The Brotherhood -- Episode 2 of the Dirtbag Diaries

James Martin and Albert Newman are two men connected by a singular obsession and not much else. They couldn't be any more different from one another. James is gregarious photographer. Albert is a soft spoken firefighter who looks for life's answers in the desert's emptiness. They're roomates and climbing partners, yet barely speak to one another. It's gotten to the point that they communicate through notes.

Yet, for three and half years, James and Albert have slogged hundreds of pounds of gear, endured brutal heat and existed under the constant threat of rock fall all in the hopes of completing the first free ascent of Tooth Rock -- the largest rock spire in the lower 48. They've risked their lives together to complete a desert super route. In the process, the forged a bizarre, incredible friendship from rotting sandstone.

Is shared obsession enough to hold together a friendship? Writer Fitz Cahall tagged along during the succesful first free ascent of More Sand than Stone V 5.11.

Listen to the complete story by clicking on the play button below: