campus news and events

Colby-Sawyer College to Host Climber and Photographer Dave Anderson's Presentation on his Pirate Valley Expedition

NEW LONDON, N.H., Dec. 17, 2010 - Colby-Sawyer College will host Dave Anderson, a photographer and climber who documents his adventures with vivid, captivating images. Through his presentations and photography, Anderson strives to convey the “holistic experience of exploration” by discussing the challenges he seeks, along with the diverse environments, native peoples and fascinating cultures he encounters on his expeditions. He captivates audiences by sharing a combination of pictures, stories and enthusiasm that bring his adventures to life.

Anderson will present “Pirate Valley Expedition,” in Wheeler Hall, Ware Campus Center on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011 at 7 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Cultural Events Committee, and the public is invited to attend. Admission is free.

“Pirate Valley Expedition” is a collection of photographs that documents Anderson's 2009 expedition to the Piritas Valley of the upper Rio Turbio drainage in Argentina. On this expedition, Anderson and American climbers Josh Beckner and Jared Spaulding set out to scale a previously unclimbed 3,000-foot granite face, El Lonko.

The team's journey to El Lonko took over a week, and required them to travel by boat, horseback and on foot through dense brush and wilderness. Upon nearing El Lonko, Anderson and his teammates were informed that a native Argentinean climber and a small Canadian team had just climbed most routes on the granite face, temporarily derailing their quest to be the first team to ascend El Lonko.

Despite this news, Anderson and his teammates learned that there was still one route, located on the right tower of the north face of El Lonko, which remained unclimbed. After focusing their energy on planning and executing a plan to climb this route, the team completed a successful first ascent, naming the route Voces en la Noche, V 5.11 A0. Anderson documented the entire journey, which took 17 days, including the approach and ascent of El Lonko via Voces en la Noche.

Anderson chronicles this journey in “Pirate Valley Expedition” and brings his audiences on the adventure with him as he shares anecdotes, explores the Argentinean wilderness, and describes the challenges he and his fellow Americans faced while seeking success at El Lonko.

For other upcoming events at Colby-Sawyer, visit www.colby-sawyer.edu/events

-Jessica McLavey '10


Colby-Sawyer College is a comprehensive college that integrates the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation. Founded in 1837, Colby-Sawyer is located in the scenic Lake Sunapee Region of central New Hampshire. Learn more about the college's vibrant teaching and learning community at www.colby-sawyer.edu.

Colby-Sawyer College, 541 Main Street, New London, N.H. 03257 (603) 526-3000