(Photo James Q Martin)
People go to Yosemite for many reasons. Some simply marvel at some of the world’s most spectacular granite walls and tallest waterfalls. Some wander the meadows and watch wildlife or fish. Others hike, whether it’s a 2 mile loop on level ground, a 5000 foot vertical ascent or a multi-day backpacking trip. Most go for a combination of activities, and to share the time with family and friends.
Then there are the rock climbers. A hardy and daring group of adventurers who are called by the granite monoliths and drawn to scale those vertical walls. Climbing is not for everybody. Most of us, however, vicariously share a slice of the thrill and the beauty when we see the climbers high above, and perhaps envy them for their courage and dedication.
As a result of the reservoir and limited access, few climbers go to Hetch Hetchy. But some, like Lucho Rivera, love it and know it well.
Since Restore Hetch Hetchy has asked the National Park Service to expand access for all forms of recreation at Hetch Hetchy, including climbing, we thought we would promote the area by making a film. With humility, we asked some top climbers and outdoor cinematic experts for their help
The logistics were no simple task. Gate hours are limited and camping is mostly prohibited. There are seasonal climbing restrictions to protect peregrine falcons in some areas. Yosemite would require a wilderness permit. And we needed to put together a team.
Burkard partnered with veteran filmmaker James “Q” Martin. Q hired cinematographer Mikey Shaefer (if you’ve seen Free Solo, Mikey is the guy saying “I can’t look”) and Nelson Klein as his crew.
Lucho was a logical choice as a climber as he knows Hetch Hetchy well, including the walls east of Wapama (climbing west of Wapama during spring is prohibited to protect nesting peregrine falcons). Professional climber (and comedian) Timmy O’Neill had ascended the walls in Yosemite Valley for 30 years, and was excited to go to Hetch Hetchy for the first time with Lucho to “show him the ropes”.
The team was complete. The experts would converge during the third week of May. We hoped for good weather.
We gathered for dinner at the Evergreen Lodge. Some were old friends and happy to see each other; others were just getting acquainted. The mystique of Hetch Hetchy was intriguing – everyone seemed to want to know more about its history and our plan for restoration. Dinner ended a bit after 10 p.m. Some went to bed while others stayed up several more hours packing gear for the early morning start.
The weather cooperated, cooling off during the third week of May – ideal for hiking and climbing but chilly at night for the guys on the rock. The loads, including ropes and other climbing gear as well as camping supplies, were heavy. Everyone got an early start so they could hike the four miles to the base of Hetch Hetchy Dome and get started.
The crew carried heavy packs on the four mile hike to the base of Hetch Hetchy Dome. Wapama Falls was spectacular but fortunately not high enough to make crossing its bridges dangerous. (Photo: James Q Martin)
Lucho Rivera leads the way up the rock. Timmy and the film crew depended on Lucho’s experience and knowledge of Hetch Hetchy’s granite walls. (Photo: James Q Martin)
Timmy O’Neill high on the wall above the reservoir. Timmy has climbed in Yosemite Valley for 30 years but this was his first trip to Hetch Hetchy. (Photo James Q Martin)
As the sun sets, Timmy and Lucho share a much needed drink of water after a long and wonderful day on Hetch Hetchy’s walls. (Photo: James Q Martin)
The raw footage is in the hands of editors. The film should be available in July. We can’t wait to see it and to share it.