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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Original Post - Jan 31, 2018 - 01:34pm PT
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There will be a celebration of RR in Modesto, CA on March 12th. Those interested in attending, please send an email to rr.memorial(@)hailmail.net (we need to have a relatively accurate prediction of attendance for planning purposes)
You will then receive an email invite... (Heads up, for those with gmail, they seem to be ending up in a folder titled "Promotions"....)
Thank you!
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Jan 31, 2018 - 03:44pm PT
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Tamara, I got the e-mail invite. I’m still in Patagonia. I am damn sure going to try to make it...will know for sure in a week.
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ron gomez
Trad climber
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Jan 31, 2018 - 05:34pm PT
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To those traveling in from areas populated by climbers or others who may be attending the memorial, ie. Colorado, Southern California, Central Valley California. This would be a good place to see someone who needs a ride gets it and set up a carpool network. I've already had contact with a few people who are in my area or on the way to Modesto and we will try to pick up as many as our vehicles hold. Great time to catch up on friendships and stories.
Any ideas as to how to pull this off in an organized manner? Also suggested by Tamara in our conversation today. She is pulling off a monsterous task hosting this celebration. Thank you Tamara for allowing us to gather once again amoungst friends.
Peace
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zip
Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
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Jan 31, 2018 - 06:02pm PT
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This is where it began for me in 1971.
Much respect.
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Fritz
Social climber
Choss Creek, ID
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Jan 31, 2018 - 09:07pm PT
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Tamera! Thank you for sharing the email address. I will do my best to attend.
Fritz/Ray Brooks
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 1, 2018 - 11:49am PT
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"bumping...."
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Mighty Hiker
climber
Outside the Asylum
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The 'official' obituary is in the Modesto newspaper:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/modestobee/obituary.aspx?pid=184548848
Note that the family asks that donations in Royal's memory be made to:
Greater Yosemite Council of the Boy Scouts
Central West Ballet
Yosemite Climbing Association
Presumably all can be found via the internetz. That may be an option for those who can't make the memorial.
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 2, 2018 - 06:35pm PT
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Bumping again.... for the sake of people who want to coordinate travel or lodging....
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Evel
Trad climber
Nedsterdam CO
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Anyone driving from boulder?
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 3, 2018 - 09:21pm PT
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Happy Birthday bump....
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Fritz
Social climber
Choss Creek, ID
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Tamara? I received your invitation. Thank you! May I include my wife Heidi/Dorita on the RSVP? She visited with both your parents at various Outdoor Retailer Shows & would like to show her respects at the memorial, since she plans on making the trip to Modesto with me.
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 4, 2018 - 04:41pm PT
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Hey all, if anyone has contact info for Derryberry, Roger Brown, Jim Sweeney, Herb Swedlund, George Meyers, Bev Clark, or George Whitmore could you please send it to rr.memorial(@)hailmail.net or to me here through Supertopo?
Thank you!
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ron gomez
Trad climber
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Did the info I give you couple days back not correspond? Had Derryberry's # on there.
Peace
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wayne w
Trad climber
the nw
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The ST messaging system is suspect at best. If you are planning on contacting Tamara using the email address will ensure that it arrives.
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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bump this to the top
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 5, 2018 - 06:17pm PT
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Ron, not sure as the message machine doesn't ID who I'm calling - but I did leave a message. ty ;)
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 5, 2018 - 06:19pm PT
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Also, I think I have George Meyers, Roger Brown, and Bev Clark sorted in regards to my post above.
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 5, 2018 - 06:21pm PT
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Could someone more well versed in ST than I please link this to the RIP RR thread? We'd greatly appreciate it!
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Looks like the Gnomw was on it and made the link, style bump!
Late happy birthday!
Looks like I'll be landlocked in Moab then....good wishes to all!
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Tricouni
Mountain climber
Vancouver
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Tamara, if you still need George Whitmore contact info, please email me at:
tricouni at telus.net
Glenn
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Ksolem
Trad climber
Monrovia, California
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 7, 2018 - 11:58pm PT
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bumping.... also curious about Egon and Johanna Marte. It seems perhaps Egon passed away, but if anyone has intel on them please pm me?
