Note: This is the first of many such blog posts we'll be running by local hardwoman Tara Reynvaan, climber, photographer, writer and generally awesome person. Check out her blog Climbing, Photography=Life and check back here for the latest from Reynvaan.

an into from the author herself:

People in Bend do other things than Ski in the winter? Answer---> Yes, and a lot of it. My name is Tara Reynvaan and I live in Bend — not for Bachelor or free Wednesday night music — but for Smith Rock; the near-forgotten world class rock climbing crag in our back yard. Truth is that there are many of us and although a Bend-born local, I can’t seem to leave this place. These are my thoughts on climbing, life, photography and the world surrounding it.

Oct. 17

It’s rare to become so disconnected from such a grounding aspect of my life. See---->fotos.
For the past year I have slowly taken fewer and fewer photos, brought my camera fewer places, and began investing my creative urges elsewhere. Although largely attributed to the loss of two lenses’ functionality (RIP), there’s still no excuse for the undeveloped roll of Holga photos on my bookshelf, and the dust sponges that were once referred to as filters, lenses, and other various camera mumbo. Although my mind and heart have been heavy as of late, I’ve been lucky enough to become newly empowered through a couple external forms of motivation. First of which being able to play with a friend’s lens (thanks Ben). 50mm in hand, I remembered exactly why I got into photography in the first place. Although everything suddenly became my subject, I mostly shot some random photos prior to Ben roping into the sharp end of his then-project, Palo Verde which he sent first burn or “warm-up” of the day on Sunday.

Ben as Darth Vador? Ninja Edits by Ben &Tara

Cassie Looking adorable as ever

This photo is the 50mm lens in a nutshell to me The second piece is that I can actually climb again. My ‘month of 5.11’ elevated into my month of attempting to re-redpoint all old 5.12 projects first or second go. Thus far, I’ve mostly succeeded in fumbling through forgotten beta to the chains on my first burn and have even found a new unexpected project and target of something to really work hard for.

Widget Finangling

While belaying friend and climbing partner Ben Moon as he snagged the second free ascent of Palo Verde, I became smitten with what can only be described as one of the most unique lines at Smith Rock. Once an old aid line, this mixed route now goes free at 5.12d or 13a although most people seem to climb it completely different. It features an overhung traditional crack followed by 5 bolts of bouldery overhung sport climbing followed by an awkward transition into an open book chimney that is going to likely be the heart breaker for me if I continue to hike back and work on this. Widget finangling aside,  I am filled with ‘smitt’ and can’t keep this rig off the brain. 

Ben before tying into Palo Verde