Hardwear Sessions

I think the article is chronicling his recent addition(s) of hard-cutting-edge trad climbs in the SE � more than his alpine accomplishments in India and the like�good stuff.

Hey -- you're right, that is a better summary of the article. But you liked it anyway, right???

I liked the pictures for sure!

Ha, it's nice to see local talent get some press. I know this guy cranks but I had no idea how much rad stuff Pat's done, although after watching one of his slide shows I was quite impressed and inspired! He's a super humble climber and a very nice person - good work good"man".
Mike D.

I find it interesting about the whole 'head pointing' controversy. Climbing to me is about a community, cameraderie, a global family if you will. Without climbers of all styles, diversity, and appreciation of these different styles, climbing loses its emanation of freedom––part of why most of us climb. Climb and let climb. Unless your climbing style includes trundling boulders to climbers below on purpose, or placing bolts next to bomber cracks, lets respect everyone's different styles and psyches. If your climbing style in fact creates enthusiasm for yourself, then success is there. Yes, etiquette is important in many aspects, don't get me wrong, but if Pat wants to set up a top-rope and 'head point' (or whatever it is), and crank bad-ass problems in his chosen style, more power to him. I saw a bumper sticker the other day, it said: "Take Care of Your Own Damn Family."
Maybe we should consider a new bumper sticker: "Take Care of Your Own Damn Climbing." Lets have fun, climb, and motivate each other to keep the freedom of climbing alive, not douse it with a negative spray hose. Maybe go and redpoint or onsight one of Pat's problems that he had to 'head point' to get, then throw some fun mockery to him over a few beers. At the end of the day (or pitch), when its all said and done, we are all just trying to climb, live sweet, and make it to old age. At least I am.
I like this one too: "No Risk, No Rock" -David Lee Roth.