About Me

Very cool picture of you climbing in what I’m assuming is Moab? I’m actually from Ohio trying to move to Utah to live the dream of climbing and snowboarding. Good stuff though, I like your blog.

Well done Steph. You’re a winner! Love the lifestyle.
And the sandstone. Cool, is sandstone. Take care.

Hi Steph! I just found your blog and it’s really awesome. I’m really enjoying reading it. It’s so refreshing to see others in the climbing community that are committed vegans! I’m going to get a copy of your book as I’m sure it’s bound to be a great read too. Keep up the good work.
-Brian

Hey Steph,

Just wanted to say that I’m a recent fan of your climbing and base jumping and wanted to pass on my enthusiasm for your lifestyle and passion to push the limits.

Keep up those extreme climbs for us.

Peace

Great site Steph!

I’m into climbing and outdoorsy stuff as well. Can’t wait to do base jumping some day…

Thanks for all the great info!

Hi Steph,

I just had the best time of my life! 6000 miles in 12 days. Kayaking Tahoe, climbing half dome cables, hicking in Mammoth, Death valley and then Moab. The best part is I got to do it all with my 19 year old Neice. Don’t fight fear just take it along for the ride. I think you have that down. Peace

If your happy do it, if your not do it harder.

Dear Steph!

Today I found your blog and it is “handsome”
Full of usefell information.
Please keep posting!
Hug, Silviy sLOVEnia

Hey Steph, I lurk alot and enjoy your posts. Great to see your still so inspired. I’ve been on the couch for a few years now, since my parents passed in ’02….. It’s been a rough stretch. I’ve finally come to the place where I’m ready to cut the past loose and move on.

Well, this is a close to talking with you as I can, so take care, and be safe.

Doug

High Infatuation rests on my knee at the moment, just finished the part about Tahir Tower. You’re incredible and reading this makes me so want to ditch out and live in the vertical world after I finish my undergrad in biochem. How do I do what you do? Seriously. Thanks for the inspiration. It’s a rainy day here in WA, but there’s a secret overhung cave I’m off to explore. I guess I’ll thrash and grovel up some .12s today.

Hope you’re doing well, and let me know if you want an apprentice down in Yosemite, or, you know, Patagonia…

Bri

Hye, Steph!
Waouuuh, i’m French and I love paragliding and recently, basejumping. So i see your videos, and I love.

Nicely girl: who leave in truck, climb, jump, smile, and do some pictures… you’ re welcome in France if you want?!?
Ideal Girl?, 3! 2! 1! Go!!! you must got plenty of faults?
Tell us about, for all the men who idealize you.

Kisses Guyom

Vegan skydivers! Whoooo!

I was starting to think I was the only one.

LIKE your home. Next time when ever in Pakistan, I will present you some thing for your home. Incidentally have you visited visited any on Reinhold Messner’s three museums. I re-presented him the RUPAL ICE AXE he gave me after he had climbed Nanga Parbat in 78. It is in one of his museums now. Haven’t been to Europe myself as yet.

Cheers

Nice site.

I like what you say here:

“However, I have a policy of extreme respect for the personal space of reptiles and insects. (Like, we should regard each other with friendly feelings, but no physical contact.)”

but what about things like mosquitos. I just don’t get the feeling of mutual respect from them. I try and tolerate them but living in alaska there comes a point when you loose it and start smashing them.

Anyway if you are ever in alaska again I have some cool projects back in the juneau icefield that you might like. Nice big granite faces with ice and splitter cracks (and some loose rock…..).

Blessings and respect

HELLO STEPH. I LIKE SO MUCH ALL YOUR ACTIVITIS LIFE, CLIMB, BASE JUMP, SKY SURF……! SO, SO EXTRAORDINARY. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU DEEP STRONG ENERGY. I AM ALWAYS CHECKING ALL YOU VIDEOS, PHOTOS AND SOME COMENTS…! YOU CAN CHECK IF YOU WANT MY FACE BOOK ( ALEJANDRO LORENZO ) AND YOU CAN SEE MY WORK ART ( URBAN ART ) AND I AM MAKEING ( ROCK CLIMBER ART ). I LOVE SPORTS, CLIMBING AND THE ART IN SOME ASPECT. CLIMB ITS AN ART. HOPE SOME YOU WILL MAKE SOME NEW STREME CLIMB & BASE JUMP & SHKY SURF GAINST TIME…!, THAT ANY ONE DONE BEFORE, I THINK IT WILL BE EXCELLENT FOR YOU, CROSS ONE MORE BIG STEP ARROUND YOUR SPORT ACTIVITIS…! BE FREE AND KEEP FLYING. BE IN TOUCH. BEST REGARDS. ALEJANDRO LORENZO.

thanks! yes, it’s Indian Creek

thanks Steven!

I have not visited any of them, I would love to

oh mosquitoes…..

why do you love wingsuiting

You’re amazing woman! Keep on living life!

I love it. I am a Vegan too, and trying to get out and spend more time our doors these days. I play hockey and scuba dive but I want to make climbing/hiking a more frequent hobby.

There are some of us, but considering less than 1% of the US are Vegans and so few Americans skydive you can imagine the odds… well there’s 3 anyway.

Hello Steph,all i can tell you ………..RESPECT!!!

Hello Steph,all i can tell you ………..RESPECT!!!

Quite an Amazing Awsome Individual. Seek to find, impress and inspire.
Wonderful All.

wow. stumbled upon your blog by chance, and I must say, you and I sound alot alike! I climb 5 days a week, I’m a vegan, I do yoga every day, and I love being out of doors (preferably in the mountains). Going through all your articles now, GOOD JOB!

just wanted to humbly say, you’re such an inspiration Steph.
keep doing what you do, you help us aspire to become better people everyday.
stay free spirited and stay safe.
peter.

BE FREEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thanks!

You are such an inspiration!!!

why caps?

How can you be so amazing?   Thank you for being so! It is just so good to read and to see how carefree and open you are!

Seen you in a french documentary dedicated to the american wide west… I really admire the way you and your husband are living.

Keep on dreaming and exploring, climbing and jumping, people like you bring some fresh air, many thanks for that.

Steph you are definitively an angel wherever you are, on the floor, on a montain or in the sky.

merci beaucoup fred!

Hi Steph:
I am 47 and climbing!
You are a true inspiration to all women from all walks of life.
Thank you for sharing your passion….

You are REALLY inspirational. I’m doing a school assignment on you.

thank you!

thank you! what is the assignment about?

Honestly, you’re a wonderful living…

Steph, I have watched many videos and read articles about your rock climbing, base jumping and sky diving many incredible feats. You are a truly fascinating inspiration for all women and men alike. Your soul partner is extremely lucky to share every moment with you. I wish you all the best forever and ever in all that you do. 

Steph, we think your hott!

Wow!!!!

Wow! What have I been doing with my life????? Steph, amazing photos. Amazing skills! Your an inspiration!!!

Excitement junky.

The only excitement I have had is from law enforcement.  They have tried to kill me but failed.

Hey there, good job. Am a Wisconsin native, living in the Munich Germany area, near the beautiful Alps. Am also vegan, and like to cook.
I guess the spirit is in the air so to speak.
I build wood and canvas canoes, in addition to my other duties. My wife and I would be glad to have you as a guest, should you ever make your way this way.

Thank you very much Tom!

That is good.

Thank you Gary!

Thanks!

Thank you!

You are truly a jewel in a sea of pebbles……

Great stuff and the pictures are awesome.. i showed the site to my son who also climbs. He is 16 and was like”wow” when i showed him your site. Good deal and keep it up. Love the refurbished double wide . Quick question have you ever climbed under a bright full moon sky?

how lovely, thank you

yes, and under a new moon sky, and i guess under all kinds of skies….

You look very content in your photos. God bless you.

Incredible. I recently started getting into climbing more… just wish I could be free like you!

Don’t fall.

Yea, you’re awesome.

