Growing Down
“I’ve watched my friends and peers hopscotch across the world,” says Fitz Cahall. “Some of them have reached the top of their craft, authored ridiculous lines up mountains, followed rivers into wrinkles of the deepest canyons, found the edge of human endurance.
“If I look back on the last ten years, I’m often surprised that I didn’t end up on their trajectory. Something inside, quiet and steady, called me in a different direction–one that I struggled against, at first.”
How you grow varies for each person, and it can differ depending on your stage of life. Some people reach upward and outward; others root down.
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Music: If Walls Could Talk by Jacob Bain & Nis Kotto • Blowback Blues by Canyon Kids • Revival by Jason Tyler Burton • Lost Forever by Little Glass Men • Sonic Roads by Cleod9
Tracks provided by Free Music Archive and with permission from the artists.
I enjoy listening to any and all episodes but tend to get lost in climbing episodes since I’ve only been once many many moons ago. But this most recent episode by Fitz was so endearing and so passionate. I enjoy time and adventures with my family but they tend to be far and few between, but I do and will continue to savor them that much more after this episode. Thanks for sharing and continue to inspire. Happy holidays!
I’m thankin’ ya, George RV
Loved this episode. Thank you for all the great work you do on these podcasts and keeping us inspired.
All the best.
HI I’m a Civil Engineer and novice climber based out of California. I would love to help out with the Bears Ears Visitors Center, I own an Engineering company and I’m sure my staff can make it happen. Let me know how I can help keep our public places open. Thanks.
Great episode
What is the song that starts around 1:50
Hey Ryan, that’s “Blowback Blues” by Canyon Kids. They’re a rad band based out of Jason. Check ’em out! http://www.canyonkidsmusic.com/
Thanks so much for a wonderful episode! I’ve passed through a very similar experience having climbing being the center of my younger life and wrestling a little with the transition. Watching our little one become stoked on new experiences is magical and something I wouldn’t change for the world and while I don’t climb as often either, there is still something beautiful that I tap into every time I tie in. Keep up the great work!
I, of course, enjoy all the episodes, but eagerly look forward to the “Fitz-Personal” stories! I listened to this one 4 times back to back! I spent my life growing down until my mid-fifties, discovered trad climbing, ice climbing, and mountaineering, and now experience the joy of climbing (moderately!) with my grown sons and their wives. Thank you all at the Diaries!
Thank you!! As a Gen X new dad. The mindfulness to open that truth of adventure was amazing!!
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Big thanks from listeners from Poland! We do need more inspiring thinkers in the climbing society! Especially nowadays when it is growing so rapidly. You do such a great job.
Big diaries fan but just wanted to say thank you for this episode in particular. As a 20-something making decisions about my career and future lifestyle, I can’t even express how relieving it was to hear someone so clearly articulate what I’ve been feeling recently, in the context of a sport I love. I should just start referring people to this when they question my decision to grow down! Keep on keepin’ on!
Hello! I love dirtbag diaries and miss this Patagonia ad music (the new one is great, but not the same!). Do you know who made it? Thanks!
Hey Matt– The previous song was “Silent Swimmers” by Dan Malloy and Jon Swift. It was created for a Patagonia surf film. I haven’t been able to find it as it was part of a score for the film.