Oral History Interview with Robert Bates, 2000 November 10

Oral history interview with Robert Bates, an eminent American Alpine Club member. Bates enumerates his climbs of Mount McKinley, Mount Washington, K2, White Mountains, the Alps, Mount Alverstone, Mount Hubbard, Mount Russell, and more. Bates described his college education and Ph.D., his early experience surveying, and his early climbs. Bates discussed in detail his 1938 K2 climb and the ensuing challenges such as his teammate surviving Dengue Fever, multiple attempts to set up base camp, and food shortages. Bates also detailed his experiences during in the army during World War II and his interactions with the United States Army 10th mountain division. Discussed his fall during his second climb of K2 in 1953. Bates discussed the political conflicts of China, Tibet, and Pakistan during a climb in 1985. Also detailed personal life including growing up, his college experience, married life, and his book being published.