Illustrated Lecture - Waddington the Mystery Mountain - AAC Member Olaf Soot

Monday, February 4, 2013
Reception: 6-7PM
Illustrated Talk: 7PM
The Explorers Club
46th East 70th Street
New York, NY
(Between Madison & Park)

 

Once known as the “Mystery Mountain”, Mt. Waddington, British Columbia’s highest peak, was one of the last great summits conquered in North America.  In 1936, an expedition lead by Fritz Wiessner finally succeeded in summiting this most spectacular and challenging peak in B.C.’s Coastal Range. Since that time, the mountain still sees relatively few ascents  even though access has been simplified over the years thanks to the skill of bush pilots.

Enamored by the beauty of this peak and its challenges, Olaf Soot has made 3 attempts over a 20 year span, finally succeeding in 1985   with son Mark Soot and Coloradoans Malcolm Daly and Bob Street. The adventure had more than its share of challenging moments including a final 5:10 poorly protected chimney on summit day.

Olaf is one of the best known and most admired members of the NY Section. An engineer by profession, he is know for his innovative theatrical designs, extraordinary photography and the hospitality he and his wife and longtime climbing partner Gitta have shown to the climbing community over the years at their home in Greenwich.

There is a $20 charge for the reception and talk. Advance reservations may be made with a credit card at 212-628-8383.or payment may be made at the door.