We want to highlight the people that make up our growing community at The Crag, so we’ve introduced a feature on the blog called Around The Crag. Every month we’ll highlight one of our members, giving you a chance to get to know them a little better. This month we feature Tate deLottinville. Tate is a great guy with a true heart for climbing.
1. Where are you from?
I’m originally from Bentonville, AR and went to college in Arkansas. I’ve lived in Franklin for 7 years now. Once upon a time, I lived in Boston and have a few stories from that experience too.
2. How long have you been climbing?
December 17th, 2011 was the first day I climbed. My wife was cleared to exercise again after the birth of our first boy in August of 2011 and we had a gift certificate that we had been waiting to use. Alyssa gave us our belay lesson and her positive and outgoing attitude made the experience very fun for us. I was completely obsessed from the first time I got my hands on the wall.
3. What do you love most about rock climbing?
Climbing is a puzzle, and it keeps me perpetually fascinated. I love when I get so involved in the problem solving aspect that I forget that I’ve been climbing for a couple hours.
4. Other than climbing, what are your hobbies and interests?
I have a wonderful wife and two amazing boys that keep me busy outside of work and climbing, but I also make time for my 5 dogs, playing bass, photography, cycling, and occasionally off-roading in the FJ.
5. Do you have a spirit animal? If so, what is it and why?
The Owl. I’m intrigued by owls. They are the perfect predator in many ways. They’re fast, silent, and patient. Patience is not a virtue that many predators exhibit, but if you watch owls they show a remarkable ability to find the right moment to strike.
6. Sir Edmund HIllary or Tanzig Norgay? Please defend.
Why choose? Both of their contributions to mountaineering are important. Hillary surged into the public eye more than Norgay, but Norgay’s work on developing mountaineering shouldn’t go unrecognized either. For that matter, the Sherpa community gets very little recognition or respect while their work is the primary reason that modern expeditions to Everest don’t have a significantly higher failure rate.
7. What is the name of your autobiography?
The Man Behind the Moustache.
8. Do you prefer the smell of fresh cut grass or burning leaves? Please explain.
Burning Leaves. I hate mowing the yard, I’m constantly running away from bees because of the whole deadly allergy thing and I look like a maniac to people walking by. Leaves mean fall, and fall is my favorite season. It’s nice outside and I get more active during this time of the year.
9. Are you on instagram, twitter, etc.? If so, how can people find you?
I’m @tatedelo on Twitter. I don’t have an Instagram account due to a severe distrust of their privacy policy.