Miscellaneous
With a partnership spanning 39-1/2 years (it’s an exact figure, they ran the numbers) Mark and Jordan have gained a large amount of attention from many in the climbing community who love following their adventures throughout the American southwest and beyond. Although, it’s not just their span in age that grabs the attention – it’s the go hard ethic, their commitment to climbing “as free as can be” (the mantra coined by Hudon and partner Max Jones in the late 70’s while pioneering big wall free climbing in Yosemite) and their commitment to making sure that, no matter what the mission, “fun is job one” (another bit of wisdom from Hudon). Jordan chronicles many, if not all, of their climbing missions via his IG stories and rumor has it a film is in the works (you’ll hear/you heard a bit about that in the episode). Even through an iPhone video, the two bring you along the journey, start to finish, making you feel as if you’re part of it all. Part of the inside jokes. Part of the trials and tribulations. Part of the joys and anguish. As if it’s all something bigger than just climbing. Because, it is. Through these two we gain a front row seat to witness a rare perspective on life. Jordan, still in the early stages of his, and Mark, in the latter. They joke and make light but the reality is, as Mark puts it “I’m sort of looking at the end and he can’t even see the end” – which sets it all into such a stark juxtaposition. This journey that they’re living is nearly a complete story – through their individual views – all told at once. From the same bivvy ledge, the same rope, the same wall. Who knows if and when such a tale will be told again. Thankfully for them and the community, the journey is far from over. Somewhere, in the southwestern corner fo the US, they’re planning the next big push. They’re discussing logistics, efficiency tactics, pouring over their tick lists and tinkering with schedules. And we can be sure, even in the planning stage, they’re having a hell of a good time about it. To your wildest self, be true.