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

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

"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.