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Feb 10, 2018 - 09:22am PT
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Royal Bump...
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GLee
Social climber
Montucky
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Feb 10, 2018 - 02:33pm PT
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Tamara,
rr.memorial(@)hailmail.net doesn't appear to be working for me on gmail.
Check what I sent to you on Facebook concerning an address for Herb Sedlund.
I also tried a PM on ST.
Sincerely,
GLee
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 10, 2018 - 03:02pm PT
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Those having trouble with that email, you have to remove the () from the @ sign, and then it should be fine.....
Also, Please let me know if anyone is coming from Montana, and could help Herb Swedlund get to Modesto from Twin Bridges.... Thank you! If the above email still isn't working, try sending any messages to royal(@)postpro.net
*again, you have to take the parentheses out. Grossman advised me to post that way to avoid algorithmic spammers trolling for emails.*
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Feb 10, 2018 - 03:28pm PT
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Using blah(at)blah(dot)com works even better.
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 10, 2018 - 03:34pm PT
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Lol Steve.... you have a response to everything.... ;)
(usually pretty damn good ones, btw)
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 19, 2018 - 05:17am PT
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Alrighty all.... Gonna soon need RSVP's from those who have opened invite but not decided yet. Also if anyone wants to add names, carpool from various regions etc, please use this thread to post that. Alternatively, you can send an email to royal_@_postpro.net (without the underscores....)
Cheers,
Tamara
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ron gomez
Trad climber
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Feb 19, 2018 - 06:27am PT
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I'm assuming I RSVP'd. I will be in town with Mouse, picking him up on the way, Leichtfuss and Yerian. Anyone else need a ride from down south? What can I do to help out Tamara, will be in Yosemite on Saturday, thinking that would be a good way to start for your Dad, then coming into Modesto Sunday afternoon.
Peace
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jstan
climber
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Feb 19, 2018 - 09:16am PT
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Snowing in JT. Had to run to get some firewood under cover.
Tamara:
Cathy relayed your phone call to me. Yes. Cathy and I are very interested in attending Royal's gathering. Count us in, if there is room. Just to be sure right away I will make a reservation.
Tom Michaels:
I agree my not having email is barbaric. That's just the way I am. I'll try and call tonight when you won't be bent over a patient.
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Feb 20, 2018 - 09:10pm PT
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If anyone is driving down to the memorial from Seattle or is passing through please let em know as one of Royal's partners is looking for a ride if possible.
Let me know if that's you.
Cheers
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 21, 2018 - 02:55am PT
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Ron, yes you are confirmed. John, I will RSVP for you two, my brain is currently logistically fried but I'll double check tomorrow. Feel free to call the number you have for me anytime.
Sunday potential helpers..... stay tuned! I am sure we'll need more than we anticipate, in some fashion or another.
Thank you all, and cheers to all who are attending, as well as those who will be missed. Pretty sure they'll be there in spirit, C4-style...
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 21, 2018 - 03:48pm PT
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There are some people trying to coordinate from the Montana/Wyoming/Idaho region also....
please coordinate here, or contact me at royal@postpro.net
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Feb 21, 2018 - 04:26pm PT
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Tamara, you have done an incredible job! I just want to let people know that when I booked a hotel room I accidentally mentioned I was there for the Royal Robbins event and they gave me a very nice discount.
See everyone there!
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 21, 2018 - 05:50pm PT
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Indeed, in the RSVP section you can find hotel info..... be sure to mention that you are with the Royal Robbins group.
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Tom Patterson
Trad climber
Seattle
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Feb 22, 2018 - 05:28am PT
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Royal Robbins (through his books) kept my brother and me alive when we first started climbing in the mid-70s. I know every page of those Rockcraft books backward and forward, read each of his autobiographical volumes voraciously.
I'm bummed I can't be there for this event, but was at least able to interact wtih him by email to express my longstanding gratitude.
A larger than life figure for me, and for so many.
