I wrote about a lead climbing trip a few years back as a complete gumby. It took a long time to put it on paper and even longer to make it worth reading. Not a lot of stories about the neophyte climbing experience come through there, so I think this is something different.

What's it about?

It's ultimately a story of failure and redemption on the cliffs of Red River Gorge and the people, places, and events that make it interesting.

Why should you read it?

If you frequent the Red, you might recognize the characters and situations. If you'd like to visit one day, it can serve you as some sort of guide. Or if you're new to lead climbing, you'll probably identify with the harrowing experience.

I hope you get something out of it. Please enjoy!

A 30th anniversary is a good excuse as any to share. My grandparents flew down from New York to stay with us during the Olympics. The event left quite the impression on my grandpa in particular. He needed to preserve the memory.

A scrounger and saver, he collected all of our ticket stubs and any pins he was able to either purchase, win, or nab for free. They would later become integral to the piece's design. I believe he even did the oak frame himself!

When he passed, its fate hung in the balance. My aunts and uncles weren't too keen on inheriting such a cumbersome piece. Well, I couldn't leave it to a Rochester Goodwill where it'd be likely be stripped for its frame and its pins pawned on ebay. So today it hangs in a prominent place in my house. In Atlanta.

I don't have much memory of the Olympics, but I do have this. It's stubborn, kitsch, and full of heart. In the end, the perfect way to remember the '96 Olympics, and my grandpa.

What are your favorite souvenirs or memories from the Olympics?

u/verticalman91

Blood, Sweat, and Chalk: A climbing tale in Kentucky's Red River Gorge

What's it about?

Why should you read it?

My grandpa made this piece in commemoration of the '96 Olympics.