Tommy Caldwell, a legendary rock climber known for the Dawn Wall, joins forces with Taylor Shaffer, a photographer and expedition wingman. They share exhilarating tales from their adventure to Alaska's Devil's Thumb, including the challenges of blending climbing with conservation efforts. They also recount their transformative journeys through breathtaking landscapes, the joys of camaraderie, and the little mishaps—like vehicle troubles—that made the trip memorable. Discover how these experiences shaped their views on nature and environmental awareness.
The film 'The Devil's Climb' captures a thrilling adventure while intertwining themes of physical challenges and environmental advocacy.
Alex Honnold's desire to raise awareness about environmental degradation highlights the contrasts between adventure and conservation during their journey.
The podcast discusses the difficulty of balancing an engaging buddy film format with the serious environmental issues faced along the route.
Deep dives
The Devil's Climb: A Unique Adventure
The episode discusses the film 'The Devil's Climb,' which follows Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell on an adventurous journey that combines climbing with a 2,400-mile bike ride from Colorado to Alaska. The film highlights their experiences while capturing breathtaking landscapes and moments of camaraderie. The filmmakers aimed to showcase not just the climbing aspect, but also the environmental significance of the regions they passed through, particularly the Tongass National Forest. However, the final cut primarily emphasizes the buddy adventure dynamic rather than the conservation narrative initially envisioned.
Conservation and Climbing Intersect
Alex Honnold reveals that the trip was born out of his desire to raise awareness about logging issues affecting the Tongass National Forest, highlighting the contrast between conservation work and their climbing pursuits. The journey ultimately became a blend of personal growth and environmental advocacy through adventure, as they encountered various biomes and ecosystems along their route. The performers express that the trip, though physically demanding, was important for both physical recovery and environmental awareness. They share stories of prior climbers who've similarly undertaken long journeys, drawing inspiration from their eco-adventures.
The Unique Challenges of the Journey
The physical demands of the journey were immense, involving extensive biking and climbing through tough terrains, with one notable hike through the bushwhacked glaciers leading to the Devil's Thumb. The episode highlights conversations about the logistics of such a massive trip, including the challenges of navigating diverse landscapes and unexpectedly complicated routes. Even with the difficulties, the participants found joy in the adventure and connection to nature through intense physical exertion. They emphasize how experiencing different landscapes firsthand provided a richer understanding of their surroundings compared to traditional travel methods.
Environmental Observations and Realizations
As they biked across British Columbia, the team noted stark contrasts between the natural beauty they've come to expect and the sad reality of environmental degradation, including logging and mining. They candidly discuss witnessing clear-cut forests and the impacts of such practices on local communities, reinforcing the idea that exploited environments lead to collective suffering. The realization that many accessible landscapes previously thought to be untouched are, in fact, heavily impacted by human activity struck a chord with them. This experience challenged their previously rosy perspectives on nature’s prevalence and beauty.
The Complexity of Documentary Storytelling
The episode reflects on the challenges of creating a documentary that balances showcasing the beauty of nature with conveying the harsh realities of environmental exploitation. While the film highlights their adventure and friendship, it sidesteps discussing the extensive environmental issues encountered during the trip. The team acknowledges that a more solemn environmental message might be overshadowed by the humor and adventures within the buddy film format. Despite this, they believe that introducing people to the beauty of unspoiled nature through engaging storytelling can spark a renewed interest in conservation.
Last summer, Alex and Tommy Caldwell rode bikes from Estes Park, Colorado to SE Alaska where they boarded a sailboat which dropped them beneath the fabled Devil’s Thumb. Their adventure is now a film on Disney+, but a lot of the experience got left on the cutting room floor. We sat down with Tommy and their photographer/wingman, Taylor Shaffer, to dive deeper into the journey.