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Feb 22, 2018 - 08:07pm PT
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Finest and most entertaining instructional manuals ever written, hands down and heads up!
Sheridan Anderson illustration
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PapaDrew
Trad climber
Idyllwild, CA
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Feb 24, 2018 - 01:48pm PT
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Tamara would like Frank Hoover to receive an invitation. I have his Facebook page URL, which so far has not worked to reach him about this.
If you know, please let Tamara or me (949.586-6666) know his street address or phone number.
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Feb 24, 2018 - 03:35pm PT
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Unless his circumstances have changed dramatically, I don't think Frank is able to travel but I would love to be wrong about that.
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 24, 2018 - 03:45pm PT
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Anyone traveling from near Driggs or SLC, can you please let me know? I'm hoping to help a former LAS'er get to Modesto, he currently lives in Driggs but has a daughter in SLC so either place works.... Everyone probably has my email by now, but in case, it is tamara(at)postpro.net
Thank you!
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ron gomez
Trad climber
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Feb 24, 2018 - 06:35pm PT
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I sure hope everyone can appreciate what a monsterous task Tamara is performing? We will ALL enjoy the efforts of her work, when we are there, go give her a hug of thanks, (if there is an organization or donation we can help with, let's do it).
Thank you Tamara for letting us all get together again and celebrate!
Peace
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 25, 2018 - 05:15pm PT
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Cheers, Ron, and thank you for all your help. Ditto to all the others I've been in contact with (somewhat incessantly at times)..... ;)
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Mighty Hiker
climber
Outside the Asylum
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Feb 28, 2018 - 05:07pm PT
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I'll be attending, arriving Saturday afternoon, leaving Tuesday morning, staying downtown Modestoville. Will have transport. Anyone interested in getting together Saturday afternoon/evening or Sunday, for socializing or exercise?
Edit: The memorial is at 2:00 PM on Monday March 12th. We go on Daylight Savings time on Sunday March 11th. Please adjust your reality accordingly.
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jstan
climber
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Feb 28, 2018 - 05:32pm PT
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Anders:
Petie and I are planning to arrive Sometime(?) Sunday afternoon. She has email and a phone. Maybe we can get together.
John
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ron gomez
Trad climber
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Feb 28, 2018 - 05:35pm PT
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I'm at the hotel closest to the venue, be there with Mouse, Leichtfuss ,Yerian and maybe Layton Bridwell. Look us up Sunday afternoon, be good to see everyone!
Peace
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H
Mountain climber
there and back again
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Feb 28, 2018 - 10:28pm PT
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Tamara I am pretty sure you know I am coming. Thought I would bump this thread and thank you for all your doing. As for numbers I'll be bringing a friend.
Also I have room for 3 more people leaving Monday morning from the North Bay. Looking forward to seeing everyone and celebrating Royals extraordinary life.
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TomCochrane
Trad climber
Cascade Mountains and Monterey Bay
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Bump
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TomCochrane
Trad climber
Cascade Mountains and Monterey Bay
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planning on being there
don't know many of you in person ... just a bunch of avatars
many of us who have climbed together haven't met in decades
not much on remembering names unless you make a serious connection
if you are brave enough to come out of hiding please introduce yourselves
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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I would really like to be there to honor, in my opinion, the most influential climber in American history and a climber who looms very large on the world stage.
I just returned from Patagonia after a three month stay and some issues that developed when I was gone need attention.
I’ll be there in spirit.
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TomCochrane
Trad climber
Cascade Mountains and Monterey Bay
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I am chagrined and humbled in attending a gathering like this or the Oakdale Festival in being surrounded by so many incredible life stories and only being able to sample a very small part of everyone's experiences. I'll see an unrecognized person walk by and can only guess at the stories they bring to the gathering. Even people known for decades have so much more to tell than I can even guess. We could be there for years trying to catch up on a fraction of it all.
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ron gomez
Trad climber
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To all who have not already RSVP'd and received an e invite the Memorial has reached full capacity.
An email to Tamara does not constitute a RSVP, due to the large number of attendees if you are not on the name badge list, unfortunately you can not be accommodated.
Tamara, Liz and Damon Robbins wish to extend the families graditude for all the interest.
Peace
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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Mar 12, 2018 - 10:27pm PT
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just got back home from the Royal Robbins Memorial, it was an amazing event with the entirety of the cohort of the History of North American climbing, with the emphasis of the California climbers.
Thanks to the Robbins family for inviting us all to share in recognizing the profound influence that Royal Robbins had on us. Many wonderful stories were told, and it was a great opportunity to see everyone again.
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Eric Beck
Sport climber
Bishop, California
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Mar 13, 2018 - 07:51am PT
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Thank you, Tamara, for all the work that went into a truly memorable event.
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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Mar 13, 2018 - 10:14am PT
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Amen to that, Eric!
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Modesto Mutant
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, CA
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Mar 13, 2018 - 11:26am PT
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What a moving tribute to a great man. And what a tremendous turnout. 600 invites and the room was at capacity. Thanks to all who helped coordinate this.
-Kevin Givens
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ron gomez
Trad climber
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Mar 13, 2018 - 02:41pm PT
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Peace
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rmuir
Social climber
From the Time Before the Rocks Cooled.
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Mar 13, 2018 - 03:41pm PT
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The venue at Greens on Tenth, Modesto:
Before:
During:
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Fritz
Social climber
Choss Creek, ID
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Mar 13, 2018 - 07:54pm PT
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My great thanks to the Robbins family & all who helped this event happen!
Per the worthy comments & photos upthread, It was a wonderful celebration of RR's life & his many achievements.
I am in awe of the legendary climbers who showed up to celebrate RR's life. It was truly, an "epic" gathering of his friends and peers.
After Heidi & I work our way back to Idaho through the storms, I'll share some photos.
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 13, 2018 - 09:15pm PT
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Anyone with photos to share, would love to see them here or through my email....
SOOO much gratitude. For the "Spirit of Adventure" of anyone following this thread. An extra salut to those who made it despite nearly impossible circumstances:
"Alice laughed. 'There's no use trying,' she said: 'one can't believe impossible things.' 'I daresay you haven't had much practice,' said the Queen. 'When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.'"
So, cheers to "impossible circumstances". Looking forward to continuing the conversations and relationships developed through Dad. (PS...I'll be largely off the grid, exhaling for a week or so...)
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Mar 14, 2018 - 07:22am PT
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Tamara,
Thank you for sharing your father's memorial with all of us.
It was a fitting tribute to Royal. Like him it was majisterial and dignified, but at the same time overflowing with the affection of his friends and the love of his family.
I don't have many photos as I was too busy seeking out old comrades and the climbing heroes of Royal's generation I'd never met.
Thanks again for an unforgettable day.
Rick Accomazzo
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Roushski
Mountain climber
Durango, CO
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Mar 14, 2018 - 03:12pm PT
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 14, 2018 - 05:20pm PT
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 14, 2018 - 05:47pm PT
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the two pics above are both from Janie Levy.... ;)
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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Mar 14, 2018 - 11:16pm PT
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Fritz
Social climber
Choss Creek, ID
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Mar 15, 2018 - 11:13am PT
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The Celebration souvenir program:
And on the other-side, Royal & Liz, back in the day.
Tamara: I left a Mountain Paraphernalia DVD for you with Keith R. Thank you again, for all your work in organising the Celebration Memorial.
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Mighty Hiker
climber
Outside the Asylum
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Mar 15, 2018 - 09:56pm PT
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It was an unexpected honour to be invited to attend the memorial for Royal on March 13th - the anniversary (within a day) of his death. Here is a verbal report - I didn't take many photos. Others did.
I left Vancouver on a perfect late winter morning - blue sky, new snow on the mountains, frozen bluebirds scattered around. And arrived in Modesto via San Jose and Livermore on Saturday afternoon, where it was of all things raining. WTF?
