Discussion Topic |
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Topic Author's Original Post - Apr 19, 2010 - 04:34pm PT
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If you know Rob or know who he is, please keep him your prayers and thoughts these days. Talked with him today and he is battling an illness right now and he will need prayers, positive thoughts and good medical help. I don't want to go into details, but he did say he would gladly talk with his friends about it. Rob is a power force behind the southern California climbing scene and many here know of him. If you want to know more, please feel to email me and I will talk with you, but for Robs privacy, I would choose not to elaborate more here, but to only ask for prayers(if that's what you do) good thoughts, good karma, he will need our help!
Peace
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Gene
Social climber
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Apr 19, 2010 - 04:47pm PT
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Don't know Rob, but wishing & praying the best. Kick ass, Bro!
Ron, You are a good man.
g
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Flanders!
Trad climber
June Lake, CA
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Apr 19, 2010 - 05:13pm PT
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I have a close friend who's well known to intervene in these cases. I'll be asking Him
to do what He knows is best for Rob and those around him.
Doug
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cyndiebransford
climber
31 years in Joshua Tree, now Alaska
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Apr 19, 2010 - 06:26pm PT
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Wishing only the best for Rob. He is a fantastic person and will be in my thoughts.
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diablo
Trad climber
sd,ca
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Apr 19, 2010 - 06:30pm PT
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Rob is a close friend of mine.... havn't seen him for ever but shared many good times together.
Mathis Crest, Snow Creek in a Day,hiking into the Wind Rivers and doing a tic list with him and Dan Curly, hanging out in Jackson Hole, weekend trips to Josh.
"HAT RACK" if you are out there email me lemme know wassup!
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oldcragger
Trad climber
Truckee,CA
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Apr 19, 2010 - 06:40pm PT
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Rob helped me out of a tight spot 30 yrs ago as a noob.
Hoping for the best and thinking good thoughts for him.
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Seamstress
Trad climber
Yacolt, WA
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Apr 19, 2010 - 06:55pm PT
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Rob's heart extends beyond the crag. He also did a stint on the Access Fund Board and is always giving of his time. Sending some of that karma back your way.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
Will know soon
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Apr 19, 2010 - 07:02pm PT
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Oh Mon, Rob......You have been such a friend to my family. Like Flanders you will be so very much in my prayers Guy. I love you and if there is ANYTHING I can do please, please let me know. Peace to you. lynne
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TripL7
Trad climber
san diego
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Apr 19, 2010 - 07:10pm PT
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I hope you are feeling better soon, I will keep you in my prayers!
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Apr 19, 2010 - 07:15pm PT
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Hope you're doing better, Rob.
My prayers. . .
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Maysho
climber
Soda Springs, CA
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Apr 19, 2010 - 07:20pm PT
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Rob is a truly great guy. He was one of the very first investors in CityRock Gym, and a great supporter throughout the process.
I had the pleasure of re-connecting with him last autumn at the memorial for our mutual friend Kevin Brown. The day after, we went bouldering at Lizard Rock and he was still strong as ever, out-crankin all of us. Kevin Steele got some great shots of that day, I will see if I can unearth them on the old computer.
Hoping for the best for Rob and his loved ones in this challenge. And I like his hundreds of friends, are hoping and praying that he will keep inspiring us on the senior bouldering circuit.
Peter
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looking sketchy there...
Social climber
Latitute 33
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Apr 19, 2010 - 07:22pm PT
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Raker is one of the greatest and most amazing human beings I know.
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dee ee
Mountain climber
citizen of planet Earth
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Apr 19, 2010 - 07:28pm PT
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Hang in there Rob, I know you are a tough so and so.
I'll never forget when Rob moved to Cali and sandbagged us for years insisting he "was getting used to the rock." He finally cut loose and we found out just how honed he really was! To say nothing of his prodigious eating capabilities. "Are you done with that?"
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
Will know soon
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Apr 19, 2010 - 08:20pm PT
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Ja, sketchy and Dave, spent a bunch of time watching you guys climb and some of you work out in our backyard. Rob has always remained a positive guy with a great heart. Praying that attitude will help him conquer this challenge. Hearts to you from the Leichtfuss Clan, Rob :D
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gonzo chemist
climber
Crane Jackson's Fountain St. Theater
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Apr 19, 2010 - 08:25pm PT
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I never met the guy,
but I sure felt Raked Over the Coles on one of his routes out in Josh...
