We did a climb this year to commemorate the death of Rex Gibson, Alpine Club of Canada president (50 years ago). With us was his friend from those times. He had not climbed with them that time. When he saw the mountain again he broke down and cried - all the memories of those days and feelings that had been submerged came back to him. The mountain became a being to us (I know that sounds strange)- one that shelters a friend. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I try to be mindful of the mountains - I know there are many of us still there.
I lost a friend in a tragic climbing accident this year. Since then, Ed Miller's friends have banded together and created a travelling summit register so that Ed can continue to be in the high places in spirit. I have had the honor of going up 3 different peaks with the register and sometimes I feel like Ed is there with us. Thanks for the article.
I was struck by the outpouring of condolences when Ed Miller died on the traverse, and that was in part, along with the loss of others, the reason I decided to write this article. I think, perhaps, our paths and experiences since losing close friends are very similar. If the traveling summit register ever makes it close to Montana, I would be honored to join in day of remembrance.
Best Regards;
Tim
This is a beautiful tribute to your friends. It also reminds us all of what is at stake, but what there is to gain, too. The people who love me worry themselves sick because I go off climbing alone, but it's in doing that that I find my peace, inspiration, and redemption. It is a paradox.
Hey BSIHLER;
Thanks for the thoughtful comments on this article. My people also have a hard time understanding that I climb because I can`t not climb.
Tim
Thanks for the very nice comment dgreaser. To live each day to its fullest, to the best of our ability is the BEST we can do. Learning to accept that is all we can do is the tough part.
This was on the refrigerator of a lady I admired. She died last year in a climbing accident. “Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the
intention of arriving safely in an attractive and wellpreserved
body, but rather to skid in sideways,
champagne in one hand, strawberries in the other, body
thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming
‘WOO-HOO—what a ride!’”
Saintgrizzly - Nov 5, 2006 5:50 am - Voted 10/10
Wow..."...the power to grow can be found in the High Mountains."
Tim, I'd say Scott, Luke, and Ansel are still very much with you.
Thanks, my friend, for doing this.
Vernon
T Sharp - Nov 5, 2006 6:21 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Wow...They are indeed... Thanks Vernon, I really appreciate your input on this project.
Tim
Michael Hoyt - Nov 5, 2006 4:43 pm - Voted 10/10
ExcellentNot many are willing (or able) to bare their souls, as you have done in this piece. The rest of us have much to learn from your example.
Your friends live on in you, and I’m sure would ask for nothing more.
Thank you for sharing.
T Sharp - Nov 5, 2006 6:59 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: ExcellentThanks Michael; your counsel on this article was also greatly appreciated.
Tim
jordansahls - Nov 5, 2006 8:30 pm - Voted 10/10
Very MovingThanks for taking the time and effort to share what must have been something that was emotionally draining for you.
T Sharp - Nov 5, 2006 8:48 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Very MovingThanks for the nice comment jordansahls, time in the mountains is great therapy.
Tim
Blair - Nov 7, 2006 10:54 pm - Voted 10/10
Very DeepWell written, really makes you think.Thank you for sharing a very tough to talk about situation,and I hope you are well.
T Sharp - Nov 8, 2006 7:22 am - Hasn't voted
Thanks;Thanks for the very nice comment Bnicodemus. The rocks are talking to me! All is as it should be.
Tim
klwagar - Nov 9, 2006 1:17 am - Voted 10/10
very movingWe did a climb this year to commemorate the death of Rex Gibson, Alpine Club of Canada president (50 years ago). With us was his friend from those times. He had not climbed with them that time. When he saw the mountain again he broke down and cried - all the memories of those days and feelings that had been submerged came back to him. The mountain became a being to us (I know that sounds strange)- one that shelters a friend. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I try to be mindful of the mountains - I know there are many of us still there.
T Sharp - Nov 9, 2006 3:56 am - Hasn't voted
KlwagarThanks for relating the story of Rex Gibson, his friend, and the Sheltering Mountain. I am sure that day will stay with you forever.
Tim
gimpilator - Nov 9, 2006 2:23 am - Voted 10/10
Strange ParadoxI lost a friend in a tragic climbing accident this year. Since then, Ed Miller's friends have banded together and created a travelling summit register so that Ed can continue to be in the high places in spirit. I have had the honor of going up 3 different peaks with the register and sometimes I feel like Ed is there with us. Thanks for the article.
T Sharp - Nov 9, 2006 4:14 am - Hasn't voted
gimpilatorI was struck by the outpouring of condolences when Ed Miller died on the traverse, and that was in part, along with the loss of others, the reason I decided to write this article. I think, perhaps, our paths and experiences since losing close friends are very similar. If the traveling summit register ever makes it close to Montana, I would be honored to join in day of remembrance.
Best Regards;
Tim
Bob Sihler - Nov 10, 2006 4:43 am - Voted 10/10
Inspiring, and soberingThis is a beautