The Spaces Between: Ryan Johnson

Sometime in the days after March 5, 2018 Ryan and his partner, the brilliant Marc Andre Leclerc, lost their lives after completing the stunning first ascent of the north face of the Main Tower in The Mendenhall’s, just outside of Juneau, Alaska.

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The route, which was a dream line of Ryan’s, epitomized what he looked for in alpinism: Elements of the unknown, physical and mental challenges, as well as an aesthetic, direct and pure line. One can only imagine what it must have felt like for Ryan to be on that summit after what had surely been one of his best experiences in the mountains.

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Although I had never met Ryan in person, we’d corresponded in the months before his passing, and had planned on sitting down for an interview this April. So in a way of honoring Ryan, I decided to talk with some of his best friends and partners, to hear about their memories, experiences, and the ups and downs they shared in and out of the mountains.

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Links:

https://www.gofundme.com/ryanandmilo

https://www.thefirnline.com

https://www.patreon.com/thefirnline

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Sponsors:

https://www.alaskarockgym.com

https://www.moosestooth.net

https://www.hoardingmarmot.com