There is always something über cool happening in Tahoe!
After dinner at California Burger with Adele, Bruce, Bob & Jenny, we all headed to MontBleu to see the documentary film, Dirtbag about the epic life story of American mountaineering icon Fred Beckey, who inspired generations with his record ascents and rebel lifestyle. According to Urban Dictionary, a dirtbag is defined as a person who is committed to a given (usually extreme) lifestyle to the point of abandoning employment and other societal norms in order to pursue said lifestyle. Dirtbags can be distinguished from hippies by the fact that dirtbags have a specific reason for their living communally and generally non-hygienically; dirtbags are seeking to spend all of their moments pursuing their lifestyle.
I love a place that offers a photo opportunity the moment you enter (see below for the real photo).
The night was hosted by Todd Offenbacher, a pretty famous Tahoe guy. He was also a friend of Fred's and the associate producer for the film. He did a wonderful job of sharing personal insight and his own interesting tales of Fred Beckey.
Prior to seeing this film, we knew nothing of this man. Boy, we are so glad we now do! Fred Beckey (1923-2017) is the original American Dirtbag climber whose name has evoked mystery, adulation and vitriol since the 1940s. Beckey’s stubborn, singular quest to conquer peaks meant a solitary life on the road, where he left a long trail of scorned climbing partners and lost lovers in his wake.
There is far too much to say about this man, who is hailed as one of the most prolific, influential climbers of all time. I recommend you see this movie. If you can't, then read one of the thirteen books he has written. He is a pretty interesting character. One we were so happy to have met via this documentary.
When asked, at 90, "How have you been motivated to keep going all these years?" Fred replied, "I don't know what inspires me; I can't explain it. It's hard to put into words. Why does anyone do anything? I like to do it; it's fun. I have as much fun climbing today as I did 20, 30 years ago."
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