April 13

Born in Cornwall in 1771, Richard Trevithick rose from mining roots to innovate high-pressure steam engines. In 1801, he built the "Puffing Devil," the world’s first self-propelled steam carriage. He later developed the first full-scale steam locomotive in 1804, demonstrating the potential for steam-powered railways. Trevithick also worked on mining equipment in South America before returning to England. Despite his breakthroughs, he struggled financially and died in poverty in 1833. His inventions laid the groundwork for the railway age.

John Middendorf was an American mountaineer renowned for his bold big-wall ascents in Yosemite and Alaska. He pioneered new routes on some of the world’s most challenging cliffs and glaciers. Middendorf also contributed to the development of portaledge designs that revolutionized high-altitude camping. Throughout his career, he balanced extreme climbing with meticulous planning and safety considerations. He documented his expeditions in journals and presentations, inspiring a generation of climbers. Middendorf’s passion for exploration and gear innovation left a lasting impact on the mountaineering community.