I met Michael briefly on the Sierra Challenge 2005, day 1. Just a name introduction really. The target peak that day was Mt. Hilgard. Late in the day I ran into Michael and climbing friend Eric near Dade Lake after descending from Cox Col. Neither of us summitted Mt. Hilgard that day. However, about a month after SC 2005 finished; I saw a Bob Burd internet note that a SC 2005 article would soon appear in the Wall Street Journal. I had no idea there was a professional writer among our SC participants. It was Michael Ybarra. And his Sierra Challenge article was titled "Some People Call This Fun. Some People are Idiots". Michael gives his impressions of the Sierra Challenge, organizer Bob Burd, etc. using an informative style, while interjecting ample amounts of humor. It's a fantastic article. Michael is a skilled writer. He mentions a climber's (my) unplanned bivy one night and setting a negative elapsed time record of 23 hours and 55 minutes. I have shared MIchael's article with many office workers, friends, and family back home over the years. All of them howl with laughter reading MIchael's SC article and seeing my recorded ill fortune. MIchael, you will be missed by all of us in the climbing community. And writing community. My condolences to your entire family.
Scott

ScottHanson wrote:I met Michael briefly on the Sierra Challenge 2005, day 1. Just a name introduction really. The target peak that day was Mt. Hilgard. Late in the day I ran into Michael and climbing friend Eric near Dade Lake after descending from Cox Col. Neither of us summitted Mt. Hilgard that day.

I remember that as if it were yesterday, Scott. Mike and I had just learned to climb, and we really familiarized ourselves with the layout of the Sierra during the challenge. We never tried another challenge (I'd love to), but we returned to those same areas many times as our climbing skills improved.

Thanks for the memory,
Eric

There will be a Memorial Service for Michael Ybarra at the Yosemite Lodge by the Falls on Sunday July 29, 11:30.

Please PM me or send me an email at pgoonghang@yahoo.com if you plan on attending and I will keep you informed of the details.

pgoonghang wrote:I remember that as if it were yesterday, Scott. Mike and I had just learned to climb, and we really familiarized ourselves with the layout of the Sierra during the challenge. We never tried another challenge (I'd love to), but we returned to those same areas many times as our climbing skills improved.

Thanks for the memory,
Eric

Eric,

Good to hear from you. It was great having you and Michael along for the ride that year. The article came as a surprise to me - I didn't really think Michael was writing for The Wall Street Journal - I thought he was joking about that at the time. Michael was a class act.

Very sad news. I've seen quite a few of his photographs which one of my favorites of his was this one:
http://www.summitpost.org/rasac/312337

Hello all,

Michael's memorial was held in Yosemite this weekend, and I was in attendance. It was a beautiful service for such a sad occasion. When I said goodbye to his mother after the service, she thanked me and told me to never stop climbing. I thought that was pretty cool!

Michael's sister has created a memorial page for him here:

Michael J Ybarra Memorial Page

Please feel free to contribute any photos or stories you may have, Thank you...

He was one of the good ones.

Rest