So awesome to know that you started climbing in college. I’m starting now here at UCLA and I am obsessed with bouldering. Good to know if I keep at it, I can one day do some of the things you do. You’re really inspirational.

like many others, i was led here by the yahoo article. it is so joyful to see someone living an authentic life, following their passions and not compromising because of fear. you are an example for the rest of us and truly inspiring by illustrating that it can be done. i only hope that my current reconstruction of my own life will someday lead to a place similar to where you seem to be. i hope to surround myself with people like you so we can all inspire each other and grow into who we were meant to be. thank you for being you!

Just to tag onto Wendy’s comment here, Steph, may we all find our way to live authentically! I’m inspired by this, and I’m happy to see that your life is inspiring others.  How cool that the Yahoo! article led so many here. Keep on!

Steph,
You totally Rock!

thanks

i hope so too!!

yes! thanks

i won’t.

thank you

Thank you for the vegan recipes!  Just found out that you had some connections here in the Humboldt area.  If you find yourself here again hit us up at the climbing gym in Arcata!  Take care.
-Matt

thanks!

When I began climbing early this summer, my climber friend immediately loaned me his book “Traditional Lead Climbing” and told me to read the insert you’d written on dealing with pain and fear. I flash back to your words often, especially since I started leading recently. Remembering what you wrote has helped me through some difficult sections and mental blocks.

Climbing’s really changed my life for the better. I could go on and on about this, but suffice it to say I feel stronger both mentally and physically than I ever have before. It’s an addicting feeling, and I hope that I’m able to climb for the rest of my life.

Thanks for the inspiration. Your accomplishments amaze me and all of my climbing friends. And your recipes look awesome.

Wow! you are living life to the fullest! congrats…I love your home too, would never guess it’s a double wide!! Beautiful!

thank you !

that is great to hear, thank you for writing!

Luv the life you lead! You go girlfriend!

thanks!

hey steph! a very inspiring homepage from a very inspiring person! sending some good vibes overseas all the best from germany!

looks like that little guy has blue heeler in him..

Steph, You are such a brave person !
Anna

that’s right

thanks

Moab?! You live in Utah?! I’m from there, Salt Lake City! Just moved to FL a little over a year ago.  Your home is lovely!  You are beautiful, and so adventurous! You are living a more extreme version of the life I imagined myself living about ten years ago.  Looking forward to following your adventures via your blog!  

I used to do some free-climbing back in UT–and we currently live in a doublewide too (though our landlords have been the ones refurbishing it but we really love it) and I live an almost entirely vegan lifestyle too.  

Steph, Thank you for not only reminding me of my spirit – but inspiring me.  In the day-to-day we lose ourselves.  Sometimes I log onto your site – just to ground myself and remember what is real and important – being true to ourselves – even though, sometimes, we stray from our essence.  I’m sure you have ups and downs like everyone – but in your own simple way your life is not only an inspiration - but a place we can all go in times of stress and stray.
With love and light from Philadelphia!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Live free, Steph! Cheers.

thank you I appreciate your writing me!

thanks, it was a great one

you too, thanks!

Steph, you inspire me.  thanks so much! 

Thanks!

I have been afraid of heights my entire life, but its time to conquer my fear.  Your pictures and videos are an inspiration.  I live in Colorado, and will start looking for things to climb next summer.  Any suggestions on getting started?  Thanks for pushing the limits, and sharing your experiences!

Thanks John! I suggest going to a gym to learn the basics, and then in the summer you can go outside: a great place would be Eldorado Canyon or Lumpy Ridge in Estes Park (go with a more experienced friend, or hire a guide for a day, just to get a taste safely). You will also have a great time if you want to go up the Keyhole Route on Longs Peak…

i have utmost respect for you… just seeing this pics and videos brings tears of joy to my eyes..
 

You are so inspirational!!  I hope to someday have a lifestyle like you….so free

thanks !

thanks!

I first saw “High Infatuation” in a used book store, while looking for a Costa Rica travel book. I honestly thought it was going to be about doing drugs from the title. I might have even laughed a little about the idea of a book about doing drugs. Nonetheless, I picked it up and I’m so thankful that I did. 

