Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Bob Rockwell

Our friend, Bob Rockwell - the ultimate Whitney mountaineer - has recently suffered serious health problems that have affected his mobility and ability to communicate. He is slowly recovering - hopefully you may see him on the trail later this summer. As you might imagine, forced inactivity hasn't been easy. He welcomes contact and is able to occasionally respond, so feel free to communicate via this forum.

Thanks for the update. I had assumed it was just something I said.

Bob has always been a good friend and a fountain of knowledge on this board.

If there is any help we can give for a faster recovering let us know.

See you on the trial Bob.

Jack and Bets

Thanks booger for posting this. Please let us know if there's anything we can do. In the meantime prayers and positive energy are headed Bob's way.

Bob R,

Thanks for all the knowledge, experience, and helpful insights you have graciously shared with us over the years. Even if I do not personally encounter you when I am on the Mountain (and we have met many times), I still always sense the presence of your spirit, wisdom and enthusiasm on the Mountain. Keep that recovery going. Mt Whitney and the Eastern Sierras are calling for you to return this season.

Jim F

PS- Regards to Sheila and the Rockwell family.

Hi Bob,
Get well!!!!
Looking forward to seeing you on the trail soon.

Shin

Hi The Mountain has a need now the cold late nights after closing and talking with Bob and the other China Lake S&R members after a training hike or after a rescue that brought closure to a waiting family with the news the missing party was found and would be back at the Portal soon.And the late nights chats just before we close for the season Bob always would make one more trip.

Earlene always ask has Bob been up , as she recalls the first night she meet Bob ,he knocked on the trailer door , I was still working in LA she says go away! Bob goes to Doug Jr's trailer he also says go to the other trailer, Earlene is now up and ask What's wrong? Bob explains some minor slip on the Mountain and one of his party would be all night getting down , He needed a blanket and a few beers ! At least 25 years later We still wait for Bob to return and share his years of experience as he has done for so many years on the Board and Mountain.

Bob will always be on the Mountain as his first trip 63 years ago welded this bond.He will be back.

Wish you the best of luck in your recovery Bob, hope to see "some guy" on the trail again soon.

Steve C
OPG

Bob,

There are a lot of pretty girls on the mountain waiting to have their pictures taken, get well soon.

The Silent Hiker

Hey Bob....the mountain called, he (she) wants you back!!!!!

Get well and continue your quest through life.

paul

Bob,

I want you to show me how you filter water through your teeth!

This is a moment Bob and I shared back in June 12, 2010, as we prepared to hike Thor's Peak with my wife, his friend Jay, and Steve C.

I asked him at the trailhead, "Bob, how do you filter your water?"

He replied, "Through my teeth!"

If you don't know Bob, he doesn't filter his water in the Sierra.

Get well quick!

On Bob's 50th Whitney summit, he handed out 50 $2 gift certificates from Baskin Robbins to strangers on the summit that day. One of his many interesting stories. It costs $4.59 and takes 5 minutes to send him a $2 thank you card. They don't have "get well" but you can enter a short message to him.

Here's a link to purchase online Baskin Robbins gift cards.

Here's his address from the phone book.

Robert Rockwell
1000 E Skylark Ave
Ridgecrest, CA 93555-8145

Bob, I have always valued and enjoyed your contributions to the BB. Get well soon.
Burt

Hey Bob,

I hope you recover quickly and I know all the regulars out there hope to see you on the trails this season. We only met once - at one of Kurt's presentations, and it was a real pleasure to shake your hand. I'm probably just one of the thousands of people you have helped with great information about the Whitney area. Your photos, descriptions, and trail magic are invaluable. My little boy is now 5 and I'm hoping in the next few years we'll get out to visit and perhaps run into one of the real Legends of Mount Whitney. Best wishes on a speedy recovery.

Chris "BeachAV8R" Frishmuth (Charlotte, NC)

Get well soon Bob!!

I've only hiked with Bob a few times, but he made them some of my most memorable hikes...

Hope to see you on the trail again soon.

Gabe Pari

Bob, you have been an inspiration to me ever since you came into my consciousness. I am humbly grateful for the wisdom you have shared through your TRs, photos, and advice. And, you showed me the Smiley route :-) a great "go to" quicky when in the hood. Sending wishes for a full recovery.

What does this elusive Bob person look like? He sounds familiar...

Bob, so sorry to hear your health isn't "up to snuff". Hope you get well soon. Your wealth of information regarding the sierras and company on hikes has always been greatly appreciated.

Did you finally get a bad case of Giardia, Bob? :o)

I hope you feel better soon.
Cheers.

Get Well soon Bob,

You have always been an inspiration and perfect example of how to conduct oneself in the wilderness.