Sending positive thoughts for a SoCal hardman...
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 19, 2010 - 09:22pm PT
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My friend Rob Raker. Post up some shots of Rob, all of mine are slides or prints and I don't have a slide scanner! Would love to see some shots of him!
Peace
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Fogarty
climber
BITD
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Apr 19, 2010 - 10:00pm PT
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Rob I will never forget how we meet, GOD SPEED!
MF
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 19, 2010 - 10:08pm PT
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Nice shots Peter! Noted that Rob is HELPING someone in almost all those shots....typical Raker. Thanks for posting those up.
Peace
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Maysho
climber
Soda Springs, CA
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Apr 19, 2010 - 10:10pm PT
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Yeah, Of course he was helping us all try (unsuccessfully) to do the problem he floated!
Peter
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Apr 19, 2010 - 10:13pm PT
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God bless ya, Rob, I don't know ya but I can still send prayers.
Get well.
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Jingy
Social climber
Nowhere
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Apr 19, 2010 - 10:20pm PT
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gomez.... good thoughts......
this dude abides.
all my best thoughts are going to the other Rob (just so happens... I'm a rob too)
medical issues/medical problems.... should just go away.. like yesterday~!~
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 19, 2010 - 11:58pm PT
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No doubt Mayfield!
Peace
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Scared Silly
Trad climber
UT
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Apr 20, 2010 - 12:28am PT
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Bump up for Rob who gave some great inspiration when he took that left turn.
Be well.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Apr 20, 2010 - 12:54am PT
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hey there ron... say, praying is what i do.... *don't get much else done in the world, so at least i can do this... :)
will be praying... thanks for letting folks know, as, that is how
love moves... from one to another...
god bless...
:)
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shipoopoi
Big Wall climber
oakland
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Apr 20, 2010 - 02:57am PT
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I've done a couple of rig jobs where i was the ropegun and he was videographer in the past decade. great times, rob is awesome. hoping we get to do some more of that work together in the future. all my prayers and good vibes going out to rob. steve
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Apr 20, 2010 - 06:11am PT
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Raker is superman;.....on rock, ice, wheels, feet, skiis........hope superman whips ass on his cryptonite.......Rob is the best dude going...and friend to all.
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roy
Social climber
New Zealand -> Santa Barbara
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Apr 20, 2010 - 08:03am PT
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Hi,
Good luck and hang in there Rob!
I've only been out with Rob a couple of times - kayaking and climbing - but his enthusiasm is infectious and he's a great guy. I hope that this all goes well.
Cheers, Roy
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Apr 20, 2010 - 09:11am PT
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Good luck, though we haven't met. Clearly you've impressed others.
where is Lizard head?
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Tony Puppo
climber
Bishop
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Apr 20, 2010 - 09:59am PT
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All my best wishes for a swift recovery. You deserve it.
Tony
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Chief
climber
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Apr 20, 2010 - 10:58am PT
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First met Rob in Josh in 82?
I should say first heard Rob (aka Rob Raker's Blaring Hatrack) from a great distance as he held court at a campsite. He was sitting on a picnic table, raving about a recent Alaska trip and eating EVERYTHING in sight. (Are you done with that?)
At first I thought this guy's a bit over the top.
Since that first meeting I've had the privilege of hanging with Raker, holding the rope while he floats stuff the rest of us struggle on. (Huge and Choice 11d/12a fist to OW roof comes to mind). His enthusiasm and positive energy are infectious and he really is somewhat of an unsung hero, another one of those amazing climbers few people know about.
I just talked with him. He's in good spirits but metaphorically facing some gnarly third class terrain threatened by big seracs.
Stay strong Rob (and Annette), we're all pulling for you brother.
Perry
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Bequita
climber
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Apr 20, 2010 - 11:52am PT
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Bump for Raker!
I always call him the Energizer Bunny... never seen a guy/gal with more positive energy to share with others!
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Crimpergirl
Sport climber
Boulder, Colorado!
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Apr 20, 2010 - 12:12pm PT
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Best wishes to him and his family and friends...
