In California’s Yosemite National Park, an 8-year-old kid finished climbing El Capitan on Friday, becoming the youngest person to do so, according to his father, who has been supporting him throughout their ascent since they started it earlier this week.
Sam Adventure Baker accomplished the accomplishment on Friday night, according to a Facebook post from his father.
“What an amazing week! I’m so proud of Sam,” Joe Baker wrote in the post. “He completed the youngest rope ascent of ElCap!”
Since Tuesday, the two have been scaling the rock as a four-person team, with one climber leading the group and laying the ropes for the others to follow.
Earlier Friday, the pair told CNN they would hang a banner on their way up that says, “I love you, Mom, almost there.”
Rock climbing has long been a part of the family’s activities – Sam was “in a harness before he could walk,” his father said, adding that his wife is also in love with the sport.
According to a Facebook post, Joe and Sam will hike eight miles away from El Capitan’s face on Saturday after sleeping in a double sleeping bag.
We’ll spend days in the afterglow, Joe predicted.
According to the Yosemite National Park website, El Capitan is located more than 3,000 feet above valley floor.
And Joe anticipated that his son will cry at some point during the four-day trek because “it’s hard.” It’s emotional, but he’s handled everything with such fortitude.
Sam’s bravery is not particularly shocking. According to his father, the young youngster has been preparing to perform the unprecedented accomplishment for at least 18 months. In Utah’s Zion National Park, the two had also scaled Moonlight Buttress, giving Sam’s father confidence that he was prepared for El Capitan.
“He did terrific on it and really showed us that he could handle the exposure,” Joe said.
