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Legendary Lynn at the LT Adventure Series |
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Written by Ryan Salm/Tahoe World
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Tuesday, 09 January 2007 |
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 The Tahoe World’s Ryan Salm caught up with climbing legend Lynn Hill last week, the subject of tonight’s Patagonia-sponsored Lake Tahoe Adventure Series at Bar One at Squaw Valley USA at 7 p.m.
TW: What is your single biggest climbing accomplishment?
Lynn Hill: Free Climbing “the Nose” on El Capitan in Yosemite in one day.
TW: Do you have a favorite spot to climb?
LH: I wouldn’t say I have a favorite spot. There are types of areas I prefer to climb in. I love climbing limestone. That is my favorite type of rock. Most of all I like climbing in pretty places and historical places. International climbing locations like Chamonix are nice. It is tough for me to pinpoint one particular place because I like diversity. I like to be warm and feel safe in my surroundings.
TW: How about Yosemite?
LH: Yosemite is one of the most special places to climb for me. Yosemite is special because of its big walls. If big walls are your goal then Yosemite is the place. Lots of times I like to go to climbing areas for their enjoyable qualities. I like enjoyable cliffs and limestone. I am more of a gymnastic climber.
TW: What brought you here to Squaw Valley for Patagonia’s Lake Tahoe Adventure Series?
LH: “It was arranged by my friend Susie Sutphin at Patagonia as part of my role as Ambassador/Spokesperson for Patagonia. I am kind of like the 411 for climbing questions. My climbing and my accomplishments in the sport have made me a role model and inspiration for climbers all over the world. Patagonia made me their Ambassador and this seems like a great community event for me to be apart of.”
TW: Have you done some climbing in Lake Tahoe?
LH: I have done some routes on Donner Summit and Cave Rock before they closed it off. Cave Rock was a little noisy with the road right there. Tahoe climbing was a pleasant surprise and I have good memories of climbing there.
TW: How does it feel to be a role model for so many people?
LH: “It makes me feel responsible. It feels like being on call for people’s questions and advice. It is flattering and awkward at the same time. Most of all it’s cool that I can be a positive influence on women and men.”
TW: Does Lynn Hill have a hero?
LH: “Not necessarily … maybe the Dalai Lama, people who are considerate and people who try to do good. There are a handful of these people out there. Climber Beverly Johnson was an inspiration to me. She did things in the past like “a man” would do it. She was considerate and cool, she was an adventurer and film maker.”
TW: Have you had any “Oh shit” moments in your climbing career? Times when you have been really scared or uncomfortable…
LH: “Oh yeah! There was one time at the Shawangunks in New York. I was climbing a route called Yellow Crack Direct and got very tired. The pro (protection) was bad and I felt nervous. I had to focus on surviving. I don’t often put myself in those situations anymore. I have a son now and I like to stay clear of that.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 10 January 2007 )
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