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The
first part of this two-part lecture told us of his climbing in Patagonia,
finishing with the moment he broke the tarsal bone in his foot high
on Cerro Torre.
The
second half, entitled "The Art of Patience", told of his
recovery from this potentially life altering injury and his physiotherapy
on the big walls of Yosemite - armed with his trusty stereo, crates
of beer, vodka, and a group of friends.
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| Leo
Houlding climbing on the Adrspach Rocks |
At
the age of 15 Leo left home in Cumbria to climb the world and went
on to begin to break new ground in hard, traditional climbing on
the world's biggest faces. Both these facts hint at the self-belief
and confidence he possesses.
High-lining
Further insight was given whilst Leo was described his high-lining
exploits. High-lining basically involves tight rope walking with
a safety line hundreds of metres above the ground. It is an extension
of slack-lining, a favourite game of climbers that is carried out
a couple of foot off the ground.
High-lining
(like climbing) is principally a mind game - it should be no different
to doing it next to the ground. This is an easy philosophy that
is harder to believe when you are actually there. Leo specialises
in hard climbing with failure meaning a serious fall, and it is
his mind control and belief in his ability that perhaps separate
him from so many.
Arrogant
He has been labelled in the past as arrogant, but there was no hint
of this during the lecture, which mixed humour and boundless enthusiasm
with stunning photography, video footage and good tunes - an essential
accompaniment to all great experiences.
His
is an unconventional route through life, made possible by his prodigious
talent in climbing serious walls, a determination to experience
all life has to offer and his 'patron saint' Berghaus. Leo's love
for his friends and of life were obvious throughout the lecture.
Special
talent
Whether you are a climber or not, go and see Leo talk. His explanations
make it accessible for all and it was a fresh, enthusiastic and
entertaining lecture. Leo has a special talent and he may go on
to redefine the boundaries of the possible in hard, free climbing.
(Leo
Houlding presented his lecture, on 22 January 2004, at the Brewery
Arts Centre as part of a series of lectures from the Royal Geographic
Society.
Written
by Jim Gordon
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