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Mediocre Amateur
United States
Приєднався 13 лип 2015
What is Mediocre Amateur? It's a show by amateurs for amateurs created by Danny and Blake in hopes of motivating people to get out there and see the world. Don't let your lack of experience hinder your thirst for adventure. Watch and be inspired knowing that even those who are more experienced are still just amateurs and ignore all those sneering experts who cling to their epistemic arrogance like Gollum clinging to his precious. Trail running, hiking, climbing, skiing, and travel we're not experts we're amateurs.
Mount Thielsen // The Lightning Rod of the Cascades
This mountain was nowhere on my radar. I had never heard of it until Ben sent me a text asking if I’d be interested in coming out to Oregon and skiing its dramatic slopes. I can now say that Mount Thielsen offers a lot in a small package. There’s several entertaining lines to ski, a small scramble to the summit and a prominent viewpoint. We skied 3 lines and each line had its own pleasant vibe. The day before climbing Thielsen, we attempted to ski Mount Diamond but were driven back by the wind, visibility and bullet proof surface conditions. We were concerned that the conditions would be the same on Mount Thielsen.
On Mount Thielsen’s Wikipedia page we are told that all the ski slopes are rated black diamond. So that’s cool. The mountain is also referred to as Big Cowhorn. However, I prefer the more electrifying title The Lightning Rod of the Cascades. You can tell I enjoy the name because I repeat it several times in the video. The internet claims that Mount Thielsen is struck by lightning more often than any other mountain in the range. There’s even a type of mineral? Or rock? that appears when lightning strikes it's summit.
On Mount Thielsen’s Wikipedia page we are told that all the ski slopes are rated black diamond. So that’s cool. The mountain is also referred to as Big Cowhorn. However, I prefer the more electrifying title The Lightning Rod of the Cascades. You can tell I enjoy the name because I repeat it several times in the video. The internet claims that Mount Thielsen is struck by lightning more often than any other mountain in the range. There’s even a type of mineral? Or rock? that appears when lightning strikes it's summit.
Переглядів: 35 083
Відео
North Maroon // North Face
Переглядів 30 тис.14 днів тому
North face, North Maroon, North America, Northern Hemisphere. So many Norths. When I was on top of Torrey’s Peak I asked a group where I should ski the next day. I mentioned the Chord, a chute between North Maroon and Maroon peak. One of the local skiers suggested the North Face of North Maroon and after some research on my phone I thought “why not!”. The ski line looked cool and maybe a wee bi...
Torrey’s Peak // Emperor Couloir
Переглядів 38 тис.28 днів тому
I asked people on Strava for some skiing suggestions in the state of Colorado. Emperor couloir was mentioned twice. And that was enough to get my car pointed in the right direction. Emperor Couloir is a ski line that descends the north face of this very popular and highly rated Colorado 14er. Torreys Peak sits in the Front Range only an hour or so from Denver. It has an elevation of 14,272 and ...
Upper Pole // Timing is Everything
Переглядів 41 тис.Місяць тому
These days it's almost impossible to get any Amateurs to travel to exotic locations with large, white capped peaks. Luckily, There's a couple local mountains that provide entertainment and training during the interludes. Cascade is just such a mountain. Lots of good options on this local peak but that doesn't mean we'll take advantage of any of those options. It's also nice to get Christof out ...
Skiing in LA // From Backcountry to Beach
Переглядів 70 тис.2 місяці тому
Mount San Antonio aka Mount Baldy is just within the boundary of Los Angeles County. The city itself is roughly 35 miles away by chartered helicopter or an hour to two and a half hours by car depending on the time of day. Very recently, I was surprised to discover that a 10,000 ft peak existed on the doorstop of Tinseltown. I’ve been to LA and the surrounding areas often in my life but never kn...
Japan // Skiing Hokkaido Pow on Yotei
Переглядів 51 тис.4 місяці тому
We managed to catch the last 747 into Sapporo .We had to run to the gate but the wheels of our plane managed to touch down on the island of Hokkaido just as the snow began to fall like thick sheets from the sky. Other foreigners in the airport wandered around, dragging their ski bags behind them asking for a ride to Niseko. They had cancelled the train due to the foul weather. The van we had re...
Tour of Mont Blanc // The Last 50 Miles
Переглядів 49 тис.7 місяців тому
After a punishing first day on the Tour of Mont Blanc. A day with 53 miles and 15,000ft of climbing. It’s time to once again place my tortured feet back into their shoes and push on. Day 2 on the Tour of Mont Blanc starts off in Courmayeur and a wake up call to the legs. A climb straight out of town then along the bench to the Grand Col Ferret. After that a drop into La Fouly for a banana and a...
The Tour of Mont Blanc // The First Fifty
Переглядів 53 тис.7 місяців тому
I love a trail that loops. Even better if it loops around the iconic Mont Blanc. The Tour of Mont Blanc or TMB is one of the most popular treks in Europe. Which is fitting since it circumnavigates one of the most popular mountains in Europe as well. The TMB is 107 miles in length with approximately 33,000ft of climbing. It's an amazing network of well maintained paths and some pavement. It prov...
