Seven Summits (26 page)

Battered, bloodied and breathing hard: an out-of-shape Frank Wells following his near-fatal slip above the Vacas River.
(Credit: Dick Bass)

The indefatigable Steve Marts, cinematographer on all seven summits.
(Credit: Rick Ridgeway)

Rick Ridgeway (left) and Frank still have trouble with swollen rivers even on the easier ‘ruta normal.’ Aconcagua 1983.
(Credit: Dick Bass)

Ice-climbing seminar. Yvon Chouinard (left) coaches Dick on proper ice-climbing technique near base camp, Aconcagua ‘83.
(Credit: Rick Ridgeway)

Taking five at 16,200 feet, Camp I on Aconcagua. (left to right) Dan Emmett, Frank Wells, Rick Ridgeway, Gary Neptune.
(Credit: Dick Bass)

Days end as seen from Camp I on Aconcagua, 16,200 feet.
(Credit: Dick Bass)

Dawn light at 20,500 feet, Aconcagua. Dick (left) and Frank take a break on the first summit bid.
(Credit: Rick Ridgeway)

Almost there: Gary Neptune (yellow) and Yvon Chouinard near Aconcagua's summit.
(Credit: Dick Bass)

Success at last! Aconcagua, Dick and Frank's first summit as a team.
(Credit: Dick Bass)

The big one. Everest, 29,028 feet.
(Credit: Galen Rowell/High and Wild Photo)

The ’83 Everest team: (bottom) Rodney Korich; (first row, left to right), Jim States, Steve Marts, Peter Jamieson, Yogendra Thapa, Ed Hixson; (second row, left to right) Dick Bass, Phil Ershler, Larry Nielson, Gary Neptune, Frank Wells; (rear) Gerry Roach.
(Credit: Jim States)

Trekking to base Camp, just beyond Tengboche Monastery.
(Credit: Dick Bass)

Chorten memorials to Sherpas killed in the Icefall on previous expeditions.
(Credit: Dick Bass)

Sherpa cook prepares dinner at the ‘84 Everest base camp.
(Credit: Dick Bass)