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Some history of the Asylum, from an interview
with Fred Nakovic. Fred is one of the original gang of Hueco First (recorded)
Ascensionists and is responsible for many of Hueco's classic trad and "sport"
routes, such as Huecool on the West Mountain.
"Not sure where the name 'Asylum' came from - you'll have to ask Mike Head.
After Burn was the first Asylum route, done by Mike Head and John McCall,
some time in the early 1980's. I climbed it shortly after he put it up, with
Mike observing; the drill dust was still on the rock. Sometime after that,
I met Don Hardin and Rich Lund for the first time, one Saturday while climbing
After Burn with Les
Harmon. They popped up, initially thinking we were other mutual acquaintances.
We convinced them to try the route and they had great fun falling all over
it! We became good friends; that was a great period in our lives...
Les and I put up Zumi and Zombi shortly thereafter, from the ground up
with hooks as I've done on all my routes at Hueco. The bolts were hand-drilled,
don't think cordless hammer drills had been invented yet! I had just completed
a tour of duty with the Coast Guard, and we referrred to the Air Force as
the 'Zoomies'. One of the locals I hung out with at the time had been in
the Air Force - I forget his name, but that, combined with Neil Young's music
led to the name 'Zumi'. 'Zombie' just sounded cool to Les and me and seemed
to fit with 'Zumi' right next to it.
Not sure who did Battle Scar (maybe
Donny?) but do believe the big guy Greg Burns put up Battle Star, using the
cordless drill he still owns - maybe
late 80's? You'll have to ask him.
Whimper Roof and Short Crack were Mike Head creations, also in the early
80's (he on-sight soloed the crack). The So Cal route was put up by guess
who - some guys from Southern California! Don't remember their names
but I do somewhat remember their faces (of course very cool dudes). I don't
think it's 5.12, more like 5.11+ (yeah, splitting hairs). It was put up
right before the first R.R. so maybe 1988?" Fred
Nakovic, May 3, 2006