Trip of a lifetime to climb El Capitan

Mark Hooper Start Date: Jan 29, 2017 - End Date: Sep 15, 2017
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Vacation/Personal Trip
  • Yosemite Valley, CA, United States of America
  • San Francisco, CA, United States of America
  • Groveland, CA, United States of America

My Travel Story

by: Mark Hooper Start Date: Jan 29, 2017 - End Date: Sep 15, 2017
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Vacation/Personal Trip
I'm a 52 year old climber, going to El Cap to try and live a dream of climbing Salathe Wall and Regular North West Face. I'm not a high level climber but am training hard to get better.

I'm going with a group of people who are all in the same boat - we are Big Wall Virgins. The group consists of 9 various level climbers, some of us work in the industry, I'm a Manager at an Indoor climbing wall and another works outdoors when required. The others are from various working backgrounds, a builber an engineer and an environmental specialist make up part of the group. Different ages and injury states make the climbing and group dynamics interesting.

I have nerve damage to my left ankle which means I have to wear a splint to walk properly and this makes climbing a challenge. The rest of the group have injuries ranging from torn shoulder ligaments to replacement elbows.

The trip is about finding out who I am and what I am capable of when pushed to the limit. I'm looking to learn a lot of new skills in the run up and also when I am there.

The funding I'm asking for is to enable the purchase of essential safety equipment for the trip.

Thanks very much
  • Yosemite Valley, CA, United States of America
  • San Francisco, CA, United States of America
  • Groveland, CA, United States of America