On Sunday, June 8, 2025, attendees were both fascinated and amazed by the exceptional Craig John as he recounted his climbing expeditions in the Himalayas. Presenting a wide collection of stunning photographs from his expeditions, Craig painted a vivid picture of both the challenges and rewards of extreme mountain climbing. Everyone at this well-attended event was so impressed by Craig's extraordinary grit, determination, and exceptional level of fitness; he is truly a legend among us!

Craig John has been a professional mountain guide for 40 years. He has guided for Rainier Mountaineering Inc. and International Mountain Guides, both based in Ashford, Washington outside of Mt. Rainier National Park, and the International Mountain Climbing School in North Conway, New Hampshire. He has 219 ascents of Mt. Rainier by fourteen different routes and he has led over 60 expeditions worldwide to Africa, Nepal, Tibet, Argentina, Mexico and Alaska. On May 22, 2018, he climbed Everest via the South Face route, complementing his 1998 ascent via the North Face route, making him only the 8th American to summit Mount Everest by two different routes.

Craig is a long term friend of OCC Member Dick Blair, going back to their days as fire jumpers in the western US.

Many thanks to Dick for inviting Craig to speak, to David Peck for organizing the event, and to Chip Law for his work at the clubhouse before, during, and after the talk.