Camp 4 (Paperback)

Recollections of a Yosemite Rockclimber. In the 1960’s, California’s Yosemite
Valley was the center of the rock-climbing universe. Young nonconformistsñmany
of them the finest rock climbers in the world-channeled their energy toward
the largely untouched walls and cracks. Soon climbers from around the globe
were coming to Camp 4-gathering spot for the creators of the Golden Age of
Yosemite climbing-to see what all the fuss was about.
Climber and author Steve Roper spent most of 10 years living in the Yosemite
Valley with its intriguing inhabitants. Camp 4 is his take on the era’s top
climbers and the influences behind their achievements. The text is full of
stories both hilarious and revealing about the likes of bolt-disdaining Royal
Robbins; fun-loving, big-wall expert Warren Harding; free-climber Frank
Sacherer; multi-talented Chuck Pratt; master craftsman Yvon Chouinard; and
ill-fated Mark Powell. Roper also tips his hat to the elder statesmen of the
1930s and 1940s who pioneered early, important climbs in the valley.
Camp 4 looks at the most significant climbs, and the most riveting
controversies of a legendary era. With more than 50 fascinating historical
photographs, most never before published, Camp 4 is the definitive chronicle
of the period. (2nd edit.)