December 2010 – 291
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FEATURES
GALLERY World tour: Switzerland, Mexico, Arizona, California, North Carolina
SOFT KOR Not all of Layton Kor’s masterpieces were desperate frightfests. Here, seven climbs mere mortals can enjoy.By Brendan Leonard
DIAMONDS IN THE DUST A spur-of-the-moment trip to Oman reveals great climbing and a fascinating, friendly culture.By Molly Loomis
BAJA UNREQUITEDIt was such a brilliant plan: unclimbed cliffs approached by inflatable kayak. What could go wrong?
SKILLS SPECIAL: STEEP ICE Tap the combined wisdom of seven ice experts and learn how to lead vertical ice with confidence.
DEPARTMENTS
Contributors Lynn Willis, Brendan Leonard, Lee Lang
Editorial Learning to love climbing’s coldest game
Letters
Just OutSuper-light boots, an innovative belay device, and an inexpensive softshell
Hot FlashesBig-wall free climbing: the Eiger’s Harlin Route and Africa’s toughest wall
Off the WallMarried couple attemps Fifty Classics, Paul Ross completes 500th FA, and more
Ten Things…Sport climbing’s weird early days
PlayersBrian Runnells: the “Climbing Narcissist”
Tech TipsThe serious dangers of dirty cordage
Classic ClimbsNorth Carolina Dopey Duck (5.9)
Mileage Head north for sea-cliff ice climbing on Quebec’s gorgeous Gaspe Peninsula
Reviews Six can’t-miss gift ideas for the holidays
Perspective Dean Fidelman, Mr. Stone Nudes, turns the camera on himself