The next year, 2007, Albert changed the venue to Jack’s Canyon, a limestone sport crag near Winslow, Arizona. Because Albert had never been there, this upped the ante quite a bit requiring him to climb every route onsight. After a day of reconoscence, and to no ones surprise, Albert unsurprisingly accomplished his goal, having time (and energy) at the end of the day for two routes to grow on and a game of bocce.

Just as many of us had expected, in 2008 Albert raised the bar once again by leading 34 trad pitches, all onsight, in a day at Tahquitz, California. Not to tip-toe around his own birthday challenges Albert made sure to lead every pitch; routes ranged from 5.8-5.12 with the majority falling in the 5.9-5.10 range. 

I have always admired Albert’s drive and ability to push himself. He raises the bar for those around him and he has helped many of us achieve goals of our own. Albert may not be a super hero in the Marvel Comic sense of the term, but he keeps me motivated and inspired. Thanks Al! 

Author’s note: No climbing trip for Al and I this year. My wife, Kristen, and I had twins the day after Albert’s birthday. Marley (my daughter) and Kai (my son) will be ready to hit the road soon enough and back on for daddy’s desert climbing trip next year.