Top 10 national climbing stories for 2010

The year 2010 has been quite eventful when it comes to the realm of climbing. We’ve lost a few climbing legends, seen some incredible and inspiring climbs for great causes, and even witnessed someone descending into the mouth of a live volcano. Here is a recap of the top 10 national climbing stories for 2010.

Dean Potter and Sean Leary broke the speed climbing record on El Capitan when they climbed the Nose in 2 hours, 36 minutes and 45 seconds. They stole the record from Hans Florine and Yuji Hirayama who completed the route in 2 hours, 37 minutes and 5 seconds. Potter and Leary attempted to beat their own record only to be thwarted by weather conditions. They will be making another attempt in the very near future.

German climbing legend Kurt Albert died after he sustained injuries from a fall while climbing the Höhenglücksteig via ferrata in Hirschbach Valley of Bavaria. Albert created the “redpoint” where he would paint a red dot at the base which indicated to the climber that the route could be free-climbed.

Climber Drew Bristol descended into the mouth of Mount Marum, which is a live volcano located on Ambrym Island in the Republic of Vanuatu. Geoff Mackley, aka “Dangerman,” a freelance still photographer and filmmaker, recorded this dangerous descent.

Top Seattle climber Joe Puryear was climbing Labuche Kang in the Himalayas when a cornice collapsed, taking Puryear 1,500 feet down to his death. Puryear sought out summits that no human had ever touched. Puryear was a former Mt. Rainer climbing ranger and guidebook author.

Mount Washington in New Hampshire saw Lucy, the first wheelchair-bound dog, summit its 6,288-foot peak. Lucy was very young when she was hit by a car in Puerto Rico. She was saved by the Second Chance Animal Rescue and later adopted by Courtney Dunning of New Hampshire.

William Holland, an American climber who went missing 21 years ago while climbing Mount Snow Dome in Alberta, Canada, was found frozen in ice by two hikers in the Rocky Mountains. His body was well-preserved as it was in glacier ice, and his clothes and gear were fairly intact, along with a rope slung over his shoulder.

Nineteen-time Everest climber Chhewang Nima was swept away by an avalanche while fixing ropes for a climbing group on Mount Beruntse in Eastern Nepal. Nima was scheduled to climb Everest next spring for the 20th time, which would match the record of Apa Sherpa, who holds the record for climbing Mt. Everest. Another search was launched at the beginning of this month to recover Nima’s body.

Stephen Wampler, a man born with cerebral palsy, inspired many with his climb on El Capitan in Yosemite. He became the first man with cerebral palsy to complete this climb. He did it not only to give those with cerebral palsy hope and inspiration that they could achieve anything, but also to raise awareness and funds for the Stephen Wampler Foundation and Camp WAMP (Wheelchair Adventure Mountain Programs). Wampler truly has a heart of gold.

Dallas Kloke, another well-known and experienced climber, was climbing Pleiades Peak in Washington State when a rock sheared away from the mountain and took Kloke with it. He fell over 300 feet, and his body was recovered a few days later.

Matt Moniz, a 12-year-old boy known for his 50-50 Expedition, was selected as one of National Geographic’s 2010 Adventurers of the Year. He and his climbing partner and father, Mike, summitted the 50 U.S. high points in just 43 days. This made him the youngest to complete this adventure, and he now holds the record for speed.

With 2011 around the corner, there are sure to be more accomplishments and great events happening within the climbing world. It’s never a dull moment when it comes to climbing, as climbers are always challenging themselves to bigger and tougher routes. May you all continue climbing safely and defeating those mountains with vigor and determination.

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