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tom woods
Gym climber
Bishop, CA
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Feb 25, 2008 - 12:33pm PT
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I went out and bought the grand circle book because of this thread. I'll let you know when I finish it.
Tom
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Wade Icey
Trad climber
www.alohashirtrescue.com
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Feb 25, 2008 - 03:38pm PT
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I've carried and hauled a few loads with Minerals. Now I understand. It's genetic!
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Wade Icey
Trad climber
www.alohashirtrescue.com
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Feb 28, 2008 - 07:53pm PT
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on topic
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Aug 22, 2009 - 11:28am PT
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True adventure Bump!!!
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Aug 22, 2009 - 02:31pm PT
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Bump for one of the greatest adventurers the
United States ever produced--Ned was on par with Eric Shipton.
A gentleman and just an incredible person.
You're missed, Ned.
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mooser
Trad climber
seattle
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Aug 22, 2009 - 04:24pm PT
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Never met the man, but he was definitely a hero from a distance. A very sad, sad day when he died. This has been an incredible, redeeming thread. Thanks!
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Fuzzywuzzy
climber
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:10pm PT
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Hey -
Great stuff on Ned "the old stump-grinder"!
Capt C - excellent stories!! How are you -sound great. Classic photos of you all.
Patterson is still the mt monkey as usual.
Minerals - Is Debbie Law your mom?
If so I skied with her in the Rubies this past winter.
More info about Ellesmere can be gotten from Gary Bard. He has been there (done a traverse) and has Allans information/photos etc.
If you need his email write me.
Check out the PACKS in the Mac/Denali Poster!!!!
Allan Bard called it "the upside down ski tour".
Meaning they had HUGE packs and tiny shoes instead of small packs and big boots (which they had to carry along for the alpine sh#t anyway!!!
That Rowing trip turned Charlie Porter onto the ancient coastal migration routes of the early Americans - he is still down there doing archeology as far as I know.
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Aug 25, 2009 - 10:55am PT
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Fuzzy- You must have cut some turns with Ned as he was everywhere BITD! Any tales???
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Fuzzywuzzy
climber
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Aug 25, 2009 - 11:32am PT
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Oh Yeah!
He was an outstanding man - as a friend, employer, you name it, Ned totally supported you.
Like a true friend he wasn't afraid to take a risk on you.
He hired me impromptu at the Camp 4 gas station in November of 1977 - asked me what I was doing that winter.
I figured I would make a plan eventually and he says, "What to teach skiing?"
When I replied that I had never taught anything he laughs, "Ah but you love it you'll be fine, come on out to Trapps". So Bardini and I drive the orange Opal Kadette to Vermont and skied our butts off under his gracious and generous command.
He was a character and an outstanding skier. Strong as a bull - but smart tactically and not above using the entire "tool-box". I have some pics of him skiing some demanding "deep yogurt in NZ somewhere- I'll look around.
Super open and innovative -He would instigate these great bull-sessions everynight exploring what worked during the lessons (this was all xc tract skiing) and we would howl at some of the techniques offered up. But he would seriously support us and urge everyone to try anything and to shun the then rigid PSIA models. Quoting Adi Yoerg, He would say, "Oh you boys you are using all that language - it is much easier to trick them into doing it"!!!!
He was essentially fearless, but not in an unfounded manner. He did his homework and knew how to put a team together. Understood what/who was needed and how that kind of coordination would contribute to the success of the venture. Look at those teams in the above trips- shitdala- those cats were the cream dela creme!!
Beyond all that he truly loved and encouraged spontaneous individuals - he preferred the company of men "With the bark on".
I think of him alot.
TC
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oldcragster
Gym climber
WA
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Aug 26, 2009 - 12:15am PT
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fuzzy - you're right, working at Trapps with Ned and all the others, yourself included, was remarkable. I always tell folks Ned was the best boss I ever had. Absolute trust in people to come thru, and he raised the bar, so you did too. I was devastated when I heard the news of his death...same with Bardini. Those two years working with Ned and company were full of fabulous memories. I was invited to go on the ski around Denali and punked out.
Minerals, that picture brought back memories of Ned's parents, who visited enough that we got to know them a little and could see where Ned got some of his class. We were a rough crew of Californians recruited by Ned, yet his folks were gracious despite probably wondering what their son was up to bringing us all out to Vermont to teach xc-skiing.
