Yesterday my friend Rich reached the ultimate summit- we lost him on a hiking and scrambling approach to the Yosemite Big Wall, Liberty Cap. He wasnt even in the Vertical, but he surely was in his favorite place on the planet when he left. I am grateful to have known Rich- he and I endured a week on El Capitan together in 2008 on the 2nd ascent effort of Atlantis- I learned a lot in the Vertical with Rich, and even more in his consistent response to every soul he met with absolute love and joy, passion and acceptance. He introduced an untold number of people of all ages to the wonders of the great Sierras, and has made a bigger impact with his kind spirit than people may ever fully realize. On this day last September, it was the day before he turned 50 years old. I was hanging out n my favorite place on the planet- below El Cap with my son Manley Feinberg III and friend Chris West. Our amazing day was made even brighter by a surprise MANLEY!!! MANLEY!!! WAZ UP MAN!!!!! from deep within the woods, then the vagabond Vertical mad man himself gave me the kind of bear hug you cherish forever, especially when you realize it was your last on earth to receive from him. Climb on my friend! Ive still got you On Belay in my heart and mind Rich!!!
Posted on: Wed, 21 May 2014 00:49:42 +0000