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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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