FEATURED POST
Crossing the Talent Barrier
I had this idea for a site about “normal” outdoorsfolk; average sport ability with exceptional love. Semi-rad.com became a celebration of that passion. But, what about a regular-Joe sponsored athlete?
Classic Climbs: Chapel Slab
I stepped onto a narrow shelf, perhaps an inch wide, and inspected the rock above for minuscule undulations and cracks—anything for a toehold or finger crimp
Training for 5.12
Last week I took a vacation to travel around the Toronto, Ontario area on a business trip with Matt. I’m the tourist and he’s the businessman. We had some really fun drives, awesome gym sessions and a lot of time to think about rock climbing. All of this thinking has allowed me to start to [...]
Hans Johnstone Hits the Alps
Teton mountaineer and OR ambassador Hans Johnstone is no stranger to adventure. The former Olympian started climbing at 28—late by most standards—but soon made up for it with his prodigious strength and natural talent. When not running his bed-and-breakfast The Alpine House in downtown Jackson with his wife, Nancy (herself a former Olympian), the 50-year-old [...]
New Routes: Tooth and Nail on Sandstone
I yelled for Hayden to tie the drill onto my haul line and slowly began pulling it up using one hand and my teeth.
Forbidden Climbing
The sun rose over the eastern horizon at a similar pace to my foot steps up the steep, approach couloir. After an hour up the 40 degree slope, we reached the base of the West Ridge of Forbidden Peak (8,815ft). Spectacular lichen granite blocks on a long exposed 4th and 5th class ridge lead us [...]
Old Farts
This old guy peers over Charlotte’s shoulder. We’re in Indian Creek, she’s in her Vanagon, and I’m looking for partners. The Creek is full of them.
I’d bumped into Charlotte that morning. “It’s Ace’s birthday tonight,” she’d said. “Everyone’s here.” Now she’s leaning out of her bus, giving me directions to the party, the old guy [...]
FA of “Fat Kid,” V12, in Vermont
Often the case with boulders in Vermont. the “Eighth Grade Boulder” was found through a mix of hard work and chance. With a bit of that work, lines began to appear climbable.
Music For A Tiny House Road Trip
The Tiny House.
We think the best stereo you own is the one in your car: Four (or six) speakers, scenery outside your windows, and the exact balance of boredom and stimulation to enable you to actually listen to the music.
We’re hauling the Tiny House from Seattle to Las Vegas for the Red Rock Rendezvous this [...]
Ski Tribes of the San Juans
Ski cultures are territorial, especially the old ones. The local’s band up like gorillas claiming large swaths of alpine territory. Guarding the stash can become a way of life. This tribal phenomenon is rich in the Southwestern Colorado San Juan Mountains.


