High camp and above the clouds on Mount Fairweather in 1958. This major expedition by the BC Mountaineering Club was organized as a celebration of the province’s Centenary.

Details of the expedition are found in items: F205-S11(12-5)-i1, F205-S11(12-4)-i1 and F205-S11(12-4)-i2

When a group of mountaineers sets out on a major expedition, publicizing the trip makes a lot of sense.

This letter and report from Paddy Sherman to Douglas J. Horne, Publicity Director for the BC Centennial Committee outlines the planned 1958 expedition to Mount Fairweather.

Paul Binkert at the Mount Fairweather base camp in 1958, looking a little weather-beaten. This major expedition by the BC Mountaineering Club was organized as a celebration of the province’s Centenary.

Details of the expedition are found in items: F205-S11(12-5)-i1, F205-S11(12-4)-i1 and F205-S11(12-4)-i2

Paul Binkert (left) at the Mount Fairweather base camp in 1958. This major expedition by the BC Mountaineering Club was organized as a celebration of the province’s Centenary. The other two mountaineers are unnamed.

Details of the expedition are found in items: F205-S11(12-5)-i1, F205-S11(12-4)-i1 and F205-S11(12-4)-i2

A CBC producer and cameraman joined the 1958 BC Centennial ascent of Mount Fairweather. Inexperienced as they were, their tenacity seemed to be intact as they made it across the Fairweather Glacier to reach Base Camp — no small feat in itself. From there, the mountaineers continued onwards for the actual ascent.

This article charts both the climb, and the views of the journalists on this extraordinary journey.

"With a backhand flip, nature would have wiped out all of us, but for the radio, and Flt. Lt. Cameron's wish to miss the early-morning sea fog."

The "nature" in question here is not an avalanche or rock fall, but a massive tidal wave, caused by a destructive earthquake. This drama marked the end of the 1958 (BC) Centennial Project Expedition to Mount Fairweather.

This account gives a wonderful insight into the planning and implementation of this expedition, including their lucky escape from death.