Totally awesome climber: Buggs
I first met Buggs at the US Air Force Global Survival Instructor school in 1982. We were both hard charging military guys, except that I had 7 years climbing experience, including many big wall climbs. I was actually an instructor of Buggs’ when he went through the rocks/rescue portion of his training.
Photos courtesy of Old Skool Bruce
Buggs has never been the strongest leader in the group. He has always been years behind in that respect, but what he brings to the team in terms of humor and sense of adventure is priceless. He doesn’t mind suffering to get out and have a good time with us. Many years ago he named us “The Sufferers”.
So we took him up the South Face of Mt. Watkins for his first big wall. No easy task that one, even to be a follower! But his endless quest for adventure has partnered him with us for decades now, and he has climbed in many places like Yosemite, The Needles, The Palisades, Rocky Mountain National Park, The Organ Mts in New Mexico, and more. And it ain’t over yet!!
Buggs just climbed the Petit Grepon in RMNP with us last summer, a 1,000 ft tower that tops out at 12,500 ft elevation, another big bite!!
One of my favorite Buggs moments came when he was leading Reeds Pinnacle Direct in Yosemite. It is a very sustained 5.9 old skool trad lead. Anyway, he was struggling with the jams, the strenuousness, and the gear, when he, sweating, looked down at me and said “Maybe Homey ain’t supposed to be inna first grade...”
Classic Buggs!!!
I love you Buggs. Hang in there brother!
– Submitted by Old Skool Bruce
