24 Hours of Adventure with Alex Honnold

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I tried to survive 24 hours with Alex Honnold! (I did it again..)

Magnus Midtbø

Nov 19, 2024

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Sports

Challenging climbing adventure with Alex Honnold

  1. The narrator recounts a previous intense climbing experience with Alex Honnold, highlighting the challenge of climbing without ropes alongside a master climber.
  2. The narrator visits Alex for a planned two-day climbing trip, initially described as 'chill' but turns out to be more challenging than expected.
  3. Despite assurances of a mellow climb, the narrator expresses skepticism about the ease of the climb, especially since Alex hasn't done the route before.
  4. Alex Honnold, known for his climbing expertise, downplays his current climbing status, adding an element of unpredictability to the adventure.
  5. The narrator reflects on the previous climbing video, acknowledging the potential for mistakes due to overconfidence and lack of concentration.
  6. Alex mentions the unexpected difficulty of the previous climb due to lack of chalk and unfamiliarity with the route, emphasizing the unpredictability of climbing conditions.
  7. The current climb is set on Mount Wilson, a prominent peak in Red Rock, with plans to summit and descend, highlighting the adventure's proximity to urban areas like Las Vegas.
  8. The narrator humorously notes the presence of a cameraman, Sam, and the common saying that 'the cameraman never dies,' adding a light-hearted tone to the narrative.
  9. The conversation touches on the local wildlife, including potentially dangerous animals like rattlesnakes, spiders, scorpions, and mountain lions, adding an element of risk to the adventure.

Adventurous and risky mountain climbing experience

  1. The Limestone mountains present significant dangers, primarily loose rocks and heat stroke, which are major concerns during the climb.
  2. Alex Honnold shares a past experience of a close call on the mountain, where he unexpectedly broke a rock while scrambling, leading to a fall that resulted in sprained wrists.
  3. The journey involves a 4.5 km hike, with Alex moving effortlessly like a mountain goat, while others struggle with the heat and the challenging terrain.
  4. There is uncertainty about the correct path, but Alex is confident they will reach their destination, despite not taking the ideal route.
  5. Water is available, but Alex warns of past experiences of getting sick from drinking it, highlighting the risks of dehydration and illness.
  6. The route involves crossing slabs and a rib feature to reach Mount Wilson's summit, with confidence expressed by the climbers about completing the journey.
  7. The group encounters challenges like bushwhacking and deteriorating morale, but they manage to find a real trail, which improves their spirits.
  8. The discussion touches on the spectrum of climbing activities, from scrambling to extreme free soloing, and the dangers associated with each.
  9. Magnus experiences rock climbing, which blurs the line between hiking and free soloing, emphasizing the risks involved even in seemingly easy sections.
  10. The most dangerous part of the climb is maneuvering around the cameraman without causing accidents, highlighting the precarious nature of the adventure.

Climbing Red Rocks with Alex Honnold

  1. The conversation takes place on top of Red Rocks, with a view of Las Vegas in the background. The journey to the top took 3 hours and 40 minutes, and they still have a long descent ahead.
  2. Alex Honnold discusses his fears, mentioning that he is afraid of dying but not of common fears like the ocean or sharks. He dislikes talking about his feelings and public performances like karaoke.
  3. Magnus Midtbø, the narrator, enjoys talking about his feelings and mentions that he cries often, which contrasts with Alex's reserved nature.
  4. As they descend the mountain, they encounter other climbers and discuss the challenges of climbing without ropes, which Alex has done before on different routes.
  5. They comment on the poor quality of some climbing equipment, comparing it to survivalist Bear Grylls' extreme methods, and joke about the durability of their gear.
  6. The group navigates loose rocks and narrow walkways, emphasizing the importance of caution and the thrill of the trail. They note the setting sun, indicating the need to hurry before darkness falls.

Challenging descent with Alex Honnold

  1. The group is descending a long way to the valley floor, following a scrambling route rather than a normal trail. This involves navigating exposed areas and trusting natural features like old trees, which can be risky.
  2. The descent is more extreme than the ascent, with potential dangers such as falling rocks and limited water supply. The group is concerned about getting lost as it gets dark, emphasizing the need to hurry.
  3. The route requires careful navigation, with the group impressed by their ability to find the correct path. They face challenges like moving unstable piles of rocks and ensuring safety while crossing exposed areas.
  4. The group reaches the summit of the White Pinnacle, with views of Las Vegas behind them. They acknowledge the difficulty of the route and the importance of having a guide to avoid getting lost.
  5. The descent involves navigating steep and narrow passages, requiring physical agility and sometimes removing backpacks to pass through tight spots.
  6. The group completes the hike, noting the physical demands and the need to remove shoes to prove the authenticity of their journey. They plan to climb an 8C route the next day and discuss the comforts of having a shower and a proper rest.

