In Memory of Inge Perkins

MYSTERY RANCH Outdoor Ambassador

Hometown

Bozeman, MT

Resides

Where my truck takes me

Profession

Math education student at Montana State University, math tutor, and climbing coach

In Memory of Inge Perkins

No words begin to express the ache in our hearts, the fire in our brains and the stillness in our guts following the loss of our dear friend, Inge Perkins and her loving life-partner Hayden Kennedy, last weekend to an avalanche and tragic aftermath that would make Shakespeare shudder.

We’ve chosen to take a few days of silence before attempting to express our grief to our extended MR family. Yes, Inge was an MR Ambassador, one we were glowingly proud to associate ourselves with for so many reasons. For some of us, Inge was our little sister… a true family member. She was a blithe, angelic badass whose myriad talents bedazzled us from early in her childhood. We’ve watched her grow up in our town, quietly, calmly, humbly blowing the doors off any objective upon which she’s ever set her sights. On rock, on snow, in the mountains, in the gym, with family, friends, and community – she has taught us - by example - that we can all be better. And, we needn’t post about it or boast about it. Inge was and will always be the embodiment of the expression, "actions speak louder than words."

There have been many stories written about the tragic avalanche and related details that took Inge’s life. Please know Inge was as calculated and precise as anyone we have ever met. And, yet – like all of us – Inge was human. The most beautiful human – inside and out… north, south, east, west… you could ever have the pleasure of knowing and adventuring with.

Here at MYSTERY RANCH, it’s a dark day. However, because of our love, admiration, friendship, and inspiration from Inge Perkins… we will each try to find our way back to the light. So, light a candle, say a prayer, take a road trip, sleep in your truck, write a postcard to a friend, be a giver, not a taker… be a better person for the rest of your days. That’s what we can do to honor Inge.

Our good friend Kelsey K. Sather put together a story about Inge and HK, please read here:

And, to hear from Inge directly about her love for life and climbing, watch here:

You can learn more and donate to the Inge Perkins Scholarship Fund here:

"I grew up bushwhacking around the Montana and Norwegian mountains with my parents, constantly whimpering from fear and discomfort, but always wanting to go out again."

When I was nine, I watched a film about a girl saving wolves by climbing a cliff over the Norwegian border with the wolves, and I was intrigued instantly. I started training and competing with the Bozeman Climbing Team, giving me the skill base and strength to grow as a climber. However, after a trip to Wild Iris in Wyoming, the process of projecting beautiful routes in stunning areas while living outside amongst supportive company became far more appealing than traveling for competitions. I have continued to train while in school so I can realize new goals when I have the opportunity to travel. However, the biggest motivation for me to be in the best shape I can be has consistently been my desire to be able to climb lines that inspire me wherever I go. As my love for climbing and skiing grows, my dream is to intertwine the two more and more as well as use my drive to push myself in these pursuits as a means to explore magical corners of the world while sharing the excitement with others.

Accomplishments:

  • Ski traversed the Taylor Hilgard Unit in the Madison Range (20+ miles, 13k’ vertical) and did the second ascent of Vesper (14a) in the Fins one week apart
  • Skied the Grand Teton with powder conditions
  • Won the Montana Bouldering Championships and Montana Randonee Championships
  • Skied and climbed in 7 states and 5 countries during the ‘15/’16 school year
  • Won the first outdoor deep water solo competition at Summersville Lake, West Virginia
  • A few routes I am most proud of:
    • Rodeo Free Europe (14a), Wild Iris
    • Manhattan Project (14a), The Fins
    • Vesper (14a), The Fins
    • The Strawberry Roan (13c/d), Little Popoagie
    • No Country for Old Men (5.11, trad, 14+ pitches), The Black Canyon
    • Roadside Prophet (14a), Rifle
    • Hook, Line, and Sinker (5.12, 1800’), Mt. Hooker, Wind Rivers

Foundations:

  • Bozeman Climbing Team
  • Touch the Sky Inc.

What Mystery Ranch Packs do you Run?

  • Pitch 40, Kletterwerks Tote, Kletterwerks Flip

Other Sponsors:

  • Scarpa, Power Company Climbing, Petzl

Favorite Quote:

"Everything is a circle from far enough away."