August 12

Henrik Sillem was born in the Netherlands in 1866 and excelled as a competitive target shooter. He represented his country in early international shooting competitions and was celebrated for his precision. His passion for exploration led him to undertake challenging mountaineering expeditions in the Alps. Alongside his athletic career, Sillem earned a reputation as a respected jurist practicing law in The Hague. He died in 1907, remembered for his diverse contributions to sport, exploration, and the legal profession.

Rick Ridgeway (born 1949) is an American adventurer and photographer whose career has spanned high-altitude mountaineering and environmental activism. A member of the 1978 American expedition to K2’s West Ridge, he has led and participated in expeditions across the Himalayas, Andes, and Arctic regions. Ridgeway’s evocative photographs and writings have been featured in National Geographic and other publications, sharing the beauty and fragility of remote landscapes. As Patagonia’s Vice President of Environmental Affairs, he helped launch initiatives like the 1% for the Planet alliance to promote corporate environmental responsibility. His acclaimed books, such as The Shadow of Kilimanjaro, combine thrilling adventure narratives with calls for conservation. Ridgeway continues to inspire outdoor enthusiasts and advocates for sustainable exploration.