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Is He a Hermit or a Saint, or Both? A Short Portrait of Howard Weamer

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This post by WildSnow.com blogger

Howard Weamer is somewhat of a legend, his having been the keeper of the Ostrander Hut in Yosemite for now more than three decades. He’s a photographer and writer. Years ago I reviewed Weamer’s photography book for Couloir Magazine, and have wondered how he’s been doing as the years progressed. Weamer’s beard has become rather white, but he’s still up there keeping his journal and being part of Yosemite mountain culture. The below video short offers a sweet vignette of the man.

Winters of My Life from Jonathan Burhop on Vimeo.

Weaner fills his days writing, reading, photographing, and being an ambassador to mountain culture. I like the way this video portrays the peaceful side of the human spirit, what with so much crazy violent stuff in film these days. Or for that matter, compare this clip to the modern ski film “slay” segment. I enjoy either end of the ski film spectrum, this clip is about the spirit and the latest from Matchstick or TGR is about entertainment — but what a contrast!

Weamer’s photography website

New York Times article about Ostrander and Weamer

Posted by Lou on August 16, 2010 | Filed Under Book Reviews, Mountain Culture, Movie Reviews 

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Comments

7 Responses to “Is He a Hermit or a Saint, or Both? A Short Portrait of Howard Weamer”

  1. Jonathan Burhop August 16th, 2010 3:08 pm

    Lou,

    Thanks for posting. Hope you all enjoy the short.

    JB

  2. Colin in CA August 17th, 2010 1:40 am

    What a beautiful man.

    Thanks guys.

  3. Tom August 17th, 2010 7:57 am

    Howard rules!

  4. Lom August 17th, 2010 12:02 pm

    Went on my first backcountry trip with Howard snow camping below the Granite Chalet in Glacier. Learned that Howards pack weighed half of mine. Sat out a snow storm for an entire day and wondered how anyone could lay there as calm. When we did get some turns Howard tele’d left and paralleled right. Ever try that, its tough. He did for 1500′ with just a 3pin and leathers. That was 17 years ago and i still remember him well.

  5. Lou August 17th, 2010 12:49 pm

    Lom, terrific!

  6. Gordo in CA August 18th, 2010 9:47 am

    Howard is a special man in a special place. Totally recommend making the effort and getting on out to Ostrander.

  7. George Wesely February 9th, 2011 8:24 pm

    I’ve had the good fortune and honor to join Howard for a couple days of skiing, exploring, and hanging out at the Ostrander Hut every year for the past decade. Each time I’m amazed at how strong, full of life, and heartwarming he is. It’s definitely a highlight for me every year and each time I leave I can’t wait until the next time. Howard is a true inspiration to me and everyone else who makes the Ostrander Hut their temporary home. It’s a magic place and the Howard is an amazing person who has done incredible things in his life.

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Welcome to Louis (Lou) Dawson's backcountry skiing information opinion website and e magazine. Lou's passion for the past 45 years has been alpinism, climbing, mountaineering and skiing -- along with all manner of outdoor recreation. He has authored numerous books and articles about backcountry skiing and is well known as the first person to ski down all 54 of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks, otherwise known as the Fourteeners! Books and free back country news and information here, and tons of Randonnee rando telemark info.

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