Kendall Cook
reaches fora
handhold near
the top of the
columns at
Skinner s Butte.
Clinging to the columns of
Skinner s Butte. University senior
Kendall Cook signals Ins appreci
ation of the day 's challenge.
"Dynorrific." he veils down to
his climbing partner Spencer
Cundari, also a senior at the
University.
On any given sunny day in
rock pillars at
Skinner's Butte might
believe the park was
being invaded by an
army of brightly
clothed commandos.
South Eugene High
School senior Ari
Denison said the mel
low atmosphere and
variety of climbs
attracts people to the
columns
"About half the poo
ple here just come out
to probably get away
from school and enjoy
themselves a hit,” he
said, “The other half is
usually older people
who arts out here get
ting away from thwr )ods. it s a
really good place to relax and
gather your thoughts. The people
are mellow."
After n short talk with Denison,
it’s obvious climbers have a lan
guage all their own.
"The columns ore a great place
to climb because it offers a huge
variety of things you can do. like
cracks and faces and chimneys
and ruts — whatever you want."
he said. "As far as route-making
goes here, you just pick and
choose. You really nave to pick
and choose holds. You tan start,
like, lead-climbing or down
climbing. or you can work on
boulder problems.”
Carablners. friends and stop
pers (above) are some of the
pieces of equipment used to
protect climbers against falling.
Jenny Root (right) belays fellow
climber Eric Allstott
Art Denison (lop) gets a firm
grip as he makes Me climb.
Three people ascend the
columns (above).
Photos by
Michael Shindler