The military says that time spent in reconnaissance is never wasted, so I spent Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning doing so. I quite like walking around new places, getting to know them, and did 20+ km. However, I was quite annoyed not to be able to find a good map - another small pleasure - at any of the usual sorts of places. Eventually I got one at the bus depot, which showed all the streets and bus routes, but none of the street names. (OK, it at least had a N arrow and a scale.) Is cartography on the wane? O tempora! O mores!
Modesto means, in Spanish, "modest". It may have given Royal wry pleasure to live in a place with such a name. It's rather flat, apart from an inexplicably high hotel, but isn't too far from mountains. Royal set down strong roots there, and was a major part of the community. Modesto seems a comfortable place, much like mid-size prairie towns. After years of movement, from West Virginia to Los Angeles to the world of climbing, a stable home must have been very attractive.
This is the McHenry Mansion in Modesto, one of the historical buildings there. Across the street is the McHenry Museum (originally the library), which I talked my way into despite it being closed on Sunday morning. Lots of neat stuff. However, when the attendant explained that McHenry really wasn't named McHenry, and had changed his name to avoid military service under Polk..
Another sight is the Modesto arch, which I'm afraid I didn't climb. There's also a George Lucas park. He was born in Modesto, and American Graffiti was allegedly set there.
Royal did extraordinarily well for a boy of his background. Hard work, dedication, and a willingness to self-examine all helped, as did the times. This is one of the sights of Modesto, a classic of another young man, on his way.
Sunday morning was the marathon and fun run. As I've mostly watched such things from the inside, it was nice to have another perspective. In the afternoon, various of the usual suspects began to appear, beginning with John Stannard and Cathy Peterson. They warned me that the birds had so to speak flown the coop from Delano Wildlife Refuge, nearby, but we had a nice drink at the Camp 4 Wine Cafe.
When we first started going to Yosemite in the mid-1970s, we would always stop at the Robbins shop - same building. Indeed, once or twice we bivouacked in the parking lot. Sort of a pilgrimage, as there wasn't really anything much we needed to buy.
As we were leaving, Jim McCarthy, the Chouinards, Doug Robinson and partner Eva, and others arrived - it was the first time that some had seen each other for years.
Not much later, Mouse from south of Modesto, Ron Gomez, Dave Yerian, Lynne Leichtfuss and others appeared, so we had supper there. They have a sort of childrens' room at the back, with pictures of action figures (climbers) and stuff. No crayons, luckily. So they put all the climbers there.
The memorial, at Greens on Tenth in downtown Modesto (a repurposed theatre, IIRC), started at 2:00. Close to 500 had said they would be attending. There was a minor challenge, that being that about half the name tags had failed to print - they'd forgotten to exorcise the printer or something. Some last minute scrambling ensued. (Pun intended.) While that went on, they weren't ready, and so everyone waited outside. There was no line or anything - that would have been far too organized. But everyone seemed to have a good time seeing old and new friends.
We went in at 2:00, and everyone saw the various displays, met and talked, and drank and snacked. There was lots to drink and eat! The formal part started at 3:00, with eulogies by Neusom Holmes, Damon Robbins, Loren White, Max Gammon, Jerry Gallwas, Joe Fitschen, Yvon Chouinard, John Feasler, Kathy Galvin, Bill Derr, Ron Kauk, and Tamara Robbins. A heartfelt program. Then there was more food, drink, socializing, story-telling, and introductions. Somewhat later, many of us adjourned to the Camp 4 Wine Cafe, which is owned by Damon, for a very pleasant evening with more food and stories. But the jig was up, and we had to buy our own drinks.
Damon, or if you like dæmon, is a Greek word which means something like "guiding spirit". Royal must have had such a spirit, given his accomplishments as a boy scout, a son, husband, father, businessman, participant in the community, kayaker, and climber. Socrates said that the unexamined life is not worth living. Royal lived up to that dictum, also. He always seems to have been learning, and improving. He was capable of looking at himself, and even laughing - see Tis-sa-Ack, perhaps his finest writing, and the cartoons of his great friend Sheridan Anderson, which regularly lampooned Royal. Or, for that matter, the photo of Royal in Jim Herrington's book.
