The Only Blasphemy

"The Only Blasphemy" is an essay from mountaineer legend John Long chronicling his solo ascent at Joshua Tree National Park's Half Dome with climber extraordinaire and childhood friend John Bachar.

John Long (born July 21, 1953) is an American rock climber and author. A skilled free climber, Long popularized "free soloing" (climbing with no rope) during his high school days out at Joshua Tree National Park, first introducing John Bachar to the practice in 1974 with their now fêted ascent of Double Cross, at Joshua Tree. Long's many climbing feats include the first one-day ascent of the most sought after rock climb in North America, the 3,000 foot Nose route on El Capitan, on Memorial Day, 1975, with Jim Bridwell and Billy Westbay. The following year, partnered with Dale Bard, Long made the second one-day ascent of El Cap via the West Face, in the remarkable time of five hours. He followed this with blitz ascents of Leaning Tower, Washington Column, Half Dome and Ribbon Falls, precipitating the modern speed climbing movement so popular today, both in Yosemite Valley and beyond.

Gary Telles has been narrating audiobooks for the past ten years. A veteran stage actor, he has performed classical, contemporary and original theatre across the country, in addition to appearing on television, radio and CD-ROM.