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deschamps
Trad climber
Out and about
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My first, first ascent was with Fred last year. It was great to do my first first ascent with a first ascent legend. I lead pitch 2 and built an anchor. The pitch was about 5.8. Fred, being 83, gets to the anchor breathing heavy and declares "oh my god, that was ATLEAST 5.10, ATLEAST 5.10!"
Ha, ha, it must have felt 5.10 to an 83 year old man, but thanks for the ego-boost anyway Fred!
Another funny story: We were going up a one pitch pinnacle with a kid's group near-by. The group leader recognized Fred and declared "HEY KIDS! THIS MAN IS WORLD-FAMOUS! HE INVINTED BOULDERING!" Obviously recognized Fred but couldn't put 2 and 2 together. Ha, ha. Fred just looked at him as if he was a jackass.
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Nefarius
Big Wall climber
Fresno, CA
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Jul 17, 2007 - 12:38pm PT
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I spent a week with Fred last fall on El Cap and in camp (mostly in camp and schlepping loads). Fred is an awesome guy and it was an awesome week spent with Fred and great friends. And as much of a ladies man as he may have been, a topless beauty wasn't quite enough to coax him to continue up the route once he'd gotten it in his head that he "can't crack it".
Here are some pics from the trip:
Fred, in profile, sitting next to the fire...
I'll have to check the date on my contract, but I think I can post this one now...
Fred and Ammon fireside - The image is entitled Good Times. If you know Ammon, you know the expression on his face.
A kinda ghostly image of Fred by the fire...
My personal favorite - I think Fred thought I was insane when he woke up and saw my lens staring at his tent, waiting for his head to poke out...
Fred on the approach...
Fred on Lurking Fear
Fred jugging - well, taking a rest here...
Relaxing in the ledge with Ammon
You can view the entire set on my website, using this direct link to the Fred gallery - http://www.randywenzel.com/Images/Rock/Projects/Fred%20Beckey/album
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Tom M
climber
parents who had sex once- Once!
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Jul 17, 2007 - 03:07pm PT
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I met Fred for the first time in March of 2006. We were ice climbing and staying at the Rampart Creek Hostel (here in the Canadian Rockies). Me and a buddy were doing the dishes after everyone shared a big meal. Fred was the only one who offered to help!
The last time I seen him was the next morning. He was walking to the outhouse swinging his piss-bottle. I think he’s big on hydration.
T
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marty(r)
climber
beneath the valley of ultravegans
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Jul 30, 2007 - 04:26pm PT
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Fred at the Kain Hut, 7/26/07 (that's Kain in the photo):
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RocaLibre
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Jul 30, 2007 - 08:32pm PT
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Damn, I was in RMNP on the 18th, going to do the north east ridge of Sharkstooth and this dude in front of us on the approach going very slow. As I passed I turned to see the guy and the face was familiar , after catching up to my partner we could only wonder. I decided to wait at a bend of the trail and sure enough, it was HIM, slowly but surely , with a grin in his face.
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RocaLibre
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Jul 30, 2007 - 08:42pm PT
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Fred in the approach to Sharkstooth in 7/18
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RocaLibre
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Jul 30, 2007 - 08:47pm PT
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ups...
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RocaLibre
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Jul 30, 2007 - 08:49pm PT
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goddamn....
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Blitzo
Social climber
Earth
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Jul 30, 2007 - 08:58pm PT
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"I don't need no viagra!" Fred Beckey 2005
Keep it up, Fred!
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BadInfluence
Mountain climber
Dak side
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Jul 30, 2007 - 09:12pm PT
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10 days in the Pickets
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tooth
Mountain climber
B.C.
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Jul 30, 2007 - 09:27pm PT
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First met Becky last year in the Palisades, he was headed up to Temple Crag to do Sun Ribbon he said. Must have been fast - because his car was gone the next day by the time we got back from Sill.
While bagging another couple 14ers this weekend my buddy was wondering if Becky feels altitude/pain/suffering like we do - or if he is just used to it by now.
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Blitzo
Social climber
Earth
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Jul 31, 2007 - 01:52am PT
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That fire-light profile is outstanding!
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adventurous one
Trad climber
reno nev.
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Wow!
Just saw those amazing photos of Fred Becky on El Cap. Next time I start to say "I'm getting to old for this" I am going to bite my tongue. "Old" truly is a state of mind. An inspiration for us all.Thanks Fred for showing us that it's never to late to get re-excited about this way of life.
Hell, if we all keep climbing long enough maybe someone will convince the park to build a seniors living center next to camp 4. Ha!
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Fluoride
Trad climber
Hollywood, CA
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Hanging with Fred is always an adventure.
I particularly like this photo I snapped of him when we were climbing in Squamish a few years ago (he doesn't drink, but we thought the sign was funny):
Fred coming up the classic Diedre. One of the few days we had were it didn't rain!
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Patrick Sawyer
climber
Originally California now Ireland
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That guy is an inspiration. Totally.
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