The chapter traveled to Montrose on Oct. 11-13 to tour the Shavano Valley Petroglyph Park, learn the history of Black Canyon, and enjoy a fascinating talk by Kelvin Kent, a member of Chris Bonington’s British teams for Annapurna (1970) and Everest (1972), and gain some insight on expedition fundraising.
Kent considers the 1970 Annapurna climb, “the last of an era of logistical sieges,” and believes there are phenomenal climbers today who are almost like ballet dancers. In regards to the rigors of climbing above 8000 meters, Kent said, “After being at altitude for long periods of time, no one can tell me this isn’t doing damage to one’s brain cells.”
He currently serves on the board of the nonprofit Western Colorado Friends of the Himalayas: