[CMCEmail] Fun day remembering Norman Clyde

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<http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sierrawave/~3/kA0AR0hm4XY/?utm_source=feedbu
rner&utm_medium=email> Fun day remembering Norman Clyde 

 

http://www.sierrawave.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/UNK-475a-Norman-Clyde-c
a.-1920.jpg

Birthday Bash Celebrates Norman Clyde, a Sierra Original 

 Norman Clyde in the prime of his outdoor life, looking as imposing as the
granite peaks of the Sierra which he helped scale in the 1930s, with the
help of just a rope, hob-nailed boots, his ice axe and few other pioneering
climbers such as Glen Dawson and Jules Eichorn. Photo courtesy the Eastern
California Museum.

Norman Clyde in the prime of his outdoor life, looking as imposing as the
granite peaks of the Sierra which he helped scale in the 1930s, with the
help of just a rope, hob-nailed boots, his ice axe and few other pioneering
climbers such as Glen Dawson and Jules Eichorn. Photo courtesy the Eastern
California Museum.

By Jon Klusmire

Norman Clyde remains a larger-than-life figure whose accomplishments as a
mountaineer and climber are sometimes overshadowed today by a focus on a
small number of personal quirks and amazing accomplishments that have also
added to his status as a legendary figure in the history of the Eastern
Sierra.

To commemorate and celebrate all aspects of Clyde's legacy, the Eastern
California Museum is hosting the first annual Norman Clyde Birthday Bash on
Saturday April 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a day of bluegrass music by
local favorites, Idle Hands, and free food and cake, exhibits and speakers
recalling their personal encounters and experiences with Clyde, and
discussing his place in the pantheon of climbers, mountaineers and, yes,
grumpy old slackers.

Norman Clyde's life resonates with many people today because he was "living
the dream" before that hackneyed phrase ever came into being. He spent the
bulk of his life roaming the High Sierra as a climber and mountain guide and
generally doing what he wanted to do, unencumbered by such trifles as a
permanent, full-time job, a wife or family, or the need to socialize or
worry about what other people thought of him or his lifestyle.

He was maybe one of the first successful "climbing bums" whose life has
served as model for thousands who have followed, quite literally, in his
footsteps as they, too, trek into the Sierra backcountry looking either for
a challenge posed by rock and granite, or solitude and the beauty of an
unspoiled landscape.

Numerous elements of Clyde's life and exploits in the mountains have reached
almost mythical proportions. He first gained fame as a climber with speed
ascents of Mt. Shasta, and by climbing 36 peaks in 36 days in Glacier
National Park. He was married to Winnie Bolster, whose death in 1919 left
Clyde a life-long widower. During the 1920s, Clyde went on epic climbing
binges, bagging dozens of first ascents at a stretch, which cemented his
reputation as a mountaineer. He would eventually record more than 100 first
accents in the Sierra. No one else even came close.

In the 1930s, he was a key figure in the Sierra Club's effort to train
mountaineers on the use of ropes and other technical climbing techniques.
Thus, he added "firsts" on technical climbing routes, including the East
Face of Mt. Whitney, to his catalog of achievements. His long association
with the Sierra Club was solidified as he became a notable presence during
the Club's High Trips, which brought hundreds of people to the Sierra every
summer.

But the off-mountain legend also was growing. Clyde was a college educated
school teacher of unbending standards, and gained notoriety when, as
principal of the Owens Valley School in Independence, he actually shot a car
carrying young men he believed were out to vandalize the school.

He resigned and took up the job he would have the rest of his life: writer,
photographer, trip leader, speaker, climber and guide, with notable paying
stints as a one-man search and rescue team who never failed to reach a plane
crash or the body of a fallen climber or lost hiker.

Then there was his pack. It was an 80-pound extravaganza of canvas, wood,
straps and rope that contained, boots, iron cookware, extra pistols, food,
bedding and books in Greek, Latin and German. He became "The Pack With
Legs," or "The Pack Who Walked Like a Man."

The Museum's birthday bash will begin by paying homage to "The Pack," with a
fun walk. Folks are asked to bring a backpack and carry a little weight on
the

A young Norman Clyde in the 1920s, when he undertook legendary climbing
sprees in the Eastern Sierra. He eventually recorded more than 100 first
ascents and numerous other "firsts," including winter ascents and new
routes. Photo courtesy the Eastern California Museum.

A young Norman Clyde in the 1920s, when he undertook legendary climbing
sprees in the Eastern Sierra. He eventually recorded more than 100 first
ascents and numerous other "firsts," including winter ascents and new
routes. Photo courtesy the Eastern California Museum.

moderate walk along Independence Creek and through town. Prizes, including a
replica Norman Clyde campaign hat, will be awarded to those carrying the
most weight or with the best costume. The walk will start at the Museum, 155
N. Grant St., at 11 a.m., but anyone can complete the loop during the day to
earn a handshake and maybe a hat.

Local acoustic, bluegrass band Idle Hands will start playing around noon.
Free hot dogs, chips, drinks and birthday cake will be on hand, and
donations will be accepted for beer and wine, provided by the Friends of the
Eastern California Museum.

Starting at 1:45 p.m., and continuing throughout the afternoon, a number of
local speakers will offer brief comments on Norman or talk about their
memorable encounters with Clyde.

Speakers include (in no particular order): Author and climber Andy Selters,
who wrote the text for the Museum's permanent Norman Clyde exhibit; Phil
Pister, retired DFW supervisor; Norm Milleron, a friend of Clyde's who also
penned a small book about their friendship; and Don Lauria.

At 2 p.m., the band will take a break so everyone can catch a special
presentation. Dennis Kruska will show a video interview with a spry,
102-year-old Glen Dawson, who as a young man in the 1930s, climbed with
Clyde and, with Clyde, led the first ascent of the East Face of Mt. Whitney.

Peter Ireland will pitch his vintage, 1930s camp for the day, and talk with
people about the gear and other elements that made up a comfy tent camp.
Also on display all day will be a backpacking camp recalling the days of
canvas tents and mummy bags, from the 1940s and 1950s.

Providing some perspective on the advances in climbing gear will be several
local climbers and guides, including SP Parker, who will display vintage
photos and gear, and Howie Schwartz and Neil Satterfield, who will have
vintage gear on display.

The Eastern California Museum is located at 151 N. Grant St. in
Independence. For more information, call  <tel:760-878-0258> 760-878-0258,
check the Museum's Facebook page or <http://www.inyocounty.us/ecmuseum>
www.inyocounty.us/ecmuseum.

 

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