Benton Hodges Benton Hodges

Amidst the Rays of Light: Stephen’s Gap

“Oh man, we should ask Oliver about those caves he did when was down this way,” I said to my friend Charlie, who had joined me for a trip back to my hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee where we had planned to climb, golf, spend time on the river, and just enjoy the outdoors in general.

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Benton Hodges Benton Hodges

Free Beer Tastes Better

My Inaugural First Ascent: Happy Hour Boulder, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

"Want to bolt a route?" Wesley's text message ignited a spark I'd been waiting to ignite ever since I first learned about route development in rock climbing. With Wesley and Nick in tow, we ascended the Bridger Gondola at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and trekked an additional 25 minutes to the cirque nestled below the renowned tram and iconic "Corbet’s Couloir."

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Benton Hodges Benton Hodges

A Day to Remember on Bean’s Wall

"Let's just give it 15 minutes," Scoot said to me as the rain drops hit our helmets.

We had just finished the first pitch of the hardest climb of my life. At that moment, I wanted nothing more than to tuck tail and run, but the day wasn't about me. Sure, it takes two to tango (and climb), and my risk tolerance was nearing it's limit, but I was in support mode for a friend with a big goal.

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