Jim Weber

Bio: Most of my life I've spent in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania.  I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering and later received a D.M.D. from the School of Dental Medicine.  I maintained a private dental practice in Pittsburgh for 25 years.  Carol and I married in 1970 and have been blessed with 2 wonderful daughters and a son-in-law. I've always had an interest in the outdoors and while on vacation in Las Vegas in 1997, purchased Branch's book, and that, among other things, started the wheels turning to "move west young man" to Las Vegas in 2003.

Age: 67

Why did you join the 52 Peak Club: I wanted the physical fitness challenges.  I wanted to learn to scramble and visit new places, while doing these activities with other people.

Date Completed all 52 Peaks: Nov 15th, 2013 (52st person to become a 53er)

Toughest Peak: Rainbow due to time factor (climbed the backside):  12.5 hours  and Holiday Peak.

Favorite Hike: White Pinnacle and Bridge Mtn.

How did you feel once you became a 53er: I had a sense of a major physical accomplishment.  The feeling was far greater than any triathlons that I had done in Pittsburgh. 

Advice for new hikers: The primary need is to get in good physical condition, both in strength and cardio at the gym.  Then the mechanics of scrambling and using webbing/rope will be easier and more fun.