[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 155 (Saturday, September 27, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2073]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST VERTICAL ASCENT OF EL CAPITAN

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                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 26, 2008

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity 
to recognize the 50th anniversary of the first vertical ascent of 
Yosemite's El Capitan. Standing at 3,593 feet above the Yosemite Valley 
floor, EI Capitan is the largest granite monolith in the world. Since 
it was named by the Mariposa Battalion in 1851, this natural wonder has 
lured travelers and climbers from all over the world.
  The natural beauty and wonders of Yosemite National Park have 
inspired countless travelers and have earned Yosemite its reputation as 
the ``crown jewel'' of the National Park System. It was this very 
majesty that compelled Wayne Merry, George Whitmore and Warren J. 
Harding to fearlessly ascend the seemingly impassable face of El 
Capitan and become legends amongst the climbing community.
  Over a strenuous period of 47 days, this team of climbers 
courageously charted the Nose Route vertically over the face of EI 
Capitan. Lacking many of the technological developments available in 
current climbing gear, these men relied heavily on aid climbing with 
nothing more than fixed rope, pitons and expansion bolts to facilitate 
their ascent. Finally, on November 12, 1958, they conquered the summit 
of EI Capitan, effectively raising the standards of climbing throughout 
the world.
  I am proud to recognize the accomplishment of Wayne Merry, George 
Whitmore and Warren J. Harding on the occasion of their endeavor's 50th 
anniversary. Thousands of climbers have since used the very same route 
to reach El Capitan's summit and vista. I urge my colleagues to join me 
in recognizing the 50th anniversary of this achievement and honoring 
the brave men of the original climbing team.

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