In the spring of 87, I arrived in the valley determined to do some of the classics. Not having a climbing partner I Free-Soloed the Steck- Salathe route on the Sentinel, the lower crux was wet and I bypassed it on the right. The narrows were terrifying and I think the only thing that kept me in them was the absolute fear of falling out. Years later I heard that Derek Hersey had died on the route and I realised how lucky I had been . Fortunately , soon after my ascent I met up with John Culberson, Bobby Knight and John Bald and continued to have a much safer climbing trip.
Chris-South Africa - Apr 9, 2019 3:45 am - Hasn't voted
For the recordIn the spring of 87, I arrived in the valley determined to do some of the classics. Not having a climbing partner I Free-Soloed the Steck- Salathe route on the Sentinel, the lower crux was wet and I bypassed it on the right. The narrows were terrifying and I think the only thing that kept me in them was the absolute fear of falling out. Years later I heard that Derek Hersey had died on the route and I realised how lucky I had been . Fortunately , soon after my ascent I met up with John Culberson, Bobby Knight and John Bald and continued to have a much safer climbing trip.