Another bit of History: Joe Tasker

Here is another of "Bonington's Boys" featured prominently in the wonderful book THE BOYS OF EVEREST. I first came in contact with Joe Tasker reading Mountain magazine in the 1970s, in particular, the article "Five and a Half North Faces" touched me deeply. It recounted a very productive summer he had in the Alps with Dick Renshaw. I corresponded with him briefly in the late 1970s about Dunagiri as I had a permit to go to the Garwhal.

He died on the north-side of Everest in 1982. His climbs were notable, and he did much to ignite the "light is right" ... Do it alpine style approach to the big mountains. Among his most important ascents were new routes on Dunagiri and Changabang, and a first British winter ascent of the Eigerwand.

I am pleased that the Cold Thistle blog has unearthed a period piece from the 1970s, where Joe Tasker talks about the state of the gear, and the process of gearing up for a big climb. If you are a Fossil alpinist, then you are old enough to remember all of these items ... Including the Chouinard alpine hammer and salsas wart-hogs. Enjoy the walk down memory lane.


CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE ARTICLE.