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metoliusmunchkin
Feb 17, 2002, 2:50 AM
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Yes, I must first deeply apologize for riddling the Aid Climbing Forum with non-technical information in which aid climbers across the globe can use in the their climbing epics, although I am a little confused, upon what seems to be quite a great man in the history of aid climbing.
Used in many of your posts (mostly Petes), the name Chongo appears quite often. For ages I have been wondering who this man was, and if in fact his first name, or last name for that matter, was actually Chongo, or if that was just a nickname given to him.
I have just begun to read Ammon McNeely's gripping account of an El Cap adventure, however, I do not know who this man Chongo is that most of you refer to, and feel, that for his excellent tale to be appreciated as greatly as possible, I must first know who this man is.
A while back Adam (rrradam) had posted a picture of Tomaz Humar supposedly buying a book of some kind, from this Chongo fellow (and quite a pleasant looking one indeed). At first I thought the user was talking of one of his highschool buddies (as this is what this 'nickname' resembled, an old highschool gag). Although, this was just a figment of my newbie-ness. I had come to later realize that this was a man of great importance to the climbing community. Too bad I have no idea who he is!
Who is this man? What are his accomplishments? His legacy? Have any of you (other than Ammon) ever met him? If so what was he like?
Ah, so many questions, too little answers. Quite the way to describe climbing I would say...
Cheers.
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elcapbuzz
Feb 17, 2002, 3:03 AM
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Chongo is a bigwall/slackline legend.
He lives in Yosemite and is famous or should I say infamous with the locals there.
He just recently was published in Climbing Magazine for an illegal storage charge against him by the Park Service.
Let's see, Chongo is his nickname. He was one of the first climbing resolers in history.
He was the third person to walk the Lost Arrow Spire. Check out slackline.com.
Here's a great photo and more info
Ammon
[ This Message was edited by: elcapbuzz on 2002-12-21 22:06 ]
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nikegirl
Feb 17, 2002, 3:50 AM
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This to me is a great question...
I've thought the same: and I've even see the photo Ammon has linked this to, before.
I think no question is a simple question. I learn from others "boldness" to ask.
Thank you for the informational beta...Ammon and Pete!
I just tried the slackline, this week, for the first time.
Hillarious. Challenging.
I'm gonna keep at it.
Getting on the slack-line? Not yet.
Falling is so humbling.
Hillarious, too.
T
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quart
Feb 17, 2002, 6:31 PM
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Go to Yosemite Valley. Go to the Lodge Cafeteria. Go to the South east corner, over by the patio. Look at the long-haired, fleece-wearing, laptop-wielding man in the corner. Behold Chongo Chuck.
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elcapbuzz
Feb 17, 2002, 6:47 PM
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Haa haa ha. Good one, quart.
Chong also has a speed record on El Capitan.
Lunar Eclipse.
Click here for Speed Records
Ammon
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gunked
Feb 17, 2002, 7:22 PM
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Chongo is quite an interesting man! I've had more than a few choice encounters with this gentlman. He is the holder of a few records. One of which, as I remember, is the record for spending the most consecutive days on a route on El Capitan. I think (correct me if I'm wrong) it was 54 days. More than likely, he probably also holds the record for most years in a row of "living" in the valley without getting kicked out permanently. At least until this past winter!?!
Chongo is an invaluable resource on big-wall techniques! I've learned more from him or his books about hauling systems than all other big-wall books combined. And then some. He's also writing a book (maybe he's done?) on quantum physics.
More importantly he's a survivor and a great guy to talk to, even if you only understand half of what he's saying!
Gotta go.
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maxx
Feb 17, 2002, 8:30 PM
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I thought mono was spanish for monkey? didn't know chongo was too
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pelliott
Dec 22, 2002, 4:42 AM
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Chongo doesn't show up at all in my Spanish dictionary. Perhaps it is slang.
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kalcario
Dec 22, 2002, 5:15 AM
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Registered: Sep 25, 2002
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*Ok, Pete. Take over.*
ok metoliusmunch...er, Pete, let's hear it.
Please you guys...get a friggin life
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eclarke98
Dec 22, 2002, 6:37 AM
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Check out www.chongonation.com. That's his website where you can buy his books, contact him, and other various things.
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climbsomething
Dec 22, 2002, 7:41 AM
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Registered: May 30, 2002
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Ooh, ChongoNation tee-shirts!
What a wondifferus Christmas gift that would make!
[hint]
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passthepitonspete
Dec 22, 2002, 8:16 AM
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Heh heh - now there's a certain little present I wouldn't mind unwrapping on Christmas morning. [I probably couldn't wait, and would have to unwrap it Christmas Eve...]
So like, this is Chongo in Camp 4, eh?
I'm guessing this picture was taken around '96 or '97. I don't remember if I was the one who took it or not.
I can't believe that someone has got his website up and running!
I just can't wait to read How to be Bitchin'!
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gunked
Dec 22, 2002, 8:38 PM
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Registered: Feb 1, 2002
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Chongo Nation tee-shirts?!?
Now I'm really scared
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wallrat
Dec 22, 2002, 9:20 PM
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Registered: Nov 28, 2002
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While Chuck must be the guy best known, there are also a whole herd of brothers, like four more. During the Eighties the lot of them hung out in Joshua Tree...putting up routes (trad all the way)on the rattiest ropes you've ever seen. Swear to God, I wouldn't have tied up my 30 pound dog with them. But, some of their routes were great, and bold.
Check out Forbidden Paradise on Echo Rock. When it first went up it had only four bolts, the first (after the 10b R)crux and last were added after I had the opportunity to lead it, and kinda browbeat them into making it safe. These guys are missed down there, another set of locals gone. PS, Hi to Chuck, if you see this. Gene West
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