Jimmie Dunn is a climbing legend. On El Capitan he succeeded with Cosmos where Royal Robbins, Yvon Chouinard, and Jim Bridwell failed. Solo. He was also under threat of violence by some California climbers, who bullied his attempt. Jim Donini promised to protect him. He dropped his sleeping bag and slept in canvas bag. He did it, over 8 days, and made peace with Bridwell, who congratulated him and made him dinner when he got down.
He is also one of the kindest, gentlest souls around. We hope y’all enjoy this conversation.
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Photo: Jimmie Dunn on Eighth Voyage in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado, circa 1980. Photo taken by Peter Gallagher, Jimmie Dunn Collection.
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This was fun to listen to. I learnef to climb around 1990 when i liven in Boston abd remember Jimmy Dunn’s name from my Ed Webster NH guidebook. At the time I thought Cannon Cliff was a big wall lol. Sounds like he is overflowing with crazy stories so you ahould consider doing a follow up episode.