Cesare Maestri
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He was, at the same time, one of the undeniably best climbers of his generation, and a complete pariah in the climbing community.
So long Cesare...
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Thanks for the link David.
Maestri returned to Cerro Torre in the winter of 1970, carrying what became an infamous 60-kilogram gas-powered compressor drill, in an attempt to set the record straight and silence the critics.
I believe that souvenir hunters have not yet removed that artifact from high on Cerro Torre.
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Maestri's debacle illustrates how hard it is to regain your street cred after losing it. I am not worthy to judge him so will just leave it at Rust in Piece.
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@FritzRay Iirc, @Scole Cerro Torre thread had some pics of this infamous compressor, no?
Although I had not known its origin. Learn something everyday. Rock on.
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@Alfalfa My sentiments, too.
There is zero question that he was one of the best climbers of his time. Then he did something that upset pretty much the whole alpine climbing world. And when he was called out for it, he doubled down.
Can -- or even should -- you and I judge him?
I think the best judgement came when Hayden and Jason freed that entire route, chopped the bolts, but chose to leave the compressor. Nuff said.
