About Me

I have been climbing for 28 years, and writing for longer, having begun with a local newspaper as a teen. I am executive editor for Rock and Ice, a magazine that covers all aspects of the climbing world, with a literary approach and a humorous bent. Well, WE think we’re funny.
I have climbed across North America, in Europe many times and in Australia. At one time I competed professionally, winning several national championships and competing in World Cups and the X Games. I was also the first woman president of the American Alpine Club, a hundred-year-old service, policy and conservation organization.
I have freelanced for many publications, from the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal and the London Independent, to a humor column for the local Glenwood Springs Post Independent, and I wrote a biography, Second Ascent: the Story of Hugh Herr.
I live in Carbondale, Colorado, with my husband and two young sons, and do the kinds of things you live in a mountain town to do: climb, ski, hike, and (er, poorly) mountain bike.

Member Since

May 17, 2006

Sites

• Rock and Ice Magazine

What is the next…

Purchase you’ll make?

Half an hour with chiropractor for active-release massage for elbow tendinitis. At end of sesh, he will peel me off ceiling.

Trend in design?

I hope something that will stay in style for 10 years, because that’s about how long I wear things. I like the old-gold theory of the Patagonia catalogs.

Car you’d like to own?

Honda Element. My Sidekick is solid, but small, rusty and slightly dorky.

Big step you’d like to make?

Publish another book. If I could find the time to write one, and if it is any good. Which is bigger question?

Fad that will fade?

Layered look. Great on some, but only the fortunate few….

Vacation you’ll take?

It was supposed to be a climbing trip to Maple Canyon in June, but my friend just bailed. Maybe the same trip in August, after a July beach trip with my kids to see my family.

Thing you’re going to fight for?

Spanish to be taught in my kids’ school.

Secret that’s going to leak?

By which person in this administration?

Hollywood blockbuster going to be about?

Apparently Ethan Hunt, Tom Cruise’s alter ego in the Mission Impossible series. But I lost interest in Tom Cruise after his comments about post-partum depression. Like he knows? There are plenty of other stars in other movies to see.

Life you’ll lead?

As the parent of teenagers. I hope it does not suck.

Fountain of youth?

Something to do with skin and reducing sun damage. For a long time, my life was too much sun and not enough sunscreen.

Book you’ll read?

Marjorie Williams’ The Woman at the Washington Zoo.

Thing that will change the world?

Change to less oil-dependent technologies.

Guilty-pleasure food in which you’ll indulge?

Chocolate. Always.

Person to whom you’ll say, “I love you”?

My mom, who gives me feedback on every first drafts.