Fred Beckey, 90 years old, climbing in JTree
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Just after the New Year, and less than 10 days before his 90th birthday - the man, the legend, Fred Beckey, attains yet another fine summit. The Moosedog Tower in Indian Cove, Joshua Tree, via the 3-pitch 5.6 route "Tranquility". My buddies Erik Harz and Felix Parham roped up with Fred while I soloed alongside taking photos and providing some additional assistance. Getting a 90 year-old up a 300' route is no easy task! His body may have been weakened by age, but he can still move fluidly and thoughtlessly, like he's been doing it for 70+ years! Enjoy the photos! I can only hope to still be alive and walking at his age, let alone climbing. |
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So cool to be climbing with such a legend. I just got to see one of his slideshows and that was a cool experience but climbing with him would be great! |
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Simply inspiring, I hope I'm doing this at 90! It's great to know this isn't a sport limited to a certain age range to still go out and experience some adventure. |
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great post |
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Wow, what a great story. Thanks for posting this. |
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A humbling ascent and what an opportunity for a photographer! To state the obvious Mr. Beckey is an inspiring hard-man. Great post. Thanks for sharing. |
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who the hell is Fred Beckey?! |
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who the hell is Fred Beckey?! |
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He's only got about 30 years on me but is still my age group hero...certainly hope to get close to his age and energy level as years go by. |
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Really awesome post. Thanks Richard.
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Thanks for sharing your experience with Fred and the photos too. I only hope I can be doing the same when I am his age! |
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Hey Rich! Awesome trip report. He's still a badass. |
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This is so flippin cool. Thank you for sharing. Great post!!! |
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Thanks! - Fred is my inspiration. Now if I can just keep go'n another 28... |
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awesome. thats a stout 5.6 crux too!. |
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Some aid was employed in his ascent, in true Fred style. 5.6 A0. At 90, the toprope can never be tight enough. "Up rope, buddy" A half move later - "Up rope!" Zero moves later - "Fucking up rope already goddamnit!" |
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Thanks for posting this. |
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Cool. Way to be to there, Rich. |
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I love this kind of stuff!! Climb on Fred Beckey. |
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Very cool, thanks. |