Sunday, June 21, 2015

Creminelli - the non GMO pork option in America

Ok the title of the post should read Creminelli, Whole foods and Chipotle. What a funny combination, the premier artisan meat company in America (based in Salt Lake city), the trendiest supermarket and a great fast(ish) food chain. They have been brought together in an effort to bring us non GMO pork products. That is it though, buy from the three of them or don't get any ( as I understand it). Not because others don't want to sell it, but that constitutes the domestic supply - only enough for three companies. It is crazy. What the hell are we eating.

I had the extra ordinary luck and chance to meet a portion of the Creminelli team - including the incredibly friendly and humble Cristiano Creminelli himself - at the Grand Cochon event in Snowmass this past weekend. Not only were we treated to some incredible pork concoctions from around the country but the Creminelli team had an amazing selection of their own products. I was blown away to learn from them this incredible non GMO problem - yes, I said problem - that we have here in America.

This is not a food blog, nor a lifestyle blog for that matter. But so many people ask me what I eat at high altitude - I have always answered salami and prosciutto. It has always been a very tasty and high energy food, and the salt makes me drink water. It is a win win food, zero prep and yummy.
Me with Cristiano Creminelli!

I am really glad I have found a non GMO option for expeditions to buy. I encourage you to look at what you are eating.

Wednesday, June 03, 2015

Mt. Robson's Grand Adventurers....Cheesmond and Dick

Cheesmond/Dick Mt Robson’s Emperor Face
My obsession with the Emperor Face is sort of at it’s peak, having just returned from a walk about to see it for the first time (with the hopes of climbing a route with Jon Jugenheimer). I am consumed with reading as much as possible and studying photos. Sidelined from much greater range action lately, I am amazed by the scale, angle, overall aesthetic and commitment for a wall that is a day’s hike from the car. (And there are many others like it in the Rockies!)
As far as I know the Cheesemond/Dick (climbed in August 1981, with 3 bivies)has never been repeated, and I am willing to bet a new belay parka from RAB (don’t tell them), never will it be repeated in the same style as the first ascent. 
Cheesmond and Dick started their week long adventure by going up to the Ralph Forster Hut (not as simple as it may seem) and then made an ascent of the Wishbone Arete on the south face to the summit of Robson 3954m, returning the hut where they re-grouped and racked, then traversed the entire yellow band past the Emperor Ridge to the Face.
This kind of week long tour du force is unthinkable these days, as fast and light alpinism is the vogue. Helicopter to the Helmet (4 minutes?) on the north face and then down climb a bit to avoid the ugly lower portion of the face, sure, I get it; but to connect to wilderness in such a big way, no. To immerse yourself so deep into such a visceral connection to how small an alpinist can be; two men, a rope and some down, aluminum and steel and more desire than can be shouldered today is mind blowing, once you see the wall first hand you cannot wish anything other than to climb it. I have not climbed the face and would be willing to by any means, I just wish I had the muster of Cheesmond and Dick.
Has a more impressive connection to wilderness and nature ever been made in alpinism? Is this not the ideal we should all strive for? How much do I have to train (he says re-reading House & Johnston’ book) to meet my ideal of what it means to walk around and over these giants. Do I actually have the mettle to think about such audacious plans – the Giri Giri boys sure do and they finished off routes I attempted (like the south face of Logan with Tackle and Smith). Dare to dream, or refocus and train.
Daydream away..........