A first ascent is a creation in the same sense as is a painting or a song

Before the deed comes the thought. Before the achievement comes the dream. Every mountain we climb, we first climb in our mind.

When it's been a long day of climbing, and I feel like I can't go any farther, I concentrate on the next three feet. And then the next three feet; and then the next three feet. Pretty soon, I'm at the top.

A first ascent is a creation in the same sense as is a painting or a song

I had the unique experience the next day: placing sixteen bolts in a row. It was just blank and there was no way around. But it was a route worth bolting for, and after a time I began to take an almost perverse joy in it, or at least in doing a good job.

The rock is a field of battle between our weakness and our strength.

With the best equipment in the world the man with poor judgment is in mortal danger.