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Roskelley offers sage advice to parent of climber

Jess Roskelley crawls into a hallow snow cave to huddle for the night with his father, John. “It was the only place on the route where you could even sit down,” John said. (Courtesy Roskelley / The Spokesman-Review)
By Rich Landers richl@spokesman.com(509) 459-5508
Jess Roskelley crawls into a hallow snow cave to huddle for the night with his father, John. “It was the only place on the route where you could even sit down,” John said. (Courtesy Roskelley / The Spokesman-Review)
Jess Roskelley crawls into a hallow snow cave to huddle for the night with his father, John. “It was the only place on the route where you could even sit down,” John said. (Courtesy Roskelley / The Spokesman-Review)

PARENTING — I have continued to hear many comments from parents regarding my column of reflections on parenting children with an adventurous spirit for the outdoors.

Tom Mosher of Spokane recalled this advice from John Roskelley, Spokane’s world-class mountaineer who passed on his passion to his son, Jess.

When my son started serious climbing, I asked Roskelley what he advised, since Mary and I were a little overcome with anxiety.

His response was a grin and, “Buy him the best helmet on the market.”  We did that.

* This story was originally published as a post from the blog "Outdoors Blog." Read all stories from this blog