The Peruvian Chronicles: Hats off to Michael Ybarra 1967-2012
When I came down from a week in the Cordillera Blanca to learn that Michael had died while soloing in the high Sierra Nevada, my reaction was one of sadness tinged with the stoic quiver of knowing that a friend died doing the things he loved the most. In the brief time I got to know him, I discovered that Michael and I shared an ever-waning appreciation for the romantic intricacies of the human spirit upon which climbing has the ability to shed light; A deep respect for metaphor, the awareness of self which inevitably flowers from the absurd and often dangerous situations we put ourselves in, and the power of that awareness to let us sympathize with our fellow adventurers and those who have risked and thrived in so many other arenas.
The Dirtbag Millionaire himself. I saw this photo on his Facebook page...classic Michael.
Being in his early 40’s, Michael gave me a glimpse of what I might grow into as my years continue to fly by. It’s rare that I see my future-self reflected in older people, not because I will not age, but because I strive to maintain my youth through a free spirited attitude that often goes limp when life’s many tribulations inevitably harden the spirit. But Michael learned and practiced one of the many skills necessary to climbers and writers…the ability to take one’s self lightly. His writing was always laced with a thread of humor, often at his own expense, despite the ever-present and usually unspoken fact that Michael was, in all senses of the word, a rock-star.
I sit here in a coffee shop in Huaraz, Peru, planning another foray into the Cordillera Blanca, where the sense that one’s life is in the hands of the mountains can be as blinding as the endless white glaciers, and a thirst for glory can darken our better judgment more than the blackness of night. Michael climbed in these mountains as well, and no doubt came away from his experience with far more than met his eyes or chilled his bones.
Here’s to you Michael.
Posted in Climbing, Featured, International, Yosemite | 19 Comments
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Hi guys. Reading this entry from Gil gave me the chills. My thoughts are with them and all of you. I posted links on my fb page but please let me know if there’s anything else I can do. Please. ~ Rachel Z.
Hey man…
I hope you are alright… Do come back… I read you were missing for 5 days plus!
People of your kind, with your free spirit are needed today in this world… Come back!
Rest In Peace, mighty souls…
R.I.P.
I just read the news about him and Ben Horne…my deepest sympathy to their loved ones…
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of these climbers; my deepest sympathies o their families.
Your and Ben’s families will be in my thoughts and prayers. “Vaya con Dios, porque el esta con usted.”
My condolences to the families. I continually read about extreme sports enthusiasts who go to the well once too often. The facts of these deaths should shake the confidence of thrill seekers. A wrong move and it’s over. It’s not carelessness but a statistical certainty of the unexpected occurring. Don’t flame me; just saying.
RIP, you’ll be greatly missed…
Gil/Ben, you’ll be greatly missed too…just saw the news on AJ
I am not mountain climber. Just read news about these two climbers. RIP.
Poignant. Godspeed.
Guts & Glory!
To two brave heroes who actually lived the life they wanted to live and died doing what they loved! I bow down and salute your courage; I am sure you have gone in peace!
Came across the loss of the passionate, disciplined and amazing souls, will checking the Olympics.
God Bless, Michael, Gil, Ben and their families. I know I will always remember the depth that they touched others with their character, ambition and love.
Gil and Ben We loved having you stay with us in Huaraz …..you will be missed and intrulybadmired you…. May you rest in peace…..
Had to LOL at “Dirtbag Millionaire” – Mike would have wore that title proudly.
Poignant indeed. Rest in peace my dear brother Michael, Ben and Gil.
Michael, Ben and Gil: you are all gone but not forgotten. Much love to the three of you.
While it is very, very sad to hear of Mike’s early demise, it is also freeing to hear that he died doing something that he loved! There truly is no better way to go! When it is my own time, I only hope that it is doing something that has also freed my life in ways that only I can comprehend!
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