I just need to brag a bit here.... On the Saturday before last I got down from spending 12 days on the wall and two days carrying all my gear down from the top. I'm now the oldest guy to solo an El Cap route.
This photo was taken of my by Tom Evans with an 800mm lens from the ground. This was at the start of my 6th day.
Congrats from another 55 yr old duffer...ha...I'll top grocery shopping...I got a thumb-cramp from that pesky TV remote control! Wouldn't dare grocery shop in all that rain!
Mark, awesome feat...will look for TR on supertopo. Did you take photos and journal some solo thoughts?
Posted by Sean Bagshaw on June 22, 2010 at 3:54 PM
Congrats and respect Mark. When I was in my 20's I attempted a route on El Cap with a buddy. We got up the first pitch and then discovered that our bags were too large and heavy to haul. We were too chicken to lighten the load so we came down with our tales between our legs and went off to climb some shorter, less committing routes. The fact that you are still getting after it is super inspirational.
wow, that's a lot of time on the rock. I'm guessing you weren't the oldest climber when you started the route. Congrats - that is one epic achievement.
My feeling is "I'm not dead yet" and climbing El Cap has always been my dream and passion. I have two routes planned for this fall, one or two in the spring and another solo in the fall of 11.
I will be writing up a Trip Report and posting it on SuperTopo. I'll post a link here when it's done.
In August, I'm going to have a slide show at the Good River restaurant in Mosier. It'll be outside and will probably start late due to the lack of darkness at that time of year. I'll post an invite when I figure out the dates.
hmmm... it doesn't seem like I can post another photo into this thread. Oh well, go to that link if you want to see the photo or come to the slide show in August!
Hey Mark! A HUGE congrats for ya man! That is really a feat to be proud of! I cant wait to hear more about it. Lets try to get together before then tho...
Posted by Zack Schnepf on June 24, 2010 at 10:53 PM
Mark, you da man! That is so freakin cool. Huge congrats!
Discussion
18 repliesThis photo was taken of my by Tom Evans with an 800mm lens from the ground. This was at the start of my 6th day.
that and enjoying the view.
Big deal... I was at trillium Lake last week... top that!
JG
PS---good going my friend! you make us old men proud!
JG
You're an animal....CONGRATS, Mark. I'll down a few shots in your honor tonite...18 yr Macallan sounds about right.
Mark, awesome feat...will look for TR on supertopo. Did you take photos and journal some solo thoughts?
Kevin
My feeling is "I'm not dead yet" and climbing El Cap has always been my dream and passion. I have two routes planned for this fall, one or two in the spring and another solo in the fall of 11.
I will be writing up a Trip Report and posting it on SuperTopo. I'll post a link here when it's done.
In August, I'm going to have a slide show at the Good River restaurant in Mosier. It'll be outside and will probably start late due to the lack of darkness at that time of year. I'll post an invite when I figure out the dates.
Thanks again,
[img]http://w3.gorge.net/mhudon/web_photos/me-and-the-meadow.jpg[/img]
hmmm... it doesn't seem like I can post another photo into this thread. Oh well, go to that link if you want to see the photo or come to the slide show in August!
Cheers!
Everyone needs to check out Mark's other post that has a link to some videos he recorded during the climb!! Epic stuff Mark!!