Earthworks' recent photos

Jim Davis, of Iowa, climbs "Face Lift" at San Ysidro.

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Jim Davis, of Iowa, climbs "Face Lift" at San Ysidro.

Archer School, 8th-Grade Fall Outing, Malibu Creek State Park

2009-07-23T15:08:51Z

Earthworks
Archer School, 8th-Grade Fall Outing, Malibu Creek State Park

Archer School, 8th-Grade Fall Outing, Malibu Creek State Park

2009-07-23T15:08:45Z

Earthworks
Archer School, 8th-Grade Fall Outing, Malibu Creek State Park

Archer School, 8th-Grade Fall Outing, Malibu Creek State Park

2009-07-23T15:08:39Z

Earthworks
Archer School, 8th-Grade Fall Outing, Malibu Creek State Park

Romain Wacziarg climbs "Permanent Income Hypothesis," more than 2 years after his first ascent of that route at the Fortress.

2009-07-23T15:07:48Z

Earthworks
Romain Wacziarg climbs "Permanent Income Hypothesis," more than 2 years after his first ascent of that route at the Fortress.

David Hoffberg uses a fixed rope at Wheeler Gorge to work on his ascender technique.

2009-07-23T15:09:58Z

Earthworks
David Hoffberg uses a fixed rope at Wheeler Gorge to work on his ascender technique.

Carolyn Libuser climbs "Tigger Treat," at San Ysidro

2009-07-23T15:11:25Z

Earthworks
Carolyn Libuser climbs "Tigger Treat," at San Ysidro

Earthworks' photo

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks

Jesse Groves climbs "Little Buckaroo" at Wheeler Gorge, during the routes first ascent.

2009-07-23T15:08:18Z

Earthworks
Jesse Groves climbs "Little Buckaroo" at Wheeler Gorge, during the routes first ascent.

Zach Grossman climbs the 5.10b second pitch of "Face Lift," at San Ysidro

2009-07-23T15:10:42Z

Earthworks
Zach Grossman climbs the 5.10b second pitch of "Face Lift," at San Ysidro

Tiger Centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha)

2009-04-24T01:39:48Z

Earthworks
Tiger Centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha)

female Black Widow (Latrodectus variolus)

2009-06-16T00:54:01Z

Earthworks
female Black Widow (Latrodectus variolus)

female Black Widow (Latrodectus variolus)

2009-04-24T01:38:30Z

Earthworks
female Black Widow (Latrodectus variolus)

Earthworks' photo

2009-03-22T08:57:12Z

Earthworks

5/16" x 3" wedge bolt, removed from Vanishing Flakes at San Ysidro. This bolt is the sole protection through the route's second crux. If it were to fail, the piton below would not keep you ...

2008-11-03T19:10:43Z

Earthworks
5/16" x 3" wedge bolt, removed from Vanishing Flakes at San Ysidro. This bolt is the sole protection through the route's second crux. If it were to fail, the piton below would not keep you ...

Praying Mantis female (Stagomantis californica)

2008-09-30T05:21:56Z

Earthworks
Praying Mantis female (Stagomantis californica)

Here is another view of the 1/4-inch Star Dryvin as it appears in the wall. In the foreground is a 3/8-inch Star Dryvin for comparison. The 3/8-inch variety is very common at nearby climbing ...

2008-11-03T19:16:11Z

Earthworks
Here is another view of the 1/4-inch Star Dryvin as it appears in the wall. In the foreground is a 3/8-inch Star Dryvin for comparison. The 3/8-inch variety is very common at nearby climbing ...

1/4-inch Star Dryvin (nail & sleeve) bolt removed from Wheeler Gorge. Wheeler is a true sport climbing area with reasonably solid gear that is mostly less than 12 years old--the presence of ...

2008-11-03T19:15:39Z

Earthworks
1/4-inch Star Dryvin (nail & sleeve) bolt removed from Wheeler Gorge. Wheeler is a true sport climbing area with reasonably solid gear that is mostly less than 12 years old--the presence of ...

Here is a view of the two sizes of compression bolts to scale (5/16 on the left; 1/4 on the right) as they appear in the wall. The difference in size is subtle but noticeable.

2008-11-03T19:15:03Z

Earthworks
Here is a view of the two sizes of compression bolts to scale (5/16 on the left; 1/4 on the right) as they appear in the wall. The difference in size is subtle but noticeable.

Here is a comparison between the recently-removed 1/4-inch bolt (on the right) and one of the 5/16-inch bolts removed from another wall.