Alta Via 2 // The Last 50 Miles
Переглядів 54 тис.8 місяців тому
Alta Via 2 Part Two. A pork Knuckle is a large chunk of meat sold at most restaurants along the Alta Via. This will be important to know later on. Our adventure in the Dolomites continues. Having covered approximately 50 miles of the Alta Via 2 we set out to finish the rest of the route. Day 3 begins in San Pellegrino with our first stop planned for Rifugio Giuseppe Volpi di Misurata Where some...
The Dolomites // Alta Via 2
Переглядів 93 тис.9 місяців тому
This is part one of our Dolomite Adventure. The Dolomites are a collection of craggy limestone mountains in Northern Italy. Within its boundaries there are 10 Alta Via’s or high ways. While the Alta Via 1 is the most popular we’ve chosen to do the more rugged and demanding Alta Via 2. The Alta Via 2 is around 100 miles in length and contrary to what I read online it is closer to 40,000ft of ele...
Rock Mountain National Park // Blitzen Ridge
Переглядів 54 тис.10 місяців тому
Rocky Mountain National Park has lots of high mountain climbing options. This one was recommended by a stranger last year. Blitzen Ridge is an amazing ridge scramble with exposure, good rock, and thousands of uphill steps. According to onliners the crux of the ridge is the Four Aces, four piles of stone that you must scramble over before reaching the ridge proper. Once defeating the Four Aces t...
Mount Kilimanjaro // The Roof of Africa
Переглядів 115 тис.11 місяців тому
Join Mediocre Amateur on an unforgettable journey as Danny takes on the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro by way of the iconic Marangu Route! This video showcases the thrilling and awe-inspiring experience of climbing Africa's highest peak, offering you a glimpse of the challenges and triumphs that await trekkers who have the time, and the hoards of gold necessary to reach for the skies. 🏔️ The Marangu ...
Mount Meru // Hiking with Giraffes
Переглядів 48 тис.11 місяців тому
Across the valley from Mount Kilimanjaro there is another, smaller mountain, called Mount Meru. Online reviewers, AKA the most reliable people in the world, were claiming that Meru was more challenging, beautiful, and biologically diverse than Kilimanjaro. It was also reported by onliners that Meru was a good warm up if you were considering climbing to the roof of Africa. I figured that if I wa...
Mount Whitney // Skiing the Mountaineer’s Route
Переглядів 71 тис.Рік тому
The first time I climbed Mount Whitney I saw some people dragging their skis up the Couloir towards the summit. I made a mental note to come back with skis. It took a couple years but I’ve returned to Inyo National Forest just outside Lone Pine, California. I’ve got Skis and there’s no shortage of snow. Just 5 miles and 6,200ft of uphill stands between me and a sunny, windless Mount Whitney sum...
Boxcar Couloir // Skiing Another Colorado 14er
Переглядів 48 тис.Рік тому
Colorado provides a buffet of mountain delights. The Centennial State is home to an abundance of ski lines and 14,000ft peaks and it can be hard to single out any one ski line. So I just typed “best backcountry ski lines in Colorado” in my browser and Boxcar came up on a list. I looked at less than 10 pictures, checked the weather and headed to Colorado. Little did I know that Mount Wilson, nam...
Chimborazo // The Closest Skier to the Sun
Переглядів 76 тис.Рік тому
Chimborazo // The Closest Skier to the Sun
The Matterhorn // The Most Recognizable Mountain in the World
Переглядів 1,3 млнРік тому
The Matterhorn // The Most Recognizable Mountain in the World
The Eiger // On the Edge of the Murderwall
Переглядів 397 тис.Рік тому
The Eiger // On the Edge of the Murderwall
Cathedral Traverse // The Most Difficult Traverse So Far
Переглядів 170 тис.Рік тому
Cathedral Traverse // The Most Difficult Traverse So Far
Harrower Peak // That Moment When You Think You’re About to Die
Переглядів 86 тис.Рік тому
Harrower Peak // That Moment When You Think You’re About to Die
Wind River Range // The Temples Traverse
Переглядів 51 тис.Рік тому
Wind River Range // The Temples Traverse
Cloud Peak // A Top Ten Trail in Wyoming
Переглядів 63 тис.Рік тому
Cloud Peak // A Top Ten Trail in Wyoming
Rainier Return // Skiing Emmons Glacier
Переглядів 84 тис.Рік тому
Rainier Return // Skiing Emmons Glacier
Mount Moran // Skiing Skillet Glacier Sick and Solo
Переглядів 54 тис.2 роки тому
Mount Moran // Skiing Skillet Glacier Sick and Solo
Kings Peak // Skiing Utah’s Highest Point
Переглядів 62 тис.2 роки тому
Kings Peak // Skiing Utah’s Highest Point
Canadian Rockies // The Wapta Traverse
Переглядів 142 тис.2 роки тому
Canadian Rockies // The Wapta Traverse
Great job as always Danny. I'm an avid hiker, but because of your great videos, I get to be more through your efforts. I must admit I've said a quick prayer for you from time to time. Pray you will always be protected and safe.
Awesome
thanks guys.
Some sketchy turns to start there, well done sir.
