About the Author:
Hey
ya'll, I moved to Boone, North Carolina, in 1980 to go to school at Appalachian State University.
I had heard there was good climbing nearby, and since I had just discovered my life's passion, I decided
I should check it out. I (finally) graduated in 1986 with a degree in Industrial Technology and went to
work for Woody Keen at Misty Mountain Threadworks. He was just starting up, and I wanted a cool job that
would allow me to stay in the area and climb more. We were finding new crags all of the time, developing routes
and starting to get into bouldering as a serious activity. I traveled around to other areas a good bit climbing
but I always enjoyed coming back to the High Country. There is something special about this place that has
captivated me for such a long time. I am now part owner of Misty Mountain Threadworks, I have a wonderful
family, some great friends and one of the most beautiful climbing areas I know of to call home. We are still
finding new crags, still digging up forgotten classics from the past, and it is still just as much fun as ever.
Cheers!
-Mike
Here is a video that my friend Matt de Camara made of me putting the send (just barely) on Line Of Fire at Middle Hawksbill, over in Linville Gorge. Check it out here: