I just met Royal Robbins

“A friend of mine, Phil, recently arranged for a hiking companion of his - Royal Robbins - to come up for a presentation at the local Rotary Club this afternoon, and another at a local Community College. There were about 50 people there, and my friend introduced me. They had met last year on the CDT, hiking on the 150th anniversary of the trail, with Royal leading the contingent. Coincidentally, I was invited to go along on this hike, but I was already committed to the Llama Hike, and thus, wasn't able to make the trip to Colorado.

It was a great presentation, with Royal illustrating slides of his early foray's into rock climbing, to his present day excursions. For those who may not be familiar with him, Royal Robbins was the first to climg Half Dome (June '57), thus carving out one of many routes for others to follow, as well as El Capitan (1968).

Royal's 66 now, doesn't climb anymore, due to arthritis, but his adventures haven't stopped. He's planning an autobiography, several more kayaking trips, and, as he put it, "40 MORE years with my wife".

My friend Phil had arranged for Royal to provide several books - a biography entitled "Royal Robbins, Spirit of the Age", with all the proceeds donated to the local Boy Scouts. I bought one, and Royal kindly offered to autograph it for me.

How cool.”

“Cool indeed.

I've read stuff on him in Outside mag. They like to do articles on those pioneers of rock climbing, etc ... often the people who put their names on your clothes ... or at least their companies did. :-)”

“Big deal! I got a pair of his pants! 8)

That is so cool when we get to meet famous people Obi.”

“Be careful when meeting legends, somtimes they turn into normal people.”