I remember Ned showing me his collection of polar expedition, etc. books. It was quite extensive and he loaned me 'Endurance' on Shackleton's voyage, which I later purchased and still have. He had books on all the great polar explorers and studied them. I first met Ned thru Bev Johnson, fall of '75 in Yosemite. He and Doug Weins had climbed the Nose. Next year I was working at the Village Store as custodian where we saw each other often. Similar to you, fuzzy, he asked me if I'd like to teach x-c skiing in Vermont. Boy am I glad I went, for two glorious winters. It was indeed a privilege to know him and be inspired by him. So full of energy, much like Galen. It wasn't a surprise when those two went up Denali in a day.
Gene Drake
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Reilly
Mountain climber
Monrovia, CA
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Aug 26, 2009 - 12:31am PT
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On a trip from Seattle to the Valley I looked up Ned after reading his story of kayaking in Glacier Bay if I recall rightly. I was thinking of doing the same to get to Mt Abbey. He was very friendly, helpful, and encouraging to a total stranger.
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Nohea
Trad climber
Sunny Aiea,Hi
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Aug 26, 2009 - 05:14am PT
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This was one of my favorite reads of the day! Brian that is so coll how you helped out on the search. Reading about Ned gives insight into your passionate ways.
As I sat in the ER and a Dr’s office for a ridiculous amount of time I have read through this on my tiny BB screen. This is fantastic stuff and the reason I am part of this campfire. Thank You! What a great thread!
Aloha,
will
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Fuzzywuzzy
climber
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Aug 26, 2009 - 01:11pm PT
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Gene!!!!
So glad you are still on the planet!
Remember those parties with Walter bouncing on the couch and deck diving led by Ned. All within the gaze of Johannes Von Trapp??!!!
Best boss I ever had - absolutely - no question.
I think I remember you being awarded the "Silver C" once or twice?
Hey going to the YMS Reunion Saturday in Tuolumne- Coxy and Asay should be there - we will lift a toast to you, those times and all that have left!!!
TC
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oldcragster
Gym climber
WA
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Aug 27, 2009 - 11:12am PT
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TC - guess I'm on the planet if you count the Olympic Peninsula. Don't remember to much of the partying for some reason....though I do remember Dudly and Ned always extending themselves. Think of it...great boss and great party animal....rare combination.
Was remembering the tepee party too....anyway, I was just in YNP last week. Camping near TPR with friends and then in the Valley with my son and his family....3 grandaughters...oldest 13.
Say hi to YMS 'lads'. Remember Ned always used that description for us.
email me: ded10a@gmail.com GD
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Todd Eastman
climber
Bellingham, WA
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Aug 27, 2009 - 12:41pm PT
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Fuzzy, our parties at the Sherman House were always viewed with a degree of apprehension by Johannes after his experiences with your crew. He often showed up and we tried to fulfill his worst expectations. Thanks for setting a high bar!
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Fuzzywuzzy
climber
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Sep 15, 2009 - 12:10pm PT
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Ned Gillette and Doug Wiens aka "The Piston" in the Ruth Gorge in 1978. Sheldon Hut.
Ned in during Southern Alps Traverse in 1979. Airing his prodigious glutes?
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Minerals
Social climber
The Deli
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Sep 15, 2009 - 01:14pm PT
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CLASSIC! Great stories! Great photos! THANKS!!!
Yeah, Tom; Debby is my mom. Sounds like you guys got some good skiing in this past winter. Too bad we didn’t get to meet up at the YMS party… Maybe next time?
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Fuzzywuzzy
climber
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Sep 15, 2009 - 01:22pm PT
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Minerals -
Yes I did miss that opportunity. Had a great time visiting and skiing with Debby. I was up in TM this past week lurking in the bc looking around the Nelson Lake area etc. Should be in the valley a bit this fall. I would really enjoy meeting you. I will post up a whole show of NZ, Trapps etc eventually. Right now I'm drawn to climbing before scanning!!
Are yo in the Valley now?
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Minerals
Social climber
The Deli
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Sep 15, 2009 - 01:38pm PT
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Tom,
In Lee Vining right now, but will be back up in the Meadows in a bit… until they kick me out for the season! I think we met in Tuolumne back in the 90’s(?) – Ned introduced us and I think Susie was around too. If you are going to be passing through at all, we should hook up and drink some beer! Yes, climbing should always take precedence over Internet time, but some days one just has to rest… or wait for the sun to get to one’s favorite wall. Cheers, Bryan
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Peter Haan
Trad climber
San Francisco, CA
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Sep 15, 2009 - 01:42pm PT
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SuperTopo on the Web
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Let us know!