US 04 Archive - online diary  
 
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September 5th: Although this area is famous for its perfect winter bouldering conditions the guys just had to stop buy and check out this fantastic place. Even though it was too hot to jump on something really hard the S o G Team had a great time ticking off the Buttermilk classics.
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September 3rd: After having driven hundreds of miles through the desert of Arizona and Nevada it was time to take the dive into the cool but artificial world of Las Vegas. Temperatures were up in the high 40ies (Celsius) so the guys were lucky to get invited for a relaxed pool party at the Palms Hotel and Casino.
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September 2nd: Although the desert is remarkably beautiful it is unbearable without water. Lake Powell gave the S o G Team a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the cool water as they continued to go west.
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September 2nd: Antilope Canyon; This unique canyon was carved into the soft sandstone by the high winds of the desert. I need not say more, only pictures can express the beauty of this place.
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August 31th: Pretty much every roadmovie has to have shots like the endless desert road that leads through the world famous Monument Valley. Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper were probably jealous to be there with the guys, cruising along.
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August 30th: Arches National Park; Sometimes even the S o G members turn into regular tourists and go visit the classic National Parks. These places are just too damn beautiful not to be seen. No ticket this time...
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August 29th: Extraordinary desert climbing in Indian Creek, but the 40 degrees Celsius in the shade made the S o G Team leave again from that spiritual place. The beautiful surrounding, the cool mountain air and perfect flying conditions made them come back to Telluride. Strong thermals and cloud base above 6000m guaranteed Cross Country flying par excelence. Flying at cloud base made it possible to see Indian Creek and far beyond…
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August 26th: When the S o G Team arrived in the desert at Indian Creek they were immediately captured by the spirit of the old Indians who originally owned this country. This place is truly magic! Respect the Indina's territories and be aware of the historic background! It is hard to believe that this place is located only 2 hours away from the green paragliding launch sites of Telluride.
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August 24th: Bad weather conditions kept the guys waiting, so when the sky started to clear up again they were anxious to catch some air. The paragliding in Telluride, in the heart of the Coloradoan Rockies is famous for its high cloud base and the turbulent mid day conditions. This was an intense and interesting experience to the three young pilots.
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August 19th: If I had known church could be this exciting I guess I would have joined the service more often ;-) To those who don't know yet, The Church is one of the best clubs in Denver. On the night of August 19th, when S o G was getting crazy on the dance floor things were happening…
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August 17th: Being chased out of the Great Sanddunes National Monument the Team decided to escape the Rangers and go rock climbing again. They didn't have to go very far to find unique climbing on red, pocketed volcanic rock: Penitente Canyon offers some of the finest sport climbs on the North American Continent.
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August 16th: The S o G Team has learned from their experiences on Devil's Tower and went to inform themselves this time when they wanted to fly off the Great Sanddunes. At the visitor center there was a sheet with all the park regulations that did not mention a word about any restrictions for gliders or any other aircraft. So they thought they were good to go. The Rangers thought differently and after haggling for a while S o G got the fine from $ 750 down to $ 100. But some things are just worth the money…
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August 14th: Maybe Shelf Road isn't the most famous climbing crag in the US, but its potential and the quality of the climbs is great! After having climbed granite and volcanic rock for most of the time the pocketed limestone of this place was a great change. "The Example" is probably one of the best lines at this super-scenic place.
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August 12: Looking at the previous updates one might get the impression America is just full of awesome landscapes and cool outdoor activities. But that's not all… There is a lot of cool urban style stuff you can do as well. Denver for example is one of the places the team had fun checking out.
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August 9th: I guess we could call it a day that will go down in history. At 5.30 a.m. the S o G Team starts to climb Devil's Tower once more, hauling tons of equipment and a paraglider - Perfect teamwork. Chris is the first person ever to paraglide off Devil's Tower! At least this is what the rangers told us when they charged the 350 $ fine…
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August 8th: The Devil's Tower: a 875 foot high lava tower, rising above the Wyoming flatlands. Perfectly shaped octagonal basalt pillars form a unique surrounding for countless climbing routes. For their ascent the S o G team chose a climber's classic: the route El Matador…
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August 7th: After the last days of intense climbing Yellowstone was the right place for the S o G team to be. Beside the winding river and lots of geysers they were travelling trough the oldest National Park of America. Just the perfect location for a rest day.
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August 6th: City of Rocks, Idaho. Just the name of this place makes many Climbers want to be there. Unique rock formations and an endless potential of bouldering problems embedded in Idaho's desert landscape make this location one of the world's best climbing sites. A true playground for the S o G members who climbed until their fingertips got really thin.
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August 2nd: Smith Rocks: A very cool climbing location, but it is sizzling at this time of the year. With a bit of regret the S o G Team takes off from this climbing Dorado to refresh itself while paragliding in the evening winds. The surrounding of Bend/Oregon is one of its kind; spectacular desert landscape with the snow-covered volcanos of the Cascadian Mountains in the background. Constant wind lets the guys play around for hours until after sunset.
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July 31st: After another long distance drive from Seattle to Oregon the S o G Team finally reached the place of birth of Americas sportsclimbing (Smith Rocks). The finest volcanic rock and classics like the route Chain Reaction make the place worth stopping by. A must for every climber who is travelling around in the USA.
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July 30th: After a long distance drive from Mount Athabasca to Washington State the S o G Team decided to go paragliding at Tiger Mountain only a few kilometres next to Seattle. Perfect conditions and soaring until sunset, the right choice after 1200 kilometers in the car.
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July 26th: At 2.45 a.m. the S o G Team leaves its van and starts hiking the trail up to the Athabasca Glacier which was lit up by amazing northern lights. Having arrived at the start of the iceroute the Team decides to try a direct variation of the climb.
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July 24th: Calgary was hot, I mean literally really hot. (Check out the nightlife in that city when you get the chance!) So we were hungry for some ice and just as planned we went up to the Columbia Icefield to chill out and climb some ice!
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July 23th: This is the ride! It has taken us a couple of days to make this 1977 oldie but goodie look the way it's looking right now. But I think the paint job was definitely worth it. Some technical difficulties did occur, but what can you expect from an almost 30 year old vehicle…
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July 21th: After many hours of work the new home is almost ready for takeoff. The bus has changed its style almost beyond recognition. The last tune ups are taking place…
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July 19th: S o G has got their perfect vehicle. Soon you will find out what we are talking about . So much to say it is quite big and stylish. The insurance was not easy to get but now the vehicle is registered and has got the Alberta licence plate. For now a lot of cleaning, customizing and other work is ahead…
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July 17th: Although the S o G Team is still missing one important bag containing valuable camera equipment. They are almost set with their home for the next 2,5 months. Having looked at many old buses and vans they found out that the mid-70's retro style would fit perfectly into the movie concept…
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July 14th: After a long 32 hour journey and over 16.000 flight kilometers the S o G Team finally arrived at their temporary headquarter in Calgary, Canada. Unfortunately with some luggage missing. Tomorrow the Roadtrip Mobile has to be organised. No time for a jet lag.
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July 12th: The last preparations are taking place. 3 paragliders, 8 ropes, 12 pairs of climbing shoes, 6 ice axes, 6 crinpons, 3 sleeping bags, 3 DV cameras, photoequipment, clothing.... Everything is getting packed! The last camera mounts are being built...
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