Rainier guides in the 1940's

[chirp]

So I did a fast hike up Tiger 3 this morning and upon arrival to the summit was greeted with a small group celebrating a birthday complete with hats, wine, and cheese. *Thanks for the cheese BTW.

 

After a bit an older gentleman whom I had passed further down on the trail arrived and we got into a nice chat. He looked to be 60ish and fit as well as super sharp. Turns out he is 84 and was a former guide on Rainier during the late 40's. What an awesome chap and still on top of his fitness and desire to stay there.

 

I was suitably inspired and with tummy full of cheese, I bade him good day.

 

What I would like to find is a list or if someone knows guides from that period, I am fascinated by his story and just curious about what the recreational period was during those days since no one I know in their 80s is remotely as fit or aware.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

 

Jumar savoring the sun and the free cheese

[Lowell_Skoog]

Was it Chuck Welsh that you met?

 

If so, did you know that he was in the first party to make a complete ski descent of Rainier in 1948?

 

See Dee Molenaar's book, "The Challenge of Rainier," for more about early Rainier guides.

[chirp]

I think that was him!

Awesome! I will dig out my copy of TCoR and look him up!

 

Thank you sir!

[Lowell_Skoog]

I will dig out my copy of TCoR and look him up!

 

In my copy of the book there's a rather grainy picture of Chuck on p. 304.