Half Dome a Historic Duel
A climb up the face of Half Dome on September
4th 2001
Paraplegic
Climber Mark Wellman Prepares For
10-Year Anniversary Ascent Of Yosemite's Half Dome
Wellman,
adventure sports enthusiast, plans to scale the treacherous vertical
face of Half Dome, in Yosemite, California, using only arm-power
in an effort to demonstrate the advancement in technology for
the disabled.
On
September 4, 2001, paraplegic adventure athlete, Mark Wellman,
along with long-time climbing partner Mike Corbett will begin
their second ascent of the famous monolith in Yosemite National
Park, Half Dome. The first ascent, successfully completed
ten years ago in 1991, took the climbers 13 days. It was the 20th
actual ascent of the sheer altering Tis-sa-ack route, but was
the first paraplegic ascent.
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Fighting a vicious combination
of sleet, electrical storms and snow, the anticipated 7-day adventure
took 13 days. In one bold stroke, Wellman broke through centuries of
barriers in public perception and within the disabled community. His
climb threw down a challenge to the world. Just how far and how bravely
can the disabled push the limits of human ability?
The climb is not only a personal challenge for Mark, 41, but it highlights
the achievements of all people with disabilities. " I like to find
new ways to motivate people, disabled or not. My dedication to the sport
of climbing and commitment to other athletes with disabilities, fuels
my own passionate drive," says Wellman.
Wellman's long time climbing partner is Mike Corbett, age 47 and veteran
of over 60 ascents of El Capitan and Half Dome. The special adaptive
climbing equipment that Wellman will be using, was originally designed
by the two climbers, and will allow Wellman to ascend the rope by doing
pull-ups six inches at a time. The anticipated eight-day climb will
begin on September 4 reaching the summit on September 12. Wellman
will depart from the Yosemite Valley Stables, following the Half Dome
Direct Route, hauling approximately 250 pound of gear and provisions.
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