Mountain Climber

Nearing his sixth decade as a dedicated climber, William 'Bill' Katra describes himself as 'not a great climber, but a persistent one.' In his memoir, the author details his climbs in vivid detail, describing some of the world's most popular routes while emphasizing that scenic beauty is as important to a hike as technical difficulty. From his early partner-belayed adventures to his more recent unassisted solo 'scamper-climbs,' Bill's techniques have evolved, but his love for the experience remains steadfast. Within recent years, Bill has again summited a few climbs from his younger days, often reflecting on where senior climbers fit in the sport's changing social--and environmental--landscape. This memoir is a relatable and nostalgic account of a life well-spent in nature, as the author muses on his long-past adventures enriched and nurtured by the wisdom of the present.