Inspired by my recent viewing of the ultra-classic movie, The Climb, from 2002, I wanted to summit Mount Chicanagua, too. As could be expected from any movie put forth by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, this one is a real zinger. Strong acting is abundant. For example, there is a scene in which one of the climbers flexes while working out in front of a poster image of Chicanagua. I nearly wept.
Dialogue? Turn the volume up, because you won’t want to miss a single syllable. Intensely deep words like, “I’m going alone” pave the way for one of the grandest epics ever captured on film. Filming? Classic Hollywood style in which various cuts are utilized to make the Wasatch mountains look a lot bigger than they are. It’s easy to get swallowed by the cinematography.
Whoops, spoiler alert. Already slid a spoiler past you. Here follow more. For anyone who hasn’t viewed the remarkable piece of cinema that is ‘The Climb,’ it’s important to note that the Chile based Mount Chicanagua is at high elevation. Attaining the summit requires a multi-week expedition, and a multi-day effort from base camp. Intense physical training and conditioning are required to get this thing done. Doing the extreme East Ridge could lead to death.
According to Hollywood-style naming traditions, Jason is probably skinning in front of the Eiger here.
Uh huh. The Continue reading ‘South Sides: Mount Chicanagua and Chipman’s’
