Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
Season lures climbing population back to Joshua Tree
By Sara Munro / Hi-Desert Star
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK - Locals who have climbed in a sparsely populated park since June, following a ritual of shade chasing, early rising and late evening climbing, are watching the peaceful summer season come to its natural conclusion. Not only do the feeling of the air and the quality of the light change around here in the fall, but the human energy in the park shifts the tone of things, ratcheting up to a near vibratory clamor.
The recent cool weather front is a sure sign that rock climbers, and lots of them, are not far behind. For many years now, the quartz-monzonite formations of Joshua Tree have lured passionate pursuers of this activity from all over the globe. Travelers from as far away as Europe and the East Coast have moved into the campsites in Hidden Valley. Climbers fleeing the rain of Yosemite Valley and the snow of the Tuolumne high country have arrived in the park with the predictability of migrating birds.
More accurately described as a lifestyle than a sport, climbing often claims the hearts and souls of its advocates with a tenacity and drive that renders many of life's apparent necessities only extraneous luxuries. Sleeping in the ground, cooking in the sand behind your car, living outside all become part of a bigger experience that takes place with family and good friends in a natural, vertical environment many consider home.
The economics of this natural cycle of things are good for the local business people. As the climbers arrive, many local businesses see a sales spike, increase their inventories and staff their shops with more of the local labor force.
According to Darryl Pion of Nomad Ventures, the store staff increases by three to four employees, and deliveries of climbing gear can take up to three days to process.
Business has picked up over the last two weekends at the Crossroads Cafe, a favorite haunt of climbers, especially on weekends and during bad weather.
"Climbing season for me is like school starting back up," said owner Staci LaGasso. "You get to see all the people you haven't seen in four months."
The recent cool weather front is a sure sign that rock climbers, and lots of them, are not far behind. For many years now, the quartz-monzonite formations of Joshua Tree have lured passionate pursuers of this activity from all over the globe. Travelers from as far away as Europe and the East Coast have moved into the campsites in Hidden Valley. Climbers fleeing the rain of Yosemite Valley and the snow of the Tuolumne high country have arrived in the park with the predictability of migrating birds.
More accurately described as a lifestyle than a sport, climbing often claims the hearts and souls of its advocates with a tenacity and drive that renders many of life's apparent necessities only extraneous luxuries. Sleeping in the ground, cooking in the sand behind your car, living outside all become part of a bigger experience that takes place with family and good friends in a natural, vertical environment many consider home.
The economics of this natural cycle of things are good for the local business people. As the climbers arrive, many local businesses see a sales spike, increase their inventories and staff their shops with more of the local labor force.
According to Darryl Pion of Nomad Ventures, the store staff increases by three to four employees, and deliveries of climbing gear can take up to three days to process.
Business has picked up over the last two weekends at the Crossroads Cafe, a favorite haunt of climbers, especially on weekends and during bad weather.
"Climbing season for me is like school starting back up," said owner Staci LaGasso. "You get to see all the people you haven't seen in four months."
 |
||
| Fees waived for cleanup Saturday |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of hidesertstar.com.
You must register with a valid email to gain access to this site feature.
Already a Member?Login Here:
|
Become a Registered MemberFill out the form below.
|
RSS