"not steep" you guys are great
Welcome to Oregon. 2:59 that's Diamond Lake.
How would you rate the summit? Some say class 3 and some say class 4. TIA
Danny - when are you going to tackle Shasta? Or did i miss that episode?
Great climb. Congratulations. Quite a lot more ropes than when I went up 10 years ago.
Don't be afraid to look like a skittle Ben!
I was thinking the same thing 🤣
Epic adventure! Beautiful mountain/area!
Hey Ben is who I'm trying to be! Lol I'm at my fifth season but probably have about 1/3 of his days. I appreciate the inspiration! That scramble looked more like a 5.4 solo. I would've bailed too!
Another great MA outing. Well done boys!
Best channel on all of UA-cam!!!
It’s illegal to fly or launch a drone from a wilderness.
Nice to see you out in my area!
that drop😰 Im with Ben haha.
So glad your channel popped up!! You two made a great video of your very brave and fun adventure. I am a 68 year old grandmother and I hope my grandchildren will get out and take nature in especially summit some of our beautiful Cascade Mountains. The Umpqua National Forest is beautiful. I do not ski but in Summer it is lovely to take the Bachelor chairlift to the top. On a clear day you can see Shasta. We are 28 miles from Bachelor in Bend. Be well and thank you for showing me Mt. Thielsen or Big Cowhorn to our friends in Southern Oregon.
Heh.. nice! welcome to my old hood, used to climb Mt T in the summers many times, mostly while in high school. Across from Diamond Lake is Mt Bailey and used to ski cat that many times as well. Last time I tired to summit Theilsen, I too stopped before that final spire/pitch-risk budgets change. There’s a big slab over on Crater Lake rim, N side called Llao Rock that always has looked interesting, but for most, Garfield Peak is the main objective. Once talked w a NP park employee who rode a slide off Garfield, kinda splayed his hip bones open-painful.
Nice to see such chill and casual treatment of someone knowing when something is more than someone is up to doing. It's a common topic of discussion with my mountaineering students, and I wish everyone were so cool with knowing when to say "when".
Keep your damn helicopters, drones and spandex pants out of this area please! At least wear a helmet so you don’t end up a liability for our local search and rescue.
Great to see a trip into my old stomping grounds. Thank you for a great video Danny! And we know your wife cares.
Anyone knows the intro music? 🙂🙂🙂
Incredible footage very well done, keep up the good work!! ❤
“It’s 4:20…somewhere” I love this channel 😂
Sunday joy! Thanks Danny!
From Scotland, sat near Crator Lake at Fort Klamath watching this! Gotta love Oregon!!
When did you guys go up?
Nice to see you posting!
As someone that has climbed this beast, that summit block is not for the faint of heart. Respect to Ben for knowing when to call it
Ditto on the respect! That's one of the great things about Mediocre Amateur that I so enjoy - - they use commonsense and respect the risk/reward ratio of each other. Well done Ben and Danny!!!
Fantastic little jaunt gentlemen! Ben! Great job. You handled the entire day like a pro!
Pretty sure this is the only peak you can see Crater lake from. When you are away from the edge of the park.
Good call Ben. It's even worse on the way down.
Awesome vid again guys! LOL My name is also Ben and I stopped just short of the summit my first time up because the exposure is no joke. Went back a few years later and had my glorious victory, which I'm sure you'll do to brother. There is a ledge at the base of the summit block notoriously named "Chicken Ledge". It haunted my dreams for years lol Also the summit is the only place in the world you can see the waters of Crater Lake from other than the shore. Have a great day Ya'll!
Terrifying as always. Still getting over your descent of North Maroon 😮😮😮
Damn. That’s a hike up if I’ve ever seen 1! Props
Y E S T E R D A Y
A Bailey (across the lake) and a Thielsen combo is the way to go. The bowl on Bailey is one of the bigger bowls you can do, but with some caution cause of the avys. Loved the vid from my Winter backyard🤙🤙🤙
I was just at crescent lake enjoying the view of diamond peak. Glad you are in our area getting after it!! Cheers from Bend, OR
Danny please try some of the enchantment peaks in pnw. I am sure you gonna like the scenery.
Great quality, as always! Keep it up!
You didn't mention it - but the summit of Mt Thielsen is the only place you can see the water of Crater lake outside the rim!
“A man’s got to know his limitations.” Dirty Harry
Such an exciting video with great angles and awesome landscapes. Thank you for this amazing video 🙏
Nice to “meet” you Ben, I hope we’ll see you again. Great video Danny!
Ben skied almost every day of the season for 5 years in a row? I’d liked to know more about his ski lessons.
Mostly backcountry skiing after work, its very convenient when you live south of Salt Lake City, trailheads are only 10-30 minutes from home. Grateful to have the opportunity to work in Utah!
Mediocre is in my state!? this is the closest to outdoor celebrities I know
Congrats gentlemen, nice tour, nice video. Danny, are those new Ski Trab's? 🤫 😁
fuckin epic!
I am always here for the inspiration and hope! Y'all are the most inspiring mountaineers I know. Thank you so much for bringing us along on your adventures! 👁️🙏👁️