Bill Satko
Member
- Messages
- 3,209
- Location
- Methow Valley
When I was growing up during the 50's and 60's, Seattle did not have the major league sport teams that we have today. My hero's as a kid were the Husky (U of Wash) sporting teams, unlimited hydroplane racers and a mountain climber. I suspect that the idea of a mountain climber seems like a strange hero for a young kid to have, but you have to understand how proud we were when local boy Jim Whittaker became the first American to climb to the top of Mount Everest. Later in my life when I also began to climb I would learn about other great local climbers like Fred Beckey, but there was always a certain place in my heart for Jim Whittaker.
This morning my wife and I were at one our favorite little hole in wall eating establishment (Sweet Laurette and Cyndee's Cafe) in Port Townsend. We just ran in there to have some coffee before heading down to the town proper to enjoy the Wooden Boat Festival. He walked around the corner from the back part of the restaurant and I knew him instantly, Jim Whittaker. I jabbed the wife and pointed to him discreetly and asked if she knew who that was. She must have thought I was nuts, as she could tell I was excited about something. Just then, one of the owners of the place came out and said "Goodbye Jim", confirming what I already knew. His is eighty now but does not look his age. He still stands tall and erect. I thought for a millisecond of going up to him and saying something, but thought it best to let him enjoy his day without some idiot bothering him. I never thought of an autograph as I view them as demeaning to everyone involved.
You know, I am happy just to have seen him and to remember that part of my childhood. So I say to him now what I did not say in that restaurant.
Thanks for being such a worthwhile hero.
This morning my wife and I were at one our favorite little hole in wall eating establishment (Sweet Laurette and Cyndee's Cafe) in Port Townsend. We just ran in there to have some coffee before heading down to the town proper to enjoy the Wooden Boat Festival. He walked around the corner from the back part of the restaurant and I knew him instantly, Jim Whittaker. I jabbed the wife and pointed to him discreetly and asked if she knew who that was. She must have thought I was nuts, as she could tell I was excited about something. Just then, one of the owners of the place came out and said "Goodbye Jim", confirming what I already knew. His is eighty now but does not look his age. He still stands tall and erect. I thought for a millisecond of going up to him and saying something, but thought it best to let him enjoy his day without some idiot bothering him. I never thought of an autograph as I view them as demeaning to everyone involved.
You know, I am happy just to have seen him and to remember that part of my childhood. So I say to him now what I did not say in that restaurant.
Thanks for being such a worthwhile hero.