Climbing challenges with Alex Honnold and Magnus Midtbø

  1. The text describes a climbing session featuring Magnus Midtbø and Alex Honnold, two renowned climbers, engaging in a challenging outdoor rock climbing experience.
  2. Magnus Midtbø is noted for his rare appearance climbing real rock outdoors, highlighting the uniqueness of the event.
  3. The climbers discuss various climbing techniques and routes, such as the 'spy function,' a variation of the main route 'spy fiction,' showcasing their expertise and familiarity with the climbing area.
  4. Magnus and Alex exchange climbing tips and strategies, with Magnus expressing admiration for Alex's climbing style and speed.
  5. The text captures the camaraderie and mutual respect between the climbers, as they encourage and support each other through difficult climbs.
  6. There is a humorous tone throughout the conversation, with light-hearted banter about climbing techniques and personal experiences.
  7. The climbers reflect on the physical demands of climbing, with references to specific moves and the challenges they present.
  8. Magnus jokes about his lack of aspirations, adding a playful element to the narrative.
  9. The text concludes with a sense of achievement and satisfaction from both climbers, despite the challenges faced during the climb.

Climbing with Alex Honnold is challenging

  1. The conversation involves a climbing session where participants are discussing their experiences and challenges faced during the climb. They express amazement at the physical feats achieved, such as performing explosive pull-ups and the differences in climbing styles.
  2. One participant feels drained and attributes it to international travel and the previous day's activities. They express a preference for climbing challenges that can be completed in a few days rather than long-term projects.
  3. The group discusses the idea of trying different climbing routes, with a focus on finding something exciting yet manageable. They consider the difficulty levels of various routes, such as 6B and 6B plus, and the importance of choosing a route that matches their comfort and skill level.
  4. There is a discussion about the differences between climbing with and without a rope, highlighting the need for control and focus when climbing solo to avoid accidents.
  5. The participants express concern for each other's safety, especially when one is distracted by filming or other activities. They emphasize the importance of focus and attention to detail during climbing to prevent falls.

Climbing with Alex Honnold is challenging

  1. Magnus Midtbø and Alex Honnold are climbing together, discussing the difficulty of the climb and the importance of feeling comfortable with the route. Magnus mentions that if he doesn't feel comfortable, he will down climb.
  2. The climbing style is different from what Magnus is used to, involving techniques like liebacking, which requires trusting one's feet. Despite the challenges, the rock quality is good, which provides some reassurance.
  3. Alex warns Magnus about the blocky nature of the rock at the top, advising caution. They discuss the altitude of 2,500 meters and its effects, such as feeling a bit of altitude sickness.
  4. Magnus and Alex talk about down climbing, with Alex mentioning his extensive experience in it, possibly more than anyone else in the world. They emphasize the importance of reversing moves carefully and steadily.
  5. The conversation touches on the pressure to make climbing look easy and controlled, especially when being watched. Magnus expresses his fear of falling, which affects his climbing style.
  6. They consider attempting a harder climb but decide against it due to its difficulty. Magnus is cautious about attempting moves he might not be able to reverse, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and safety in climbing.

Challenging climbing experience with Alex Honnold

  1. The conversation involves a climbing experience with Alex Honnold, focusing on safety and comfort during the climb. The climbers discuss the importance of not attempting anything beyond their comfort level to ensure safety.
  2. The climb involves real rock climbing techniques, including stemming and crack climbing, which are challenging and require careful consideration of each move.
  3. One climber decides to stop and film instead of continuing the climb, indicating the difficulty and potential danger of the route.
  4. The climbers emphasize the importance of being able to reverse moves safely, highlighting the need for careful planning and execution during the climb.
  5. There is a discussion about the quality of holds, with some being less secure than they appear, adding to the challenge of the climb.
  6. The climbers decide to bail out of the climb due to the sketchy nature of the route, demonstrating good judgment in assessing risk.
  7. The conversation reflects on the difficulty of reversing moves and the physical strength required to maintain safety during challenging climbs.
  8. The climbers discuss the psychological aspect of climbing, such as the fear and decision-making involved when encountering difficult sections.
  9. One climber considers continuing to the top but ultimately decides to climb down slowly and carefully, prioritizing safety over reaching the summit.
  10. The experience is described as intense and challenging, with a recognition of the skills and mental fortitude required for such climbs.

Exciting climbing experience with future plans

  1. The conversation reflects on a recent climbing experience, expressing excitement and relief at having survived the adventure. Both participants found the experience thrilling and are pleased with their accomplishment.
  2. There is a discussion about future climbing plans, specifically mentioning the idea of climbing multi-pitch routes in the Verdon Gorge in France. This location is known for its challenging climbs and beautiful scenery.
  3. One of the speakers recalls climbing a 6A route called 'L'Ange en Décomposition' in the Verdon, which was a significant achievement as it was the first 6A route in the area. The climb involved chimney techniques and was done as a rest day activity, showcasing the speaker's climbing skills.
  4. The conversation also touches on the idea of climbing in Fontainebleau, a famous bouldering area in France, known for its circuits and diverse climbing problems. The participants express enthusiasm for trying out the circuits there.
  5. The dialogue concludes with a plan to have a good dinner, indicating a sense of camaraderie and satisfaction after the day's climbing activities.