Top 10 Climbing Stories For 2010

2010 is rapidly coming to an end, which means it is time to take stock and reflect on the events of the year that has just passed. Last week we saw Outside Magazine give us their Top 10 Adventure Stories for 2010, and now we have a list of the Top 10 Climbing Stories as well, courtesy of the Examiner.

As you can imagine, there are a number of great stories on the list, but a few dubious ones as well. For instance, while no one will feel that 12-year old Matt Moniz, who climbed the 50 high points in the 50 U.S. states, and in record time, doesn't deserve to be mentioned, I'm not sure I would put Lucy, the wheel-chair bound dog, and her ascent of Mt. Washington on my personal list.

This list also is a sober reminder of the climbers we lost in 2010, with the deaths of Joe Puryear, Chhewang Nima, and Dallas Kloke all making the list. As is usual in mountaineer, each year brings a few more fallen comrades to the Brotherhood of the Rope.

But the list also celebrates great achievements, such as Dean Potter and Sean Leary setting a new speed record on the Nose in Yosemite, as well as Stephen Wampler's ascent of El Capitan. Wampler inspired many with that climb, as he has been afflicted with cerebral palsy since birth.

It has been a good year in the world of adventure and these lists are a great reminder of that. Enjoy!