I’m currently working on an outdoor/travel/adventure/photography show and have been spending a lot of time looking for local characters in Alaska. As I was browsing an air taxi service website that offers glacier landings in Denali, I came across a photo of two old men sitting on a couch with the following bio:
“Ted Gannon and Fred Beckey – Karma Control. Ted spends the off season in Nepal and Seattle. If you need counseling re: climbing or women, see Ted or Fred. Ted “the Head” Gannon is the man behind the whole climbing operation situating tents and tarps. Though Fred Beckey does not work for us, he is usually here every year scouting for new ascents and new names for his little black book and chasing the women.”
Excited that I found some great local characters I started calling around asking for Fred Beckey’s contact info. I finally “googled” him.
I had stumbled upon a living legend. Fred Beckey has been referred to as “The Old Man of the Mountains.” He is an American mountaineer and author who has made more first ascents than any other North American and has been referred to as one of the most accomplished climbers of all time. At 85+ the man is still climbing and still holds the following reputation: “Beware of Beckey: He will Steal your woman, and steal your route.”
Photo: Popular photo of Beckey found on internet.
Advertisement
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
Karma Control
In Commentary, Personal Story on February 20, 2011 at 11:32 pmI’m currently working on an outdoor/travel/adventure/photography show and have been spending a lot of time looking for local characters in Alaska. As I was browsing an air taxi service website that offers glacier landings in Denali, I came across a photo of two old men sitting on a couch with the following bio:
“Ted Gannon and Fred Beckey – Karma Control. Ted spends the off season in Nepal and Seattle. If you need counseling re: climbing or women, see Ted or Fred. Ted “the Head” Gannon is the man behind the whole climbing operation situating tents and tarps. Though Fred Beckey does not work for us, he is usually here every year scouting for new ascents and new names for his little black book and chasing the women.”
Excited that I found some great local characters I started calling around asking for Fred Beckey’s contact info. I finally “googled” him.
I had stumbled upon a living legend. Fred Beckey has been referred to as “The Old Man of the Mountains.” He is an American mountaineer and author who has made more first ascents than any other North American and has been referred to as one of the most accomplished climbers of all time. At 85+ the man is still climbing and still holds the following reputation: “Beware of Beckey: He will Steal your woman, and steal your route.”
Photo: Popular photo of Beckey found on internet.
Rate this:
Like this: