hrgirl

I have been haunted by these climbers for days. Mountaineering is in my blood. I've grown up in the columbia gorge, watched my dad leave for days on SAR efforts. Listened to his stories and knew some who the stories were about . . . . family friends like Gary Schneider (who was in the snowcave for 13 days). At 12yrs old, climbing our first peak (non-tech) was a "coming of age" event in our family. Everytime I hear of lost climbers my heart sinks and they consume my thoughts. I generally don't watch the news, but when climbers are missing I can't stay away. I can't help but think how easily that could be someone dear to me, or me for that matter. There's always speculation and judgement were they prepared, what did they do right/wrong, etc.. But now, especially now, . . . let's remember the people. The climbers, who died doing what they loved; and their families, god bless them, who when all the media and forum hungry folks have left, are still without their loved one. My heart feels heavy tonight for the family who lost someone dear. . . . and yet still hopeful for the two remaining. Keep hope alive. . . no matter how dim.