8th Annual 2013 Squamish Mountain Festival announced

[squamish climber]

Oh yeah, it’s time to think about and plan on coming to the best climbing festival in the northwest. This year the festival rocks the town July 17-21. The program for this year’s SMF looks great. One of the highlights has to be a presentation by Wayne Merry who was part of the team to make the first ascent of the Nose on El Cap with Warren Harding. I’m very much looking forward to this. Also would like to catch the presentation by Squamish’s own Paul McSorley.

On the film front the festival is presenting a number of quality docs. Looking at the schedule I see a couple of films by Corey Rich - Deep North and A New Perspective. Also in the lineup is the film The Wide Boyz featuring off-width masochists Pete Whittaker and Tom Randall.

Anybody got any photos or memories of festivals past?

[tobyfk]

Also in the lineup is the film The Wide Boyz featuring off-width masochists Pete Whittaker and Tom Randall.

I believe that is the full length Hot Aches version not the 10 minute Sender Films edit included in Reel Rock 7.

Rumour has it that Pete and Tom are now finger-width masochists. And may be holding tickets to YVR.

[squamish climber]

Here's a couple of shots from last year's SMF

Marc Andre-Lerclerc winner of the Dyno Comp


A lucky winner for a new rope


Group shot of CASBC and SAS adopt a crag day volunteers (this a great community event, plan on helping out and hanging with fellow climbers for a good cause)

[squamish climber]

A couple more photos from previous SMF
SAS and CASBC Volunteer Trail Day - Cat Lake


This year's trail day takes place Saturday July 20th meet at the Squamish Adventure Centre at 8:am

Climbing Clinic


A couple of the clinics are already sold out, These are a great way to brush up on skills at an affordable cost. Check them out

[squamish climber]

Even if your living under a rock somewhere on Psyche ledge you probably know that the Squamish Mountain Festival is in full swing.

I am super psyched for tonight's speaker - Wayne Merry. I recall reading Steve Roper's Camp 4: Recollections of a Yosemite Rockclimber and taking in the story of Warren Harding and the ascent of the Nose. Merry was no only there, he shared the leading of the final pitches on that first ascent. The stories of other climbers from that golden age of Yosemite climbing are well known - but Merry has more or less stayed out of view. I'm sure we'll hear some stories that have nearly never been told.

In 2008, the 50th anniversary of the climb, the team (Warren Harding, Wayne Merry and George Whitmore) was officially recognized by the US House of Representatives who passed a resolution honoring their achievement.
Here is photo from a special feature in the San Francisco Chronicle marking the 50th Anniversary


ElCapitan_ph3.jpg November 12, 1958 - Warren Harding, far left, George Whitmore, 27, far right, and Wayne Merry, 27, who is just coming over the edge, complete their ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Also pictured is George Whitmer, second from left, who is a member of the support party which greeted the climbers.UPI/ San Francisco Chronicle File 1958 Photo: UPI, San Francisco Chronicle File 195

And here is a link to link about the historical climb: yosemiteblog

In addition to Wayne Merry several excellent films will be shown including : A New Perspective by Corey Rich. The film shows incredible footage of their ascent of the Nameless Tower partly shot with remote control helicopter - Is this the future of adventure film production?

[squamish climber]

On Saturday night Tami Knight will be in the house! For those who grew up climbing in the eighties the exploits of Peter Croft, Tami Knight and friends were the stories shared around a campfire. Tami is also known for her comical cartoons in her rare books and in the Alpinist. Squamish Climbing commissioned her to do a drawing of a wall rat for the site. I'm looking forward to hearing what Tami dares to share. As they say in showbiz, Tami, break a leg and we'll see you there.