A memorable occasion. As Chouinard observed, had a meteor hit the building, it would have wiped out much of the US climbing establishment.
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Joe Metz
Trad climber
Bay Area
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Mar 15, 2018 - 11:16pm PT
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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Mar 16, 2018 - 02:32am PT
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Great Caesar's ghost, Mighty Hiker! You should have a reporter's gig with the Daily Planet!
Plenty of Pulitzer potential in that wry write-up.
See ya to da Facelift, eh?
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Mighty Hiker
climber
Outside the Asylum
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Mar 16, 2018 - 04:53pm PT
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Royal is likely to be remembered for many things, much more than just climbing. Certainly an impressive portfolio of climbs and later kayaks, over decades. But I wonder if he'll be most remembered for his resolute insistence that style and adventure are what matters when it comes to climbing? That goes back to the upper middle class Britons who more or less began climbing in the mid 19th century. But Royal's insistence - sometimes to his own discomfort - that it's essential to be honest with yourself and others about what you've done, and how you did it, resonate for the ages. Also that it's essential to minimize your impacts on both human and natural environments.
A second legacy being Royal's taking the idea of clean climbing and nuts, from England and elsewhere, and running with them. It took considerable character to swim against the techno/mechanistic methods that he and others had popularized, in the Iron Age. There was (and is) a fuss about fixed anchors, bolts, and so on. Often to advance other agendas... Had North American climbing not quickly shifted from pitons to nuts in the 1970s, it might have been much worse. We can thank Royal, John Stannard, and others for being apostles of the notion of clean(er) climbing, and Yvon Chouinard, Tom Frost, Jeff Lowe, Ray Jardine and others for taking the basic forms of nuts developed in England, and improving them to the point that they were not only better but easier to use.
We perhaps haven't learned as well as we might have. The insistence of some now on 'convenience' climbing, on 'developing' routes, and on unnecessary bolts, can be a bit disheartening. Not to mention that we could all do more - in reality - to reduce our environmental impacts, as climbers and humans - whatever pieties we might mouth. But there's still style and adventure for those who want it.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Mar 16, 2018 - 07:20pm PT
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Someday Tami and someday we will meet! :) Cheers!
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BooDawg
Social climber
Butterfly Town
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Mar 16, 2018 - 08:55pm PT
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One aspect of Royal Robbin's life that stands out for me is the depth and breadth and the numbers of people whose lives he touched, and more than just touched, but profoundly shaped and guided, not only by his words but by his deeds. The life that he lived, to a high degree, for his own satisfaction, became an example that others eagerly followed. As in climbing, so in Life, he was always a leader.
Royal’s passing has been called, “the end of an era.” However, the traditions and values that he lived were established by others who, like John Muir and John Salathé, went before him. Those ideals will continue to live on, even though changes in attitudes will continue to be layered upon those that he lived and helped to establish. Perhaps it’s like the walls of the Grand Canyon where each rock layer has its own distinctive characteristics, yet each layer is related, to some degree, to eras that came before and after.
Royal’s memorial brought together a small sample of those who knew, loved, and/or were influenced by him. The pictures posted here and elsewhere necessarily represent a small subset of those who came. People’s names are left-to-right in the photos.
Like some others, Lisa and I arrived earlier than the 2:00 p.m. official starting time, but we met other early arrivals and went to have lunch across the street.
After lunch, we went back across the street where others gathered outside the venue. There we had some time to greet old friends and acquaintances, making connections with some that we hadn’t seen in years or even decades.
When the doors to the venue opened, there was some time to further socialize and to view the displays that had been set up, but after a short while we took our seats.
Royal’s son, Damon Robbins, was Master of Ceremonies
Joe Fitschen, author and early climbing partner of Royal spoke eloquently.
After the formalities, there was more time for socializing.
Later, many people gathered for more socializing, food and drink at Damon Robbins’ nearby restaurant, “Camp 4.”
Later, satiated in many ways, small groups left for continued conversations and their own accommodations and homes.
One can find a few more photos here:
http://yosemitecloseup.com/royal-robbins-memorial/
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Mar 17, 2018 - 01:52pm PT
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Great work Ken!
That was an amazing collection of climbers assembled in Royal's honor.
I thought the speakers did a fine job of remembering Royal in their various ways and that the evening was a resounding success.
Big thanks to Tamara for making sure to reach out so widely to the climbing community and to Liz and Damon for taking care of the catering details and setting up the room so well with help from many folks like Keith Roush.
It would have been amazing to have read the minds of all of the climbers in the room at this splendid gathering so Tom Frost and I have decided to devote Friday evening at the Oakdale Climbers Festival (October 12-14) to a Robbins memorial where everyone present will have a chance to be heard. More on that gathering as it comes together.
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healyje
Trad climber
Portland, Oregon
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Mar 17, 2018 - 03:30pm PT
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His influence extended even to our humble Southern Illinois hollows.
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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Mar 17, 2018 - 04:55pm PT
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Mighty Hiker, that's a good Alpiniste report by young Mr. Franz.
I still liked yours better.
Don Lauria's definitely movie star handsome, Tami.
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 18, 2018 - 03:19am PT
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Fritz - got the CD and thank you! Still in a bit of a fog but will be on track and in touch again soon.
Ken, in your pics, the first un-ID'ed extra person is Kelly Bretta-Smith. Also for the sake of accuracy, Neusom Holmes (river world, Dad-wise) was MOC.
...riding a wave of sublime energy that this event brought to the table.
Again, gratitude to all.
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Mar 18, 2018 - 09:27am PT
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Right back at you Tamara >>>>------------------->
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 12, 2018 - 10:46am PT
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"The conclusion is this: Climbers climb for many reasons, including the pure pleasure of moving upward, but I and my kind (to barrow a phrase from Walt Whitman), I and my kind climb to subdue the inner mountains. We climb not because we are strong, but because we would be. We climb not because we are brave, but because we loathe being afraid. We climb not because we are full of knowledge, but because we would know ourselves. We climb to conquer the inner mountains because the inner mountains are there!"
...just came across this from a talk Dad did... it probably belongs in a different thread, but fits here as well, I think.
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Roger Breedlove
climber
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
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Apr 12, 2018 - 10:54am PT
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Can someone please post a picture of someone young? 😊
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 12, 2018 - 11:26am PT
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Do I count? ;)
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Roger Breedlove
climber
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
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Apr 12, 2018 - 01:51pm PT
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Well, of course. So does your brother, and so do I, but I was not there.
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Mighty Hiker
climber
Outside the Asylum
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Apr 12, 2018 - 02:06pm PT
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Roger was in fact the designated survivor, so that had a meteor struck the building (as Yvon posited), the USA climbing establishment wouldn't have been completely wiped out. OK, the ones over 65 anyway.
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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Apr 12, 2018 - 06:12pm PT
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Can someone please post a picture of someone young?
Do I count?
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 13, 2018 - 04:31am PT
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Nicely written piece, Ken.... I've shared with Damon as I'm sure he will appreciate the appreciation.
For those who have been in touch regarding programs {via snail mail), they are being mailed Monday - apologies for delay! (*if you are attending Bridwell's celebration, I may be hand delivering rather than going through USPS*)
Dad's sister Helen (aka Penny) joined him about a week ago, just an FYI for those who knew her or met her at memorial.
Glad to have met and continue to forge bonds with this group of (predominantly) joyous and adventurous souls.... ;)
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ron gomez
Trad climber
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Apr 13, 2018 - 06:05am PT
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Condolences to you and your family Tamara. I'm sure Royal is happy to have her company. See you in a few weeks.
Peace
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Aug 28, 2018 - 11:34pm PT
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hey there, say...
just a bump, for tamara... :)
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Tamara Robbins
climber
not a climber, just related...
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 29, 2018 - 05:53pm PT
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Cheers, Lizzy! Lovely to chat with you last night.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Aug 29, 2018 - 07:41pm PT
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hey there say, you are MOST welcome!
:)
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