Ever since a family outing to Mount Rainier National Park when I was 12, I've been obsessed with all things relating to mountains and mountain climbing. I've spent much of my adult life hiking, camping and climbing in the High Sierra and other mountain ranges. I have settled down quite a bit, though, since my earlier days. I married my wife when I was about 40, and we now have a five year old son. My wife also loves the mountains, although she has a much more sedentary attitude towards them. Come to think of it, my attitude has shifted that way, too. I just don't seem to find the time to work out and stay in shape for the demanding kinds of trips that I used to take. (Maybe if I wasn't spending so much time sitting in front of this computer... hmmm.) My son, though, has been a real inspiration for keeping my mountain dreams alive. My main dream is to start taking him on back packing trips so that he can have the opportunity to learn and enjoy the art of mountain craft. I Hope that he, too, will experience the kind of joy and wonder that I have experienced in all my adventures.

Gordon Jacobs, 2006

Below: On Kaiser Ridge- March, 1987..