George Armstrong

George hails from North England, and visited Joshua Tree a decade or so ago.  After his first visit he returned each year, each time staying longer and longer. Finally, after spending nearly half of each year in the States, George moved to Joshua Tree and married Janet, an architect working locally. 

He is a large animal veterinarian by trade, but lately has been working as a contractor/builder designing and constructing straw bale houses.  His climbing resume is very impressive, with many climbs and experiences from around the planet. He's climbed extensively in Britain, Europe, North America, South America, Nepal , and three expeditions to Pakistan.

At Joshua Tree, George has been quite prolific, climbing many established routes as well as being a new route activist throughout the Park. Its difficult to find an area in the park where George hasn't done a new route.  Always seeking out new routes adventures and opportunities, George definitely has an eye for a new line most of his new routes are very good, well thought out, and usually well protected.

His wide circle of friends and various adventures across the globe is a testament to his influence and impact on the entire climbing community. Always positive, psyched and motivated, he is often times the mastermind or "Leader" of any given adventure, and even though some of his projects/schemes are very progressive and cutting edge, the bottom line is always to have a grand adventure and big fun.  He is a talented, far boy, strong and gifted as a climber. He takes well to the steep, gritty, often run out climbs at Joshua Tree. 

A story teller, philosopher, counselor, car mechanic, friend and ace climbing partner, George is a true hard - core Joshua Tree Local. Don't let his accent fool you, he's spent more time tromping through the Desert than Bill Keys. George is probably the most influential and active European to climb at Joshua Tree, but when you do stop being an Euro and just call a desert rat a desert rat?