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Deems Burton | all galleries >> Galleries >> Vintage Camping and Backpacking Times > Eric Ryback High Adventure 1970 PCT Book
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July 1970 Eric Ryback

Eric Ryback High Adventure 1970 PCT Book

Oregon

The journal book by Eric Ryback about his 1970 hike on the PCT from Canada to Mexico that fired the passions of hundreds of hikers in the 1970s to go hike the trail also. Thanks Monte for this scan.

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Fredd 13-Jan-2017 04:56
Read his book several years ago. My two younger brothers and I hiked the Muir Trail in 1970 (north to south). We were 14, 15, and 17 at the time. Our recollections of the Muir cast doubt on Eric having completed the whole PCT as some of his descriptions regarding the JMT section were rife with errors. He may have skipped a few parts of his hike or didn't keep a very detailed journal from which to write his book.
We were on the trail for about 45 days and climbed about 30 peaks along the way, the most ambitious probably being Mts Lyell and Darwin. We took our father's Optimus 8R stove and only used it twice (Dusy Basin in a 24 hr rainstorm and the summit hut on Whitney) We would gather wood and lash onto our packs when we knew we were sleeping above treeline. Was quite upset to find out years later about ranger Randy Morgenson being lost in Kings Canyon, as we had met him and hiked with him for most of an afternoon down Muir Pass to Little Pete Meadow. He was stationed at the Le Conte Ranger Station that summer. Most of our friends had spent the summer hanging out in the local park probably getting high and couldn't believe us until they viewed our slides of the trip (little square Kodak Instamatic photos) Wish we could still get a pair of Pivetta boots these days. Anyway it was quite a trip for three kids to have and provided some of our best memories. I guess our folks weren't as strict as all the other kids believed they were.
Guest 28-Aug-2011 18:13
This may be the guy who's packs were on the wall at the Glendale Kelty store. Hiked all crest trails in the US with one Kelty (pre Tioga) pack. It was a wee busted up but still hanging together, last I saw in 1972-1973.
Monte Dodge09-Nov-2008 23:14
Congrads to Eric for launching a generation of hikers who wished to follow his footsteps after reading this book! v
Charlie 08-Nov-2008 17:18
Hello, I am reading this book now and about half way through. It's wonderful. Eric is a very observant person and his writing style is clear allowing his emotions come through transparently. He talks about hiking as a "giant itching bump" from the mesquito bites. That's a great line.

What is Mr. Ryback doing now?
Charlie
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