Nathan Pierce

Welcomed in the new year out in the desert, surrounded by warm views & beautiful people.
I wasn’t feeling very confident in my ankle, & didn’t have my climbing plans sorted the way I’d have liked, so I ended up not pursuing a few projects I had lined up.
But no worries, I got to fill my lungs with the dusty air, count shooting stars, & forget about the world for a while.
The season is young.. psyched for more.

This past week I went to Chattanooga to climb for the first time. I’d been hearing about it from other climbers for several years now, but tbh that’s just not a part of the country you’d typically find me in, so it was nice that gave me an excuse to go.
I left on Monday night with my heart full, having met so many amazing (mostly)Black people that are creating beautiful art, working toward their goals, & improving their communities.
Made new friends, met lots of internet friends for the first time, & It was very life giving to be outside enjoying nature with so many people who looked like me, listen to the same music as me, got all my Martin & Denzel references, etc. lol.
Ever since I started climbing, while it never mattered to me much, I felt like, & have often been regarded as some sort of unicorn — being a Black climber. That comes from both the outdoor community & my city folk. But last week was the first time where I didn’t feel like a bit of an anomaly, & that was pretty dope.
I got back on the sharp end of a rope for the first time since my surgery 👌🏾, taught SEVERAL Black folk how to play Spades (cuz I’m generous 🙄), & found a new love for southern sandstone. Grateful for the journey 🙏🏾

& yeeaaahh I know you peep the merch 😌 we got something new coming for you real soon 💪🏾