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Apr 20, 2010 - 12:13pm PT
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Get well soon, RR!
John
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dfrost7
climber
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Apr 20, 2010 - 12:36pm PT
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Hey Rob. Knew you a bit in Ventura. Only want to say I will be in ernest prayer for you. Hope you are in good shape soon.
Laurie Siqueido
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AKDOG
Mountain climber
Anchorage, AK
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Apr 20, 2010 - 01:02pm PT
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Raker, what a spirit, climbs everything rock, ice and snow. During my second summer in Alaska, Rob and a friend came up to climb the Cassin and he crashed at my place in Anchorage prior to leaving for Talkeetna. While Rob was on the Cassin, my buddies and I were climbing the West Rib, brutal storms up high, forced to hunker down at 16,000’ for 5 days, I remember hoping my tent would not explode, while freight train winds hammered the mountain. Rob top out during the start of the storm and on his way down participated in the rescue of some Japanese climbers. At least one of the Japanese climbers died and rest were evacuated, on his way down Rob skied up the northwest fork of the Kahiltna and got all their gear. After our summit, we run into Rob pulling an enormous sled of gear down the Kahiltna. He has so much energy!!
Best wishes on a full recovery Rob.
Doug Munoz (aka Monnie)
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TYeary
Social climber
State of decay
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Apr 20, 2010 - 01:19pm PT
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Best wishes and a speedy recovery.
Good going out to you, Raker.
Tony
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Watusi
Social climber
Newport, OR
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Apr 20, 2010 - 02:09pm PT
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Yeah good thoughts from me as well!! Rob is a awesome dude!:)
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Argon
climber
North Bay, CA
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Apr 20, 2010 - 02:52pm PT
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Best wishes for Rob. I met him briefly in Tuolumne around 1997 - I think that he and Annette had just gotten married there. I've always remembered his warmth and hospitality - and his climbing skills.
I hope you are soon well Rob.
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 20, 2010 - 06:37pm PT
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bump for The Hat Rack!
Peace
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maldaly
Trad climber
Boulder, CO
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Apr 20, 2010 - 06:57pm PT
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Stay strong buddy, I'll never forget the great times we've had. Let's get out when you get over the hump.
I'll always remember you as the guy who cleans every plate on the table.
"You done with that?"
Best wishes,
Mal
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dee ee
Mountain climber
citizen of planet Earth
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Apr 20, 2010 - 08:00pm PT
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ps. It was the AKDOG that spouted the classic line "what's up with the blaring hat rack?" One morning (wood) in Josh circa 1986.
The legendary FA followed soon after.
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 20, 2010 - 09:43pm PT
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Dave I got a photo of the blaring hat rack in full stance! Raker standing in profile, in his jingus tights, oh man wish I could find the slide, it would be full slanderous! He and Leichtfuss would show me all the problems at Corona del Mar and hang with me until I had them ruthlessly wired. Them two were major influences on my early climbing times! Love that Raker.
Peace
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Ksolem
Trad climber
Monrovia, California
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Apr 20, 2010 - 09:57pm PT
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I've met Raker a few times over the years - can't say I really know him. I sure wish him the best in hard times.
I'll say this, the route "Raker's Blaring Hat Rack" is a Josh classic. Not a climb for everyone though.
And the descent... How many mandatory simul raps are there in Josh?
Good luck, Rob.
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Ain't no flatlander
climber
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Apr 20, 2010 - 10:10pm PT
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Mike O'Donnell dubbed him Donkey. Innocently, I asked why Donkey? Mike says, "have you ever seen the movie Shrek? Rob is the donkey" then he went into the Eddie Murphy routine. ROTFL that image has stuck with me--hard not to crack up when I see him. But we all know the Donkey is strong, energetic and resourceful. Go Rob go!
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hashbro
Trad climber
Mental Physics........
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Apr 20, 2010 - 10:32pm PT
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get well soon Rob,
we know that you've got the strength to do it!
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 21, 2010 - 09:55am PT
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More pictures of Raker anyone?
Peace
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rincon
Trad climber
SoCal
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Apr 21, 2010 - 10:11am PT
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Hoping for the best, for Rob. Get well dude!
Anyone care to share with us how he got the his nickname?
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dee ee
Mountain climber
citizen of planet Earth
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Apr 21, 2010 - 12:11pm PT
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Yo Rob!
Here are a few of The Man in 1984 fairly soon after he moved to So Cal. from his pipeline job in Alaska.
Following me on Zig Zag.
Leading Pas de Deux.
Here is one for KP (Dimes).
The Man at Lunch Rock.
Note the shoes that both Rob and Randy are wearing. The so Cal climbers approach and scrambling shoe of the time, "Aspens," or "Scats." Made in eastern europe with very sticky rubber and a good edging last. Probably not an accident, KP may have discovered them at K-Mart or somewhere. He was the first I remember having them. We all coveted these shoes.
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nita
Social climber
chica from chico, I don't claim to be a daisy
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Apr 21, 2010 - 12:15pm PT
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Sending out prayers, and healing thoughts..
Saludos..
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Apr 21, 2010 - 03:10pm PT
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Rob is one amazing person. I know he will get through this.
Gerry and I are pulling for you, Rob.
Rick
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charley
Trad climber
nw pa.
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Apr 21, 2010 - 06:22pm PT
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I don't know Rob, but I will be praying for him and his family. Wishing you the best Rob.
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kevsteele
climber
Santa Barbara, CA
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Apr 21, 2010 - 09:00pm PT
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The first time I heard of the legend it was just after I arrived in Santa Barbara in '88 and was working retail at GPIW. Epperson was giving a slideshow that evening and a few of us gathered at the patio restaurant right outside the shop: Maria was telling stories over margaritas and chips of this guy that would jump in his kayak especially when the weather, wind and waves were at their worst. That night I met the Rake. We became close friends pretty quickly.
We did the Cassin Ridge together; had a blast through epic weather and lots of stories for another time came from that trip. He was my best man at my wedding and then he found his love Annette who led him on to Colorado. I bought his house which is now home and make sure the orange tree still keeps producing for when the Rake returns to the coast and needs his citrus fix.
We spent a week out at the Channel Islands last summer with friends and family - Raker had not slowed down one bit and I fully expect that he will get over this hump and take charge again - traveling with the Rake is like having an all access backstage pass to the world.
I've got tons of embarrassing slides of Raker: I'll just post a few decent ones shortly...
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 21, 2010 - 11:39pm PT
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KILLER shots Kevin! Dang near brought tears to my eyes, but I know Rob wouldn't want me crying over him, but man all I can say is......THAT'S Rob! One of the BEST ALL ROUND climbers I know....no THE best all round climber I know, and of course one of the best people I know.
Peace
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Chief
climber
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Apr 22, 2010 - 10:17am PT
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Kevin,
Thanks for posting the awesome pictures of our friend Rob.
They say more about him than I ever could.
PB
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Bequita
climber
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Apr 22, 2010 - 04:00pm PT
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Bump!
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
Will know soon
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Apr 22, 2010 - 05:34pm PT
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Rob is the Smiley Mon.... with Charles Cole, Todd Gordon, ?, and Raker with KP in the background at the Josh Reunion April 2008.
Leichtfuss backyard bitd working out. Left to Right....Raker, Clark, KP, Nakahira, Leichtfuss and lil Leichtfuss. :D Days of Fun and Friends.
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Bequita
climber
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Apr 22, 2010 - 06:02pm PT
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rincon
Trad climber
SoCal
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Apr 22, 2010 - 09:24pm PT
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Historical note:
Rob Raker, with Richard Leversee, did the First Free Ascent of Castle Rock Spire, 5.11b.
September 7, 1983.
Sequoia National Park, California.
Proud!
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 22, 2010 - 10:55pm PT
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Hey Lynne I think that might be Verman, John Sherman in that photo. See you tomorrow, hey I ain't gonna get a chance to go into the monument tomorrow, I gotta be helpin' Todd at the compound, so don't be comin' back tellin' me how good the climbing was and how I blew it, by not comin' out! Have fun with the boys!
