Magic line close to me I have always been fascinated by the idea of a magic line. Something invisible yet powerful, something that connects us to the unknown and the infinite. And just recently, I discovered a magic line that is close to me. This magic line is not a physical line that can be seen or touched. It is a line that exists in the realm of emotions and connections. It is a line that connects us to the people we love, the places we cherish, and the memories we hold dear.
The photos of both Ron Kauk and his son Lonnie (the only two climbers to have climbed this line) are memorable. In both photos they adorn this line with their own charm: Ron with a stylish 70’s bandana and Lonnie with long black braids. Both images oose ‘cool’. But really it isn’t the braids or bandanas that make the photos; it’s the line itself. The graceful sweeping crack cuts through the granite first left then back right like the gentle line a snake leaves in the sand. As many beautiful things are, the line through the rock is delicate and striking all at once. This is no limestone lump, this line has class.
You d always see them dragging their heels on the way to the crag, skin sallow from dieting and an intolerance for conversing about anything other than the proj. Much to our relief he wasn t bothered at all about the foothold, he didn t really use it anyway and that was the last of the footholds that had been reinforced with glue.
It is a line that connects us to the people we love, the places we cherish, and the memories we hold dear. This magic line is close to me because it is a part of who I am. It is woven into the fabric of my being, and it guides me through life.
Magic Line - 8c+ Trad by Hazel Findlay
Hazel Findlay has repeated Ron Kauk's highly aesthetic Magic Line 8c+ (5.14c) 35m line at Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park. After one month of sessions working the line, Hazel ticked her project on her last day before leaving the Valley. Hazel's ascent is only the second redpoint ascent after Ron's son Lonnie Kauk made the first ascent placing gear on lead in November 2018. Ron's 1996 ascent was made using pre-placed gear, also known as a pinkpoint ascent.
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Originally graded 5.14b, Lonnie upgraded the line to 5.14c last year, which translates to 8c+ sport climbing on gear, or around E10 in British trad grading. Hazel worked the moves last November following Lonnie's first redpoint ascent, and planned a return after a year of dedicated training to attempt the line with Maddy Cope. Despite a finger injury and breaking footholds - of which there are few - Hazel managed to time her ascent to perfection. On Instagram, she wrote:
'Today I climbed Magic Line fourth try of the day, on the last day of the trip with the pressure on and an emotional roller coaster of (more) breaking foot holds, a sore finger, numb feet and wind-blown water from Vernal Falls. But I worked hard for this one. I knew as soon as I tried it very briefly in November 2018 that if I was ever going to climb one very hard (for me) single pitch this would be it. Just because it was so beautiful to look at, so fun to move upwards on and in such a magical place. So I trained properly with the help of @davidmason85 all summer and I committed myself to these 35 metres for the whole valley season. It was stressful getting heartbreakingly close twice but in reality doing it on the last day of the trip meant that this route was the perfect challenge for me, testing me right to the end. To give you an idea of how hard this route was for me - the lower boulder crux is the hardest boulder problem I've ever done. Of course it's nice to bask in send-glory but really the process is where I'll take the value from and there's no chance this route hasn't made me a better climber/person. Thanks to the Kauks for inspiring me especially Lonnie.'
In 2012, Hazel interviewed Lonnie about his father's iconic climbs, Magic Line and his ancestral ties to Yosemite as a descendent of the native Ahwahneechee tribe for a UKC article.
This year, Hazel has worked her way through some of the USA's hardest single-pitch - or extended pitch - crack lines, ticking the 70m splitter crack Concepcion 5.13 in Moab, Utah (UKC news) in May. Magic Line is Hazel's hardest route to date, adding to her list of two E9s (Once Upon a Time in the South West and Chicama) and two 8cs (Fish Eye and Mind Control), alongside four free ascents of El Capitan (the Pre-Muir Wall, Golden Gate, Freerider and the Salathé Wall).
In 2012, Hazel interviewed Lonnie about his father's iconic climbs, Magic Line and his ancestral ties to Yosemite as a descendent of the native Ahwahneechee tribe for a UKC article.
It is a line that connects me to my family, my friends, and the people I meet along the way. It is also a line that connects me to my dreams and aspirations. It gives me the strength and courage to pursue my passions and overcome the obstacles that come my way. It is a line that empowers me to reach for the stars and never settle for less. But this magic line is not just about connections and dreams. It is also about vulnerability and authenticity. It is a line that allows me to be open and honest with myself and others. It is a line that encourages me to be true to myself and express my thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or rejection. This magic line is close to me because it is a constant reminder of the beauty and wonder that exists in the world. It is a line that reminds me to appreciate the little things in life and find joy in the simplest of moments. It is a line that inspires me to explore and discover new things, to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the unknown. In a world that can often feel disconnected and divided, this magic line is a beacon of hope and unity. It reminds me that we are all connected, that we are all part of something greater than ourselves. It reminds me that kindness and compassion can transcend all boundaries and bring us closer together. So, as I continue to journey through life, I will hold onto this magic line close to me. I will cherish it and nurture it, for it is a source of strength and inspiration. It is a line that reminds me of my purpose and empowers me to make a difference in the world. This magic line is a gift, and I am grateful to have it close to me..
Reviews for "Rediscovering the Magic Line: How I Fell in Love with My Hometown All Over Again"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Magic line close to me. The tricks were all very basic and lacked any creativity or originality. It felt like a cheap imitation of better magic shows I have seen. The performers also seemed quite amateurish and awkward in their delivery. Overall, I would not recommend wasting your time or money on this show.
2. Sam - 1 star - This was by far the worst magic show I have ever seen. The tricks were so obvious and poorly executed that it was painful to watch. The performers also had zero stage presence and no charisma whatsoever. It felt like they were just going through the motions without any real passion or enthusiasm for their craft. Save your money and find a better magical experience elsewhere.
3. Mark - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the Magic line close to me, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The tricks were too predictable, and there was no element of surprise or awe. The stage setup was also quite dull, with minimal props and lackluster lighting. Overall, it lacked the wow factor that I was hoping for in a magic show. I would not recommend this to anyone looking for a truly magical experience.
4. Emily - 2 stars - I attended the Magic line close to me with a group of friends, and we were all left disappointed. The tricks were not impressive, and it felt like we were just watching simple card tricks and basic illusions that we could have easily figured out ourselves. The performers also lacked any sort of connection with the audience, which made the whole show feel disconnected and boring. I would not recommend wasting your time or money on this mediocre magic show.
5. Mike - 1 star - The Magic line close to me was a complete waste of time and money. The tricks were incredibly basic and lacked any element of surprise or wonder. It felt like these were tricks that you could find in a beginner's magic kit. The performers also lacked any sort of stage presence, and it felt like they were just going through the motions. Save your money and find a more professional and engaging magic show to attend.