When I bought your book I was just coming back from spending a semester in India and Nepal. I study architecture, but ever since I was an adolescent boy I’ve dreamed about joining the peace corps to help people, but my parents would always talk me out of it. When I went to Asia, it was part of a program that does community work and tries to break down the stereotypes that us American students build. We focused on working with people as equals. I had originally signed up for the trip on a whim because I was coming out of a bad relationship that left me in a depression and questioning who I was and what I believed in. I just knew that I needed to get off of campus and I didn’t care where I went. 

Going to Asia really changed me. There is not 10 minutes that go by that I don’t think about the impact it has had on my life. Now, I question everything! I have learned how to put myself into both sides of the spectrum. I brought my experience home with me and it completely changed the way that I live my life. I started back to school this fall for my senior year. I had full intentions of going to graduate school in the fall of 2012 to continue my studies in architecture, but my focus was one architecture and humanity. I started to design with people in mind. I entered a project that I had done into a design competition and I noticed that mine was one of the only projects (out of 80) that showed any sort of cultural awareness for the context. This really opened my eyes.

I thought back to your book. I read it over and over again. Your words made me again question myself. Why was I so adamant about being an architect? I had to ask myself if I was doing what I really enjoyed. I now HATED the individualistic society that was my studio. I hated the idea that everyone was missing the bigger picture. It occurred to me that people and life is more important than buildings and cool drawing and models. I couldn’t remember a time when I was happier than in India. I couldn’t remember a time when I felt more aware. I have never been so at touch with my mind. I could read a Pablo Neruda poem and understand it totally haha. 

Your story was fuel to my fire. Even though the contexts were completely different, I was so inspired by your words, your stories, your strength. This sounds strange, but your words always remind me of my time in Asia. They remind me of what it was like to be completely aware of everything around me, not just physically, but spiritually as well. Your book has done so much to inspire me to know my strengths, know myself. Through your words, I was able to find the strength to question my life goals. I stopped applying to graduate school. I found the strength to break what was in motion, and question if I was headed in the right direction or not.  Through all of my questioning, I have found one constant. I love to help people. I love to spread awareness about global issues. Now I’m applying to the peace corps and other volunteer opportunities. This is a long story just to say this, but it took me a long time to find the strength to tell myself this is what I really need to be doing with my life. 

Meanwhile my friends are getting married and comparing their starting salaries or which grad school they are applying to. I’m talking about how I aspire to go live in a developing country with no provisions. I honestly can’t think of any place I would rather be than using my capabilities to  help people. Your book reminds me everyday what it is like to break societal expectations and aspire to do what I love. If ever I have doubts, I find courage in your words. I have recommended your book to pretty much everyone I know. I have even taken up indoor rock climbing haha. I just wanted to say thank you. Thank your writing, thank you for sharing your journey to find who you are. It has certainly inspired me. I have to say that you are my personal hero. Thank you.

Steph,
I have been a fan for years.  When I started climbing I printed out an article you wrote about crack climbing, brought it into the gym, and proceeded to mow up and down every crack they had in there, hungering for more.  I have booked several trips to Indian Creek but work has always come up – I freelance and take it when I get it.

Well, I’ve seperated one shoulder and torn the rotator cuff in the other and rehabbing them has proven exceptionally slow.  Any tips I can possibly use so I can return to crack climbing before I’m eligible for Social Security?

xo
James
p.s. been skydiving but only as a means to base jump.  It’s kinda like climbing, I always need a good partner I can trust if I want to life to play another day.

sorry to hear about your shoulders! the only thing I know about shoulder rehab is that it’s not easy. i suggest going to a good surgeon and pt, and doing whatever they tell you….

ur an inspiration…if more ppl could live simple and enjoy life like u

thanks becky!

Suppose you heard about the American that took a dive into ICU from Table Mountain in South Africa? Base jumping definately not for the faint-hearted. Would you be interested to post some of your stories and adventures on our website’s forum - http://www.leeulekker.com? Our main focus is Adventure & Sport in South Africa and neighbouring states but obviously – everyone needs to stay, travel, eat, get equipment, repair etc, thus we cover a wide range of categories. Best for 2012.

I did hear about Jeb’s accident, and am really hoping he has a full and fast recovery