The Human Mule

Life was good. The approaches were short. The routes straightforward. The work wonderfully mindless. After a long dry-spell of writing, a job as a climbing guide at Smith Rock was like a vacation from life. I was 22 again, not a failing writer struggling to pay the rent. It was too good to last.

Through the years, I’ve tried to escape words and journalism, but the writing life always has a funny way of creeping back into my world.  This time it came in the form of a 230-pound cameraman with a fear of heights, a fast talking New York producer and a 30-year-old broadcaster trying to return to her childhood.  It turns out you have to earn your 15 seconds of fame.

Music: Martha Ann by David Karsten Daniels  •   Golden Soldiers by Golden Shoulders  •   Laughter be Your Slave by Gregg Yeti and The Best Lights  •   Santa Ana Murders and the Neon Lights of Love by Monk

Music provided by IODA Promonet.