2008-11-03T19:14:45Z

Earthworks
Here is a comparison between the recently-removed 1/4-inch bolt (on the right) and one of the 5/16-inch bolts removed from another wall.

Another view of the (truly) 1/4-inch compression bolt removed from Sespe Gorge.

2008-11-03T19:14:24Z

Earthworks
Another view of the (truly) 1/4-inch compression bolt removed from Sespe Gorge.

1/4-inch Compression Bolt (a.k.a. "Button Head") removed from the wall at Sespe Gorge. Amazingly, this bolt was pulled out of the wall by simply sliding a nut tool under the hanger and using ...

2008-11-03T19:13:47Z

Earthworks
1/4-inch Compression Bolt (a.k.a. "Button Head") removed from the wall at Sespe Gorge. Amazingly, this bolt was pulled out of the wall by simply sliding a nut tool under the hanger and using ...

Interestingly, 3/8" stud bolts like this one are visually indistinguishable from 3/8" wedge bolts which are considerably stronger. With only the threads, nut & hanger visible above the surfa ...

2009-01-11T18:47:12Z

Earthworks
Interestingly, 3/8" stud bolts like this one are visually indistinguishable from 3/8" wedge bolts which are considerably stronger. With only the threads, nut & hanger visible above the surfa ...

This detail reveals the significant corrosion of a 25 year old 3/8" stud bolt removed from San Ysidro. Notice that a significant amount of mass has been eliminated from the part of the bolt ...

2009-01-11T18:48:20Z

Earthworks
This detail reveals the significant corrosion of a 25 year old 3/8" stud bolt removed from San Ysidro. Notice that a significant amount of mass has been eliminated from the part of the bolt ...

Here is the stud bolt that was removed from "Brush Up" alongside a stainless steel Fixe Triplex bolt, like that one that was used for replacement.

2009-01-11T18:46:22Z

Earthworks
Here is the stud bolt that was removed from "Brush Up" alongside a stainless steel Fixe Triplex bolt, like that one that was used for replacement.

This is the sole lead bolt from "Brush Up Your Shakespeare," a variation of "Applied Magnetics" at San Ysidro. The bolt was replaced at the request of first ascensionist Tom Adam. The bolt ...

2009-01-11T18:48:27Z

Earthworks
This is the sole lead bolt from "Brush Up Your Shakespeare," a variation of "Applied Magnetics" at San Ysidro. The bolt was replaced at the request of first ascensionist Tom Adam. The bolt ...

On top of the world during the Curtis Climbing Day

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
On top of the world during the Curtis Climbing Day

A Curtis School third grader is all-smiles during the annual Curtis Climbing Day.

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
A Curtis School third grader is all-smiles during the annual Curtis Climbing Day.

Here is the Fine Line bolt alongside the current offerings from Fixe. The bolt in the middle is a 2.75" wedge bolt (considered totally solid in Sierra granite but sketchy in soft sandstone), ...

2009-01-13T07:19:16Z

Earthworks
Here is the Fine Line bolt alongside the current offerings from Fixe. The bolt in the middle is a 2.75" wedge bolt (considered totally solid in Sierra granite but sketchy in soft sandstone), ...

You see something new every day...this bolt was the third lead bolt on Fine Line at San Ysidro (also the third bolt on Ricks Route). The 20+ year old bolt appeared to be a 3/8" wedge bolt wi ...

2009-01-13T07:19:58Z

Earthworks
You see something new every day...this bolt was the third lead bolt on Fine Line at San Ysidro (also the third bolt on Ricks Route). The 20+ year old bolt appeared to be a 3/8" wedge bolt wi ...

Romain Wacziarg shortly before the first ascent of "Rational Expectations" at the Fortress

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Romain Wacziarg shortly before the first ascent of "Rational Expectations" at the Fortress

Earthworks guide Jesse Groves shoulders a 50-pound HD video camera and prepares to climb with the camera into position for the filming of a television pilot.

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Earthworks guide Jesse Groves shoulders a 50-pound HD video camera and prepares to climb with the camera into position for the filming of a television pilot.

Earthworks co-owner Marisa Fienup, Mt. Tamalpais.

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Earthworks co-owner Marisa Fienup, Mt. Tamalpais.

Billy Louie gives the okay to lower after a successful trip up the First Sister, in Pinnacles National Monument.

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Billy Louie gives the okay to lower after a successful trip up the First Sister, in Pinnacles National Monument.

Earthworks' photo

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks

Hidden Valley, Joshua Tree National Park

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Hidden Valley, Joshua Tree National Park

Earthworks guide Andy Patterson rests after a successful ascent of Intersection Rock, in Joshua Tree National Park.

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Earthworks guide Andy Patterson rests after a successful ascent of Intersection Rock, in Joshua Tree National Park.

Erica Brusselars nears the top of "the Crack" at Foothill Ridge, in Ojai.

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Erica Brusselars nears the top of "the Crack" at Foothill Ridge, in Ojai.

Before long, the expansion clip at the bottom of the bolt simply slid over the end of the expansion cone, and the bolt failed. The hole that the bolt was placed in literally got bigger and ...

2009-02-01T04:07:40Z

Earthworks
Before long, the expansion clip at the bottom of the bolt simply slid over the end of the expansion cone, and the bolt failed. The hole that the bolt was placed in literally got bigger and ...

Not so!!! Instead, the bolt tightened more and more, extending farther and farther out of its hole.

2009-02-01T04:12:11Z

Earthworks
Not so!!! Instead, the bolt tightened more and more, extending farther and farther out of its hole.

On November 15, I set out to replace the anchor atop "Peels of Laughter" at San Ysidro. A few weeks prior, a misguided individual had pounded on one of the 2 anchor bolts using a hammer. T ...

2009-02-01T04:11:15Z

Earthworks
On November 15, I set out to replace the anchor atop "Peels of Laughter" at San Ysidro. A few weeks prior, a misguided individual had pounded on one of the 2 anchor bolts using a hammer. T ...

Here is the 1/2" wedge bolt that was removed from "Peels of Laughter." It is the second 1/2" wedge bolt removed from the soft, coarse-grained rock atop this route.

2009-02-01T06:29:00Z

Earthworks
Here is the 1/2" wedge bolt that was removed from "Peels of Laughter." It is the second 1/2" wedge bolt removed from the soft, coarse-grained rock atop this route.

With the homemade chain hanger removed, it is easy to see that the metal clip is missing from the expansion cone.

2009-02-01T06:26:34Z

Earthworks
With the homemade chain hanger removed, it is easy to see that the metal clip is missing from the expansion cone.

Eastern Sierra Sunrise

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Eastern Sierra Sunrise

by Duane Raleigh

2009-02-02T13:07:49Z

Earthworks
by Duane Raleigh

by Duane Raleigh

2009-02-02T13:04:55Z

Earthworks
by Duane Raleigh

Just to give you a sense how huge the failed 1/2" bolt is, here it is alongside a standard 3/8" wedge bolt.

2009-02-02T13:08:15Z

Earthworks
Just to give you a sense how huge the failed 1/2" bolt is, here it is alongside a standard 3/8" wedge bolt.

5/16" by 3" wedge bolt. Removed from "Face Lift" at San Ysidro. Best case, this bolt had just 2,300 lbs of strength in medium-hardness (2,000 psi) rock--and even less in our soft central co ...

2009-02-02T15:34:48Z

Earthworks
5/16" by 3" wedge bolt. Removed from "Face Lift" at San Ysidro. Best case, this bolt had just 2,300 lbs of strength in medium-hardness (2,000 psi) rock--and even less in our soft central co ...

5/16" push-button compression bolt (a.k.a. "buttonhead" or "split-shaft"). Removed along with 2 others from atop "the Nose" at Gibraltar Rock in Santa Barbara. Only 1-1/2 inches of compres ...

2009-04-10T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
5/16" push-button compression bolt (a.k.a. "buttonhead" or "split-shaft"). Removed along with 2 others from atop "the Nose" at Gibraltar Rock in Santa Barbara. Only 1-1/2 inches of compres ...

3/8-inch "Drop-In" expansion bolt. Removed from atop Klingon at Gibraltar Rock in Santa Barbara.

2009-02-02T15:35:35Z

Earthworks
3/8-inch "Drop-In" expansion bolt. Removed from atop Klingon at Gibraltar Rock in Santa Barbara.

3/8" externally-threaded sleeve bolt. One of two removed from atop "the Rapture" at Lower Gibraltar in Santa Barbara. This type of bolt is used for all of the lead bolts on that route. Th ...

2009-02-02T15:37:24Z

Earthworks
3/8" externally-threaded sleeve bolt. One of two removed from atop "the Rapture" at Lower Gibraltar in Santa Barbara. This type of bolt is used for all of the lead bolts on that route. Th ...

1/2" wedge bolt. Removed from atop "Peels of Laughter" at San Ysidro in Santa Barbara. This is one of those worst-case-scenarios. Prior to its removal, the bolt had already begun backing ou ...

2009-02-02T15:34:23Z

Earthworks
1/2" wedge bolt. Removed from atop "Peels of Laughter" at San Ysidro in Santa Barbara. This is one of those worst-case-scenarios. Prior to its removal, the bolt had already begun backing ou ...

3/8" Stud Bolt. Removed from the route "Permanent Income Hypothesis," in the Fortress near Ojai. These bolts can be quite strong in 4,000 psi rock; however, there is no way to know how well ...

2009-02-02T15:35:00Z

Earthworks
3/8" Stud Bolt. Removed from the route "Permanent Income Hypothesis," in the Fortress near Ojai. These bolts can be quite strong in 4,000 psi rock; however, there is no way to know how well ...

3/8" wedge bolt (hardware store variety, not a climbing bolt). Removed from "the Foot" in Ojai. The hole was originally under-drilled and thus not deep enough to accommodate the full lengt ...

2009-02-02T15:36:37Z

Earthworks
3/8" wedge bolt (hardware store variety, not a climbing bolt). Removed from "the Foot" in Ojai. The hole was originally under-drilled and thus not deep enough to accommodate the full lengt ...

Another 3/8" Stud Bolt removed from the Fortress. Notice how widely this unit has expanded. Clearly, the walls of the hole that was drilled broke away allowing the bolt to expand well beyond ...

2009-02-02T15:36:33Z

Earthworks
Another 3/8" Stud Bolt removed from the Fortress. Notice how widely this unit has expanded. Clearly, the walls of the hole that was drilled broke away allowing the bolt to expand well beyond ...

Star Dryvin 3/8" Nail & Sleeve Bolt. Removed from atop "T-Crack" at Gibraltar Rock in Santa Barbara. There are dozens of these scattered around the Gibraltar area, especially on the "Bolt ...

2009-02-02T15:35:10Z

Earthworks
Star Dryvin 3/8" Nail & Sleeve Bolt. Removed from atop "T-Crack" at Gibraltar Rock in Santa Barbara. There are dozens of these scattered around the Gibraltar area, especially on the "Bolt ...

Archer School, 8th-Grade Fall Outing, Malibu Creek State Park

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Archer School, 8th-Grade Fall Outing, Malibu Creek State Park

the Old Woman & Steve Canyon, Joshua Tree National Park

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
the Old Woman & Steve Canyon, Joshua Tree National Park

Phil Fontilea practicing traditional anchor building in Joshua Tree National Park.

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Phil Fontilea practicing traditional anchor building in Joshua Tree National Park.

Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog (Rana boylii) Wheeler Gorge, Ventura County, California.

2009-02-06T21:55:29Z

Earthworks
Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog (Rana boylii) Wheeler Gorge, Ventura County, California.

Praying Mantis male (Stagomantis californica)

2009-07-16T07:49:59Z

Earthworks
Praying Mantis male (Stagomantis californica)

Michael & Marina McKay hangout atop the first pitch of "Pipe Cleaner" at Sespe Gorge.

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Michael & Marina McKay hangout atop the first pitch of "Pipe Cleaner" at Sespe Gorge.

Maura, on one of her first few climbing trips ever, cruises through the 5.10a/b crux of the second pitch of "Face Lift" at San Ysidro.

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Maura, on one of her first few climbing trips ever, cruises through the 5.10a/b crux of the second pitch of "Face Lift" at San Ysidro.

Earthworks' photo

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks

When Baret first climbed with Matthew a few years back, she was so scared-of-heights that she merely watched other people climb all day. Here, on July 18, 2007, and following repeated climb ...

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
When Baret first climbed with Matthew a few years back, she was so scared-of-heights that she merely watched other people climb all day. Here, on July 18, 2007, and following repeated climb ...

Climber: Nate Conroy (model release on file) Location: "Red Mushrooms" (5.10c), Dome Rock, Southern Sierra.

2009-06-25T16:22:14Z

Earthworks
Climber: Nate Conroy (model release on file) Location: "Red Mushrooms" (5.10c), Dome Rock, Southern Sierra.

Earthworks' photo

2009-02-11T00:31:46Z

Earthworks

Collared Lizard. Cortez, Colorado.

2009-02-11T00:32:02Z

Earthworks
Collared Lizard. Cortez, Colorado.

Catalina Island, Calif.

2009-06-25T16:50:06Z

Earthworks
Catalina Island, Calif.

Manuka is intent on not losing her hard-earned meal.

2009-06-25T17:02:28Z

Earthworks
Manuka is intent on not losing her hard-earned meal.

Manuka has flown with MacTague for over two years. Manuka got her name from the type of honey that MacTague used as a salve to heal the hawk's once-injured talon. (02/22/05)

2009-06-25T17:01:16Z

Earthworks
Manuka has flown with MacTague for over two years. Manuka got her name from the type of honey that MacTague used as a salve to heal the hawk's once-injured talon. (02/22/05)

Climber: Nate Conroy (model release on file) Location: "Red Mushrooms" (5.10c), Dome Rock, Southern Sierra.

2009-06-25T18:15:02Z

Earthworks
Climber: Nate Conroy (model release on file) Location: "Red Mushrooms" (5.10c), Dome Rock, Southern Sierra.

Climber: Phil Fontilea (model release on file) Tyrolean traverse at Stoney Point

2009-06-25T18:14:51Z

Earthworks
Climber: Phil Fontilea (model release on file) Tyrolean traverse at Stoney Point

Climber: Phil Fontilea (model release on file) Tyrolean traverse at Stoney Point

2009-06-25T18:21:19Z

Earthworks
Climber: Phil Fontilea (model release on file) Tyrolean traverse at Stoney Point

Michael McKay during one of the first few ascents of "Free to Choose" at the Fortress.

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Michael McKay during one of the first few ascents of "Free to Choose" at the Fortress.

Nate Conroy enjoys classic Sierra slab climbing on "Red Mushrooms" (5.10c).

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Nate Conroy enjoys classic Sierra slab climbing on "Red Mushrooms" (5.10c).

It's all footwork.

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
It's all footwork.

David Hoffberg big-wall training near Ojai

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
David Hoffberg big-wall training near Ojai

Dawn begins to break after a night in the portaledge (David Hoffberg at "the Foot")

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Dawn begins to break after a night in the portaledge (David Hoffberg at "the Foot")

Phil Fontilea falls head-over-heals for Stoney Point

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Phil Fontilea falls head-over-heals for Stoney Point

Phil Fontilea, Stoney Point

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Phil Fontilea, Stoney Point

Earthworks' photo

2009-02-11T04:20:45Z

Earthworks

InsideOUT

2009-06-25T21:16:24Z

Earthworks
InsideOUT

Brown Garden Snail (Cantareus aspersus)

2009-10-10T06:35:16Z

Earthworks
Brown Garden Snail (Cantareus aspersus)

Pacific Tree Frog (Hyla regilla). Sespe Creek, Ventura County, California.

2009-06-26T19:21:06Z

Earthworks
Pacific Tree Frog (Hyla regilla). Sespe Creek, Ventura County, California.

Mark & Linda Patterson have a crux encounter at Wheeler Gorge

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Mark & Linda Patterson have a crux encounter at Wheeler Gorge

the Patterson family

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
the Patterson family

Patty Fienup, Joshua Tree National Park

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Patty Fienup, Joshua Tree National Park

Patty Fienup and one very big Joshua Tree

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Patty Fienup and one very big Joshua Tree

Kathy Boussina, "Too Proud to Ignore"

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Kathy Boussina, "Too Proud to Ignore"

Romain Wacziarg during the first ascent of "Free to Choose" at the Fortress

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Romain Wacziarg during the first ascent of "Free to Choose" at the Fortress

Matt Grieger, "Quail Crack"

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Matt Grieger, "Quail Crack"

Stacy Tellinghuesen tackles "The Rapture"

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Stacy Tellinghuesen tackles "The Rapture"

Romain Wacziarg on an unnamed (previously unclimbed?) route at "the Mystery Science Theater"

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Romain Wacziarg on an unnamed (previously unclimbed?) route at "the Mystery Science Theater"

Fairfield, Iowa

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Fairfield, Iowa

Michael McKay with his home wall in Iowa

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Michael McKay with his home wall in Iowa

Matthew Fienup (Fairfield, Iowa)

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Matthew Fienup (Fairfield, Iowa)

Michael McKay, "Grandma Peabody Boulder"

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Michael McKay, "Grandma Peabody Boulder"

Emmert family & friends

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Emmert family & friends

Phil Fontilea, "Tree Route"

2009-07-23T15:06:08Z

Earthworks
Phil Fontilea, "Tree Route"