Linda Blaney
Bio: I grew up in the Midwest. Joined the Air Force in the early 80s and traveled the world. I moved to Vegas in 1986 and started dealing blackjack the second day in Vegas. I always thought that Red Rock was a place to show your friends that came to town. I didn't realize that you could hike there.
Age: 52
Why did you join the 52 Peak Club: I climbed Kraft Mountain with Gary Smuts in October of 2010. Took me two hours to get to the peak. I saw my first peak box (summit box) and was hooked. I wanted to know where there were more peaks! When I found out that I could climb all 52 Peaks, I signed up immediately!
Date Completed all 52 Peaks: Oct 20, 2012 (14th person to become a 53er)
Toughest Peak: Holiday Peak
Favorite Hike: Toss up between North Peak (I still say it's the best view) and Ice Box (with great friends).
How did you feel once you became a 53er: Really? Me? Really? No way! It really is hard to believe that I've been to the top of 52 Peaks. I started this goal in March 2011. I broke a wrist and was out for 3 months. I broke three little bones in my back and was out for a month. I still did it in less than 2 years. How is that possible, you ask? Because I've made the best friends in the World! Friends that helped me through all those peaks. I have so many to thank, but Jack Dempsey - a special thank you!
Advice for new hikers: Go slow! Don't rush! Don't make dumb mistakes. Take your time and go slow. When you're tired, take a break. That peak will be there waiting for you. Hike in groups. Don't try to be a hero and hike.
Age: 52
Why did you join the 52 Peak Club: I climbed Kraft Mountain with Gary Smuts in October of 2010. Took me two hours to get to the peak. I saw my first peak box (summit box) and was hooked. I wanted to know where there were more peaks! When I found out that I could climb all 52 Peaks, I signed up immediately!
Date Completed all 52 Peaks: Oct 20, 2012 (14th person to become a 53er)
Toughest Peak: Holiday Peak
Favorite Hike: Toss up between North Peak (I still say it's the best view) and Ice Box (with great friends).
How did you feel once you became a 53er: Really? Me? Really? No way! It really is hard to believe that I've been to the top of 52 Peaks. I started this goal in March 2011. I broke a wrist and was out for 3 months. I broke three little bones in my back and was out for a month. I still did it in less than 2 years. How is that possible, you ask? Because I've made the best friends in the World! Friends that helped me through all those peaks. I have so many to thank, but Jack Dempsey - a special thank you!
Advice for new hikers: Go slow! Don't rush! Don't make dumb mistakes. Take your time and go slow. When you're tired, take a break. That peak will be there waiting for you. Hike in groups. Don't try to be a hero and hike.
