February 26, 2013

The Mountaineer Scouts were guests of the Alpine Club of Canada, Vancouver Section, at their monthly social on Tuesday night.  The special guest speaker was the legendary Fred Beckey. Fred captivated the audience during a two hour slide and film retrospective of his over 70 years of climbing in North America. Fred turned 90 a few weeks ago. He says he’s on his way to Red Rocks, Nevada, for some rock climbing this spring and has plans for another trip to the Bugaboos this summer.

Here’s the ACC’s write up of him for this event:

“Fred Beckey will present highlights from his climbing adventures and first ascents. If you look in guide books for Mt. McKinley, Mt. Hunter, Mt. Deborah, Mt. Waddington, The Canadian Rockies, The Bugaboos, The Cascade Range, Sierra Nevada, Wind River Range, Desert Tower, Squamish, Mexico (etc, etc…) chances are you’ll see Fred Beckey listed, often as the first person to ascend a particular mountain or route. It’s also likely he’s written the book. Whether you are a mountaineer or a rock climber, Fred’s got something to say of interest to you. And if you’re going climbing, there’s a good chance he’ll hitch a ride to the crag, the mountain or the ice. On January 14th, at least according to a couple of websites, he turned 90. Come out and wish him a belated Happy Birthday!”

Note: Fred mentioned that he was first introduced to the mountains as a Boy Scout (that would have been during the 1930s).

The monthly Alpine Club of Canada, Vancouver Section, social meeting is overflowing this evening in response to the presence of the legendary Fred Beckey.

The Scouts sit patiently while Fred is introduced.

Fred spent over 70 years climbing in North America and his presentation took us through some of his adventures in each of the climbing areas indicated on this map.

Fred and team on the summit of an Alaskan peak (Mt. Washington or Mt. McKinley most likely).

A couple of Honey Badgers in their natural environment.

Fred explained that he and his climbing partner set their tent on this platform just because they thought it would look cool. Mission accomplished Fred!

The Scouts are given the honour of helping the Club draw the door prize tickets for the night.

Tthe Mouuntaineer Scouts get to meet a legendary mountaineer! Fred explained during his presentation that he was first exposed to mountains as a Boy Scout. He would have been a member some time during the 1930s.

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It was a late night for the Scouts but this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet a living legend:
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