titled A Guide to 50 Peak Experiences in California’s Range of Light, the book offers a wide range of experiences covering the 400 miles of the Sierra Nevada range. For example, beginners and hikers with children can start on Sentinel Dome… Continue reading Sierra Summits: “a guidebook with heart”

Yosemite climbing movies reach new heights

A climber risks his dream to help a friend. Another risks his life for hard-to-fathom reasons. Yosemite big wall climbing comes alive on the big screen like never before in two new adrenaline-pumping films. Brilliantly filmed and produced, both stories will leave audiences awestruck and breathless. “Dawn Wall” shares the life of Tommy Caldwell, a… Continue reading Yosemite climbing movies reach new heights

Climbing legend shares Yosemite spirit

Ron Kauk has inspired people around the world with his rock climbing career for many years. Since 2009, he has also been helping the surrounding community through his non-profit, Sacred Rok. Kauk began his life journey at the age of 14. He fell in love with rock climbing in Yosemite National Park and found it an… Continue reading Climbing legend shares Yosemite spirit

Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” comes to Murphys

I was looking for the actor Sean Lewis, who is slated to play the lead role in “Hamlet,” which will be performed outdoors at Bryce Station Vineyards, July 20 through Aug. 19. The man bent over a bucket of water, washing his paint brush, stood up and said, “I’m Sean Lewis.” Opening night was less… Continue reading Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” comes to Murphys

Eat better on the trail with hiker’s cookbook

If you love backpacking, and love good food, but rarely enjoy them both at the same time (like me), then you’ll benefit from reading “The Hungry Spork: A Long Distance Hiker’s Guide to Meal Planning.” Combining aspects of a cookbook, a gear review and a personal narrative, the new book by outdoors writer Inga Aksamit… Continue reading Eat better on the trail with hiker’s cookbook

“On the Nose” recounts airy adventures

On his first attempt to climb The Nose of El Capitan, Hans Florine and his partner survived a near-death experience and retreated. But they succeeded on their second push, and Florine later skyrocketed to unprecedented longevity and speed on the iconic Yosemite climb. Anyone who’s struggled with a challenge, climbing-related or otherwise, will find inspiration… Continue reading “On the Nose” recounts airy adventures

New book reveals “The Art of Ascent”

Have you ever wanted to do something unique, different, captivating, and fun? Do you have a passion about something and want to step it up? Jeremy Collins was able to experience these feelings as he recorded and drew all his experiences traveling across the world in his new book Drawn: The Art of Ascent. Despite… Continue reading New book reveals “The Art of Ascent”