Peace
How come Raker is the only one smiling? Check out Kevin, he's about to doze off, must have been past his bedtime.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
Will know soon
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Apr 23, 2010 - 01:11am PT
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Ron, jess so you know I have a couple large tables Gordo wanted for Jim's stuff. If I get to The Gordon Ranch @ 2pm will that be ok for you guys to put stuff out on the tables. ???? lynnie
Edit: Jazzed for the fun of seeing so many rockheads, friends, new friends, dreadlock band members, music, music, music, grate sushi from Au Natural, margaritas provided by ????? and the Mon and his Family, James B.
Ja, we be rocked. :D
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 23, 2010 - 10:15am PT
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Got a couple of them too! I'll be out at Todds bout 2:20 or 3 Friday! Take yer time and enjoy the climbing, watch out for Jim, Jim D and Tucker. Bring em home safe and sound!
Peace
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dee ee
Mountain climber
citizen of planet Earth
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Apr 23, 2010 - 12:44pm PT
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On the FFA of Castle Rock I think Richard forgot his climbing shoes and did it in mtn. boots! Rob probably led the crux!
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BrassNuts
Trad climber
Boulder Colorado
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Apr 24, 2010 - 12:37pm PT
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Best wishes to Rob as he works through this challenge.
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stick it
climber
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Apr 26, 2010 - 03:27pm PT
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Good luck in NYC. Special hugs to Annette too!
You gonna eat that?
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russ clune
climber
new paltz, ny
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Apr 28, 2010 - 07:04am PT
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hey Raker--
no denying all the wonderful comments about you, and i, like everyone else you know here, cherish my memories of the many trips and fun times we've had over the last couple decades. and of course, i wish you nothing but the best and am confident this is but a bump in the road for you.
that said, don't expect any sympathy next week here in the gunks. i'll still sandbag your ass.
Russ
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Bequita
climber
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Bump for Rob!
He just had a very good consult with one of the top prostate surgeons in the US (at Sloane Kettering) and is scheduled to go under the knife on May 15th. Still lots to figure out, but he's staying positive and getting in a few good days at the Gunks while he's back East. Keep the good thoughts flowing!
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survival
Big Wall climber
A Token of My Extreme
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ll the best for a great outcome Rob!
You have obviously had a great and positive impact on many of our finest.
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Bequita
climber
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This just in from Annette:
I have finally had a chance to put up Rob's website.
here is the url: www.caringbridge.org/visit/robraker
For those that haven't even been on the Caring Bridge site, it's a place for cancer (and other medical) patients to post updates with easy access for friends. There is also a guestbook feature if you'd like to send Rob and Annette a note of support outside the Supertopo domain :)
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - May 6, 2010 - 12:24pm PT
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Bequita, thanks for your update and thank Annette and Rob for keeping us informed. Kick big butt Rob! We'll all be praying and pulling for you and your family!
Peace
Ron
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
Will know soon
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Think about you every day Rob and Annette. You are in my heart and prayers. Love from lynnie
Edit: talked to D. Nakahira this week. Yo on his heart too.
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - May 12, 2010 - 09:50pm PT
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Thinking of you Rob, hope all is well and keepin track of you on your site! Best wishes and proayer for you and yer family!
Peace Buddy
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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May 26, 2010 - 05:07am PT
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Yeah;..that is KP in the background;....with Clune as the Rev. and Moria Cranor as the flower girl......Can't ask for a better crew!
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Kalimon
Trad climber
Ridgway, CO
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Best wishes and high praises to Mr. Rob Raker . . . crimp down on those marginal holds and crank on through.
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 9, 2010 - 01:16pm PT
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Is that Dimes shooting with the BIG RIG in the background?? Kick butt Rob, we're all pullin' for you!
Peace
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Jul 13, 2010 - 10:53am PT
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Sorry to hear this most recient news;.....hang tough with it, Rob and Annette......and , of course;.....go tick of those climbs between doctor visits.......your friends and loved ones are behind you 100%.....Rakermobile......
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dfrost7
climber
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Jul 21, 2010 - 01:22am PT
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Bump. Keeping you, Rob and Annette, in prayer. God's loving presence be with you.
Laurie Siqueido
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Jan 15, 2012 - 10:32pm PT
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Know many are wondering how Rob is doing. Never forgetting our special friends here at the Campfire. You're always in our prayers and thoughts, Rob. Love from the entire Leichtfuss Clan.
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