Dear Matt -
I don't know if you remember me, but I took an Alpine Ascents course up to El Dorado with you in early May '01. What a great experience. I saw your face staring out of the S'03 Black Diamond catalog, so I figured I'd drop you a line and see where you are and what you are doing. How is your guiding company doing? Are you working with Alpine Ascents anymore?
I've been putting my rudimentary skills to use, mostly on rock, but I've also been tele skiing and did a bit of mountaineering. After the course, I climbed Disappointment Peak in the Tetons and then Quandary Peak down near Breckenridge. On Eric's recommendation, I also hiked the West Highland Way in Scotland. I've lived in Boston for the past year and a half and have been climbing a lot. In my first year, I followed a number of classic multi-pitch climbs in NH and the Adirondacks. I also spent a ton of time sport climbing in Rumney and onsighted an 11a in my first year. I've started leading trad as well, but am in the very early stages of it. That's definitely where I want my climbing to go... long alpine routes.
I've been tele skiing a ton. It's definitely my true passion these days. I get into the backcountry a little bit, but prefer a lot of the "sidecountry" that places like Mad River Glen and Jay Peak have to offer. In April, I'm heading up to the Chic Chocs on the Gaspesie Peninsula at the mouth of the St. Lawrence river for some spring backcountry skiing. It should be awesome.
Anyway, I have my entire summer to play with. I'm going back to graduate school in NH in the fall (30min from Rumney!). Let me know what adventures you and The Ascending Path have planned for the summer.
Maybe I could join a trip or something. Also, let me know if you're ever back in your old stopping grounds of the Gunks and ADKS.
Take care and be in touch,
Charlie Lozner
(917) 301-1015
