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Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
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May 18, 2015 - 01:29pm PT
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From CMac,
Topic Author's Original Post - May 17, 2015 - 01:15pm PT
[Editor's note: the original post was deleted (which then hides the entire thread) because it had a wrong name. I am bringing back the thread because there are so many good thoughts and remembrances. cmac]
Dean was one of the most, intense, driven and inspiring people I've ever met. He was the most innovative adventurer of our time. While most innovation is characterized by doing something 5% faster or harder, Dean did things nobody ever thought possible. He inspired and entire generation of climbers and jumpers to get out and find new adventures and meaningful connections in the mountains.
Chris
Thank you !
You are to be admired at every turn you show amazing integrity !
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dave729
Trad climber
Western America
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May 18, 2015 - 01:31pm PT
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"In the night of death, hope sees a star,
and listening love can hear
the rustle of a wing."
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BASE104
Social climber
An Oil Field
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May 18, 2015 - 01:41pm PT
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There have always been those souls who live on the very edge of what the rest of us timid souls can imagine. Climbing history is filled with them.
Just because you can't imagine it doesn't mean that others can't and do. It has always been this way and always will.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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May 18, 2015 - 02:53pm PT
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It's very sad. My condolences to those left behind and in pain.
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o-man
Social climber
Paia,Maui,HI
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May 18, 2015 - 03:01pm PT
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Since I can't come to grips with, nor form a stated opinion regarding the events of this past week I will just post this quote:
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it.
Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure."
Helen Keller
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philo
Trad climber
Is that the light at the end of the tunnel or a tr
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May 18, 2015 - 03:18pm PT
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A great shot of Dean and Dr Thrill in British Columbia with National Geographic in 2011.
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Barbarian
climber
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May 18, 2015 - 03:21pm PT
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I first heard of Dean in the late 1990s...maybe 1997 or 1998. He was pushing hard, speed-climbing routes on El Cap. I kept hearing his name associated with more outlandish accomplishments... slack lining, wing suit flying, base jumping. I saw his name and picture in magazines, and then, in person in the Valley. Over the past 10 years, I saw Dean almost every time I visited Yosemite. He always appeared bigger than life. I knew who Dean Potter was, but did not know him; we had never met.
Last September I was out in El Cap Meadow and I saw Dean pull up. He walked out into the meadow to watch some friends up on the Captain, then he walked out further to where I was.
"Hi Dean", I said, introducing myself. He was pleasant and so much quieter than I expected. And we talked for maybe 5 minutes. Not about climbing or jumping; just talked...about stoke, about feeling the sun, listening to the wind blowing through the trees, and recharging our souls.
Suddenly he stood. "Fly free", he said. He got into his van and drove away.
I still do not know Dean Potter. I would never claim that we were "friends". I will always be inspired by his accomplishments. But when I remember Dean, it will always be for those few minutes in the meadow, and a brief conversation about who we are as humans.
Fly free, Dean. May you dance on the wind forever.
My heart goes out to those who were close to Dean, and to those who were close to Graham. May your souls find peace.
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supafly
Trad climber
vancouver, bc
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May 18, 2015 - 03:56pm PT
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I couldn't help but cry today, Dean's intentions in life seemed so earnest and he seemed to be battling to find some kind of freedom or expression that was always just out of his grasp, I know that feeling and I know what it feels like to desire to feel or experience "something" so badly.
The world is less without you in it Dean and I'm so sorry you had to leave us now.
They won't pay a cent to hear you laughing
They might pay a little to hear you cry
If you do it long enough they might even pay attention
But they still won't pay respect until you die.
-Jon Foreman (from Broken from the start)
I express myself best in music, so I made a short song to remember this day, and remember these tears.
https://soundcloud.com/braveshoreaudio/dean-potter
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab or In What Time Zone Am I?
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May 18, 2015 - 04:44pm PT
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^^^^ beautiful young man. So nice to learn about him.
Susan
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rincon
climber
Coarsegold
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May 18, 2015 - 04:47pm PT
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Thanks for posting that YosemiteSteve, That's an interesting article about Graham Hunt. Sounds like he was very talented yet humble too.
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CCT
Trad climber
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May 18, 2015 - 04:50pm PT
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I ran into Dean Potter once, a few years ago, climbing After Six on Manure Pile Buttress. The route was easy for him and he climbed quickly and efficiently. Nevertheless, he moved gracefully, and each movement was deliberate. I could see that he was taking no chances.
Behind him trailed a rope, no pro, run out between him and his belayer. At the end of the rope was a young woman. At the top of each pitch, he stopped and built a solid anchor, then belayed her up.
That is my personal memory of Dean, who I did not know. Graceful, deliberate, caring enough to slow down and take a new climber on a route that was obviously tough for her, with no pressure that her abilities match his own.
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goatboy smellz
climber
लघिमा
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May 18, 2015 - 04:57pm PT
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Sad news to hear about this.
I met Dean when he was cooking at Hueco Pete's back in the 90's.
A genuinely nice guy, great listener, always willing to share beta on routes
in the park and made one of the best breakfast burritos.
Condolences to his family.
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originalpmac
Mountain climber
Anywhere I like
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May 18, 2015 - 05:07pm PT
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I couldn't do it, like many, but gave it a good try. Some here still are chasing that childish spirit of adventure. Life is real and grown up, it beats you up and does shitty things to you, but YOU don't have to grow up.
That was really well said, GDavis.
I am happy that I was fortunate enough to shake his hand and chat with him a couple of times. Heartbroken I just lost one of my heroes.
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c wilmot
climber
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May 18, 2015 - 05:16pm PT
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I met dean while working trails in YOS. He stopped and took the time to talk to us as he hiked to the top of Yosemite falls for some project. A few days later, I am working and hear a loud "nice!" from behind me. I turn around and it was dean smiling and thanking us for our work.
Seemed like a nice guy.
condolences to his family and friends
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localdan
Trad climber
Visalia, CA
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May 18, 2015 - 05:39pm PT
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Just sadness.
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this just in
climber
Justin Ross from North Fork
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May 18, 2015 - 06:52pm PT
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My only Dean encounter was at El Cid in Oakhurst. He and his girlfriend were coming in as my brother and I were leaving. It's not my style to approach or bother people even our sport's masters, a simple nod and smile is all I exchanged. Later I thought that no one in there knew who he was, but any climber would recognize the legend. He was and is one of climbing's true masters and legends. Wish I would have at least thanked him in person for being who he was.
I love that he lived his life the way he pleased, bummed that he left so early.
Thanks Dean, you fly with the Gods now.
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Don Paul
Big Wall climber
Mexico City, D.F.
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May 18, 2015 - 08:20pm PT
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Alex Honnold apparently on Anderson 360 (CNN) tonight talking about this.
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