“Climbing is a team sport for individuals.”
Bob Proudman
Bob, eventually the Trailmaster for the AMC Trail Crew, introduced our “first year men” team to rock climbing. I haven’t been the same since. He was my multi-pitch rock climbing mentor and was also responsible for my first attempt at a real snow climb: “South Gully” in Huntington Ravine on Mt. Washington. Mark Lawrence, Bob and I drove up to Pinkham Notch on Thanksgiving weekend, 1967. That same year, he and Mark achieved the remarkable first winter ascent of “Sam’s Swan Song” (5.7, 9 pitches with a bivouac) on Cannon Cliff. “Mixed climbing” was a European concept from a book they’d read by the great Italian mountaineer Walter Bonatti. Bob solved one of the cruxes with a barehanded layback up an icicle – while gaining purchase on rock with his special, customized for winter, Limmer Boots. Their two-day, one-night ascent ushered in a new level of commitment to New England's winter climb.
Mike-Nadeau-tops-the-Drool
Art-Mooney-on-Repentance
Experience is important. Feeling is important.”
Washington
Peace Rock
The-Canaletta-on-Aconcagua-photo-by-Heroux-
Autumn-on-Lost-Souls-South-Buttress-Whitehorse-Ledge-NH
Our mental power pushes our body to go further; in other words, our body follows our head.”