Tucker Tech

Opinionated, intelligent, out-spoken and grubby, Tech truly lives the life of the world climber. His prolific climbing career and beer consumption are nothing short of legendary. His stinky feet, he wears no shoes other than climbing shoes, have disgusted generations of climbers, and his ability to endure uncomfortable and difficult situations is well known. He’s been on the cover of “Climbing Magazine” more than once, and his new route activities at Joshua Tree is unfathomable for most. He can do over 100 new routes in a year and has done over 600 different climbs in a season. Many of his first ascents have, what some would call inappropriate names, but in Tucker’s world things aren’t’ quite the same.

A strong climber, he rarely falls or fails on a climb, and his trademark tie in is a swami belt with no leg loops (good thing he doesn’t fall much)!

Tucker climbs every day, and his days off are only when he can’t find a climbing partner. He will go to Queen Mountain day after day if someone will go up there with him.

Have you seen Tucker's garden? When people think of a garden, they think of a few rows of vegetables, a small rabbit fence... maybe a ratty scarecrow.  When people see Tucker's garden, they are always quite surprized (more like blown away).  Calling Tucker's "garden" a garden is like calling the pyramids of Giza "a pile of rocks.'  It's like calling Woodstock,"having a few people over to play music."  It's awesome, massive, over-kill and the 9th wonder of the civilized world.  Upon first glance, the maze of huge rock walls, retaining walls , rock terraces and stone steps rival Machu Pichu.  You  would think that an army of workers took 10 years to build these stone structures, some up to ten feet high and double sided.  But no. It's all been the work of one hyper-motavated, powered by hops and barley man; Tucker Tech.  He did have some help, from a shovel, 2 well-worn wheel barrels, and one industrial strength dolly for the big rocks.  And, what's even more amazing, this is only his 2nd year of work, which is almost unbelievable, considering what has been created so far.  Needless to say, all this physical labor has made him wickedly strong (although he would tell you his strength is from all the beer), but it can't be all that good on the back. Let's just say he don't need to join 24-hour fitness gym or put in the Jane Fonda full-impact video tapes. It' hasn't hurt his climbing either, and he rarely falters even on the most dificult of climbs. Much of the digging has been through decomposed granite bedrock with a pick axe, chipping away on his own personal Mount Rushmore, chip,chip, tiny chip at a time. 
    

 The rock walls are all built as wind breaks and sun/warm catchers to create a microclimate of protection to grow cacti.  There are probably 200-300 different species or types of cacti in and among the rock walls.  Surprisingly enough, there are only about 15 types of cacti native to this area of the Mojave desert, and most of Tucker's cacti are originally from Mexico, or South America.  Cacti are very slow growing in nature.  Between droughts, harsh freezes, and blistering hot temperatures, it's a miracle that cacti survive at all.  Tucker's cacti are pampered, maticulously cared for , and some of the more delicate ones are each individually covered carefully by hand on bitterly cold nights.  Come springtime, the cacti-flower blooms are beautiful enough to make you cry; a rainbow splash/flash of brilliant,  wild bright colors that could never be duplicated by anything man-made.   On most days, unless out climbing, Tucker is out in the garden, 5:30 A.M. to dark, moving big rocks, building rock walls, and caring for his "babies".  As you could imagine , all that physical work can make a man thirsty, but nothing that a couple of 12-packs of ale each day can't fix.
    

Often people driving by can't resist, have to stop and ask about this amazing "secret garden."  Tucker has only just started on this project; I'd say it's about 1/5 finished. Presently he's also working on a mini-greenhouse; you know, for the extra-sensitive cacti that need alittle more protection from the elements. He works in his garden like he climbs and drinks beer; full bore petal-to-the-metal .  Nothing in moderation, everything excessive/compulsive.  I visit his garden usually everyday as it is probably one of my favorite hang spots. Now you know what to get Tucker for Xmas and his birthday. (And you thought all he did was drink and climb...)
 

Here are some images of Tucker's magnificent garden:  (photos by Eva).

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