This year's American Alpine Journal features a vast survey of the finest climbing in Alaska: the Ruth Gorge. Joe Puryear reveals all the routes and all the empty spaces between the lines. Elsewhere in the world, the greatest climbs of 2005 include the long-awaited first alpine-style ascent of the notorious Rupal Face on Nanga Parbat, perhaps the biggest face on earth. Steve House and Vince Anderson climbed it alpine-style, and Vince tells the tale. Also Mike Libecki takes a solo romp in an unexplored corner of Antarctica; Tommy Caldwell links two El Capitan free routes in a single day; Venezuela's Angel Falls Wall goes free; Rolo Garibotti and friends climb Maestri's fantasy route on Cerro Torre, and so much more. |
