Squamish Climbing Magazine is very excited to have the opportunity to share the story Refugio written by Matt Spohn. Matt lives in Portland with his wife Michelle, and chihuahua, Zoozoo. He has been climbing for 22 years. This is his first contribution to Squamish Climbing Magazine (with many more to come!).
Mason groans, pale faced, teeth chattering—exaltation to the sleepless. The night gone, etched into memory; a sole headlamp flickering, the exfoliating flakes of Half Dome letting loose, the air tightening its hold on my bones. My body entwined in rope for warmth, I watch dawn’s cold grey spread out. I open my hands and stretch my fingers wide. Mason’s head rests against my shoulder and I wonder about his bushy beard, my bare face cold. He shakes and the shivers push me close to the precipice and I wiggle myself deeper into his body, thinking it better to be the little spoon.
You up, Mason asks.
Yeah.
Longest f**king night ever.
Uh huh. Ready to be done.
Me too.

Photo by Matt Spohn ©
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