048 Three Fingers Mountain Author Malcolm Bates
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In 1987, Malcolm Bates published the book Three Fingers: The Mountain, The Men and a Lookout. Three Fingers Mountain is the most recognizable peak seen from nearly anywhere in the I-5 corridor of Snohomish County, though non-hikers may not even know its name.
Bates recounts the history he learned while researching the lookout atop the South "finger". A chance encounter with Harold Engles, the man whose persistence is responsible for the placement of the lookout, while Bates was running a fifty mile trail run through the Glacier Peak Wilderness. In the years to follow Bates and Engles would met for an interview that was the spark plug for the book.
The way that Bates describes his meeting of the major role players of these early days in Darrington and the surrounding mountains is unforgettable. Listen to hear him describe Harold Engles, Harry Tucker, Harland Eastwood, Ed Towne, Harold Weiss, and the Bedal sisters Edith and Jean.
In our interview I found out that Malcolm Bates wrote another book, Cascade Voices. Having since read through the book, I can let you know that this is essential for Washington Climbers who enjoy the historic side of the sport. Bates was able to talk to the top few climbers of every century from the 20's to the 90's. Older notables that appear in Cascade Voices are: Emily Harris, Norval Grigg, Wolf Bauer, Fred Beckey, Harvey Manning, Jim Whittaker and Lowell Skoog.
If you have not read the book about Three Fingers, then listen to this interview and get an audio version of the history that time may forget.
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Check out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town.
