55: A Price Too Big
For the Love of Climbing
Kathy Karlo
4.6 • 581 Ratings
🗓️ 1 December 2023
⏱️ 45 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
On October 29, 2019, Michelle Xue and her climbing partner, Jenny Shedden, set off to climb Red Slate Mountain in the Sierra Nevada when they were struck by rockfall and killed. This story is told through the lens of her dear friend, Artem.
While all genres of climbing can be dangerous, alpine climbing is likely the most. These stories of loss pay tribute to loved ones, but beyond that, the life of an alpine climber is complex. They say, “What’s done in love, is done well.” But the passion for this sport creates a catch-22.
The cold paradox of alpine climbing leaves loved ones behind, pondering the timeworn question: Why do we climb? Why choose to continue a sport when the risks encountered could mean death? Everyone will grieve in this lifetime. And everyone will experience loss. It’s a painful but normal part of the human experience, and the process of grief, though it moves, will move in cycles.
This episode is in loving memory of Michelle Xue and Jenny Shedden.
For the Love of Climbing is presented by Patagonia. Additional support is from deuter USA, Allez Outdoor, and Ocún.
Music is licensed by Music Bed and Blue Dot Sessions.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | This podcast is proudly presented by Patagonia. |
| 0:04.5 | Not bound by convention, |
| 0:06.2 | Patagonia is in business to save our home planet. |
| 0:13.1 | It's 2023 and modern climbers are more accomplished than ever, |
| 0:17.6 | and we don't just mean on the wall. |
| 0:19.8 | Patagonia has always seen the value in being bold, whether it means pushing high points |
| 0:23.6 | or having the audacity to demand more for our planet. |
| 0:27.6 | So, what's it mean to be a strong climber, full commitment to the sport and to our communities? |
| 0:33.6 | It means not just working towards futuristic first ascents, but also a better future. |
| 0:38.6 | And we aren't going to get there alone. |
| 0:41.1 | For Patagonia's 50th year, we're looking forward, not back. |
| 0:44.9 | And together, we can prioritize purpose over profit to protect this planet. |
| 0:49.3 | Get involved, read stories to get you out there, and join a community that values what we do off the wall |
| 0:55.1 | as much as we do on. Find out more at patagonia.com slash climbing. |
| 1:03.1 | We get support from Doiter, one of the leading backpack brands that will help you hit the trails |
| 1:07.8 | with confidence and comfort, but most importantly, your snacks. |
| 1:11.8 | Founded in 1898, Deuter believes in fit, comfort, and working in the long term to offset CO2 |
| 1:18.3 | emissions by teaming up with climate partner to invest in social and climate offset projects |
| 1:23.5 | worldwide for select product, including their guide and vertrail climbing packs. |
| 1:28.0 | Deuter packs are PFC-free, meaning no forever chemicals. |
| 1:31.7 | And they honor their promised lifetime warranty since their packs were meant to be on your back and not in landfills. |
| 1:37.9 | So you can focus on way cooler things like puppies, pocket bacon, and getting sandy, whether at the crag or in the |
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