One Last Delicate Arch Post...

After weeks of him-hawing around, Patagoina has finally made up it's mind about the Delicate Arch ascent - they want Potter to apologize for the climb. Patagonia stated that they felt the climb was inappropriate and asked for an apology. Potter, in this post on The Piton, apologizes for the shortsightedness of his actions and the subsequent negative press. He defends himself against the Outside article which claims that Potter caused rope scars on the arch. He apologizes for the Park Service's decision to BAN climbing across-the-board on all named arches and BAN slacklining in the park. In his statement, Potter does not apologize for the climb itself, he apologizes for everything else BUT the climb. It's obvious he does not regret climbing Delicate Arch. He only regrets the aftermath.

Regardless of Potter's statement, interviews, or future publicity (hopefully this is the last we'll hear of this) I would give Potter the benefit of the doubt that he has learned his lesson. I think he'll think a little harder before he acts next time. In fact, I wouldn't doubt if in a year he is the posterchild for the Access Fund, much like Kurt Smith was after his episode with illegal bolting on El Cap. But that remains to be seen...