Fontainebleau, France! We are here, and it is wonderful. I can only wonder why it took me so long to get here and I can only wonder why I would ever want to leave. If you are unfortunate enough to have never traveled here, I can assure you that all the good things you’ve heard about the place are true to the power of 10. And all the bad things you may have heard are wrong. It’s that simple. There is too much rock here and it is all perfect. Perfect edges, perfect slopers, perfect pinches, perfect jugs, and the most aesthetic and inspiring features on the planet. Mary Mecklenburg, Jonny Hork, Greg Mionske, and myself have been here for 6 days, and despite some rain, we have been able to climb every day. Unlike most trips, my goal for this one isn’t necessarily to climb the hardest test pieces in the area. I’m here to learn and to become a better climber. After 6 days, I feel like I’m learning more from the 6C’s than the 8B’s. I’m also here to climb the classics, regardless of grade. The first few days we spent in the forest were without a guidebook or any real information. We simply walked into the woods and climbed on anything that looked inspiring. It was refreshing and that type of experience is helping me to regain that primal perspective that inspired me to pick up the climbing lifestyle 10 years ago. In a lot of ways, I’m starting over, and it feels great.
Here are some photos from the first few days:
Apart from the climbing, we are here to shoot a film. After taking some time to sit back and observe the outpour of climbing media in the last year, I realize first how far we have come in our ability to document our sport in a visual sense, and second how much further we have to go. I can honestly say that in the last few years I have failed to produce any media that in the long run fulfills any of the creative expectations I have set for myself. I also feel like 99% of climbing media in the world today is failing as well. The truth is, WE CAN DO BETTER! I have a vision for the future of our media, and I can assure you that it’s very different. In Fontainebleau this month, I’m going to do my best to execute this vision. Time will tell whether this pursuit reaches it’s potential. I can only guarantee that I won’t be releasing the now standard mediocre product. We have enough of that.
More to come from the magical forest. Thank you for the support. Much love.
YES! So psyched for you Carlo. It sounds like you’re exactly where you need to be. It’s so comforting to know that top climbers go through these same struggles as the rest of us. Periodically reminding ourselves of why we started climbing and being able to continually pour ourselves into this lifestyle is an ongoing battle that only betters us as climbers and individuals. As for your vision for the future of climbing media, I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Good luck out there my friend. Enjoy it!
really cool, usualy strong climber come in font and try only hard boulder just for the grade and miss lot of fantastic easier boulder, have a nice trip! (sorry for my bad english)
Carlo, I just have to say I’m excited and expectant after reading this.
For people like me who may not be able to make it to the Fonte soon, but may be able to travel domestically, how would you say this compares to HP40 (have you been there?)? I’ve heard it said that it is the same rock (same period/same geologic process) and is something of a ‘Fonte of North America’.
Let’s see what you’re talking about when you speak of bringing the game to the next level. In my opinion, you articulate the sentiments I hear from many of my climbing friends, and since you’ve worked to a position of influence within the climbing world, I’m excited to see what you might accomplish.
I hope the weather holds out for you, man!
Amazing pic with the “Misericorde torpedo”!
loking awsom, Kep em´ posts commin
I second you thoughts on bringing up the game in the climbing media. Your past videos have inspired me to start shooting and editing, especially the Twenty Twelve edit. Thanks for doing what you do it is appreciated and inspiring. Happy climbing and hope to see you out on the rock sometime in the future!