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Andrew Embick, MD Photos

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Taylor-B. · · Valdez, AK · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 3,186

Andrew Embick, MD was one of the great Alaskan hardman that pioneered many difficult climbing routes and many whitewater first descents throughout AK and the world. He also wrote Blue Ice Black Gold a ice climbing guide to Valdez and Cold and Fast a guide book to AK whitewater.

A year ago I took a job at the Valdez Medical Clinic that Dr Embick and his wife, Dr. Todd, founded many years ago. Dr. Todd is still the owner and practices medicine there. I recently dug throught the clinic storage unit and found many framed pictures of Dr. Embick and his adventures laying dormant. I thought it would be nice to share some of these photos. I did my best to take photos of the photos and I apologize for the quality due to the glass on the photos creating a glare.

Dr. Embick did a few trips to Pakistan and would ride his bike from villiage to village providing care to many of the locals.

Dr. Embick in Pakistan

Dr. Embick made many FA in the Kichatna Mountains, including Middle Tripple Peak.
Dr. Embick
Kitchatna
Middle Triple Peak

Crystal Vision WI5, Valdez
Valdez Ice
Jay Rowe on Roman Candle. Photo by Tom Evans
Biathlon
AK whitewater

Taylor-B. · · Valdez, AK · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 3,186
Brian in SLC · · Sandy, Utah · Joined Oct 2003 · Points: 21,711

Wow...great shots!

Dig those old footfangs and ice tools.

Thanks!

C Miller · · CA · Joined Jan 2002 · Points: 87,830
astrov · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 0

edit: Cool photos. After doing some reading about him online, he left behind a complex legacy, but clearly excelled at everything he did.

L. Von Dommelheimer · · Anchorage · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 2,835

Sweet! Thanks!

The Shocker · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 511

The climber wearing foot fangs on the steep pillar is Jay Rowe, not the good doctor. Andy was a rad guy, they don't make them like that anymore.

john strand · · southern colo · Joined May 2008 · Points: 1,640

Ah the Doc...I met him after the K spire climb...wet suit, wide cracks ,,etc i think I have a photo fro Yosemite and Andy's kevlar rap line !!! it was pretty supple

Taylor-B. · · Valdez, AK · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 3,186
The Shocker wrote:The climber wearing foot fangs on the steep pillar is Jay Rowe, not the good doctor. Andy was a rad guy, they don't make them like that anymore.
Are you talking about the pic labeled "Valdez ice?" Do you know what the name of the climb that Jay Rowe is on.?
The Shocker · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 511

That photo was used on a mass printed post card years ago, labeled as Jay Rowe on Greensteps. I'm referring I the photo labeled as Andy on Loves way.

Clint Helander · · Anchorage, AK · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 612

the photo of Jay Rowe (and it is Jay Rowe) is on a feature called Roman's Candle (named after Roman Dial) on the right side of Keystone Greensteps in Valdez.

Awesome photos. He still holds a huge legacy here in Alaska.

Taylor-B. · · Valdez, AK · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 3,186

Thanks Shocker and Clint for the correction:)

Does anyone know what peak this one is?

???

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Pacific Northwest
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