
Return
to the Challenge - July
19, 1999
Mark Wellman's and Mike Corbett's ascent of El Capitan.
On
July 19, 1999, paraplegic climber Mark Wellman and big wall veteran
climber Mike Corbett climbed the highest unbroken granite cliff
in the United States, El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. |
The
first historic disabled climb took place on July 19, 1989 and
was completed 8 days later on July 26. The route taken by Wellman
and Corbett is called the Shield Route. This climb was not only
a personal challenge for Mark, but it highlights the achievements
of people with disabilities.
" I like to find new ways to motivate people, disabled or not,
and my dedication to the sport of climbing and commitment to other
athletes with disabilities helps my own passionate drive," says
Wellman.
Wellman
had no assistance other than his long time climbing partner Mike
Corbett, and the adaptive climbing gear, equipment originally
designed by Wellman and Corbett, which is now being introduced
to the disabled community.
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The
climb began on July 19, 1999. They will carried with them approximately
200 pound of gear, including 80 pounds of water (10 gallons), 20
pounds of food, 40 pounds of sleeping bags, clothing, rain gear,
head lamps, first aid kit, cameras, etc. They will used 40 pounds
of ropes, carabiners and protection devices. Following the climb,
Wellman returned to Yosemite Valley on mule back. |
Return
to the Challenge - July
19, 1999 - July 30,1999
Daily updates from Mark & Mike
Day
1 - July 19,1999 | Day 2 - July 20, 1999
| Day 3 - July 21, 1999 |
Day 4 - July 22, 1999
Day 5 - July 23, 1999 | Day
6 - July 24, 1999 | Day 7 - July 25th,
1999 | Day 8 - July 26th, 1999
Day 9 - July 27th, 1999 |
Day 10 - July 28th, 1999 | Day 11 - July
29th, 1999
Final Day - Day 12 - July 30, 1999
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