[From Frost’s Innsbruck speech:] Crafting a document that outlines freedom governed by boundaries has always been a challenge. Yet, I believe this convention will find its way through the issues and present a set of guidelines that will stand as a firm foundation and ensure the continuation of climbing for generations.

Traditional climbing is relevant because of what we come to experience through it changes our lives. That’s good. I’ve sometimes lamented not having a handbook of instructions for life, because it takes so long to figure it out (even for a climber!). I finally realized the instructions were so novel, in my face, I couldn’t see them. Now I get it. Nature is our teacher, the instruction book, and the mentor. Nature nurtures, shows the way, and is always there. Climbers benefit most from the association with nature, with the wall, with the rock. The lessons can serve us a lifetime.

I see two sets of laws out there: natural laws and artificial laws. Nature, ever the unifier, ever the team player, holds the cosmos together harmoniously. Aware of a relationship with nature, traditional climbers know that the relationship works best when we diligently learn (namely how to climb), demonstrate that we have learned it, and then give back our appreciation. Artificial law is man’s law. Artificial law is dualistic. For every five degrees of plus acquired artificially, five degrees of minus eventually and irrevocably slams you. On Earth we are currently experiencing a harvest season of slams resulting from our previous choices and wholesale application of artificial law.

In our Camp 4 days we felt humbled, and also empowered, by the walls. Climbing was so big for us. We wondered how much of what we gained from it was, or would be, transferable to “real life”. Over the years our experience faded but who we were, who we had become, continued with us. Looking back, I realize that traditional climbing, and the whole Camp 4 way, is a very good model for life.

We knew, in the bigger picture of things, there were only two styles of climbing: natural and artificial. The natural climber uses all of the natural features to move upward and to protect himself – whether it be by free or by aid technique. The artificial climber employs artificial devices – such as expansion bolts – whether for protection or for aid, and defaces the rock in so doing. In life it is the same. Look around - always the differences and always the choices between natural and artificial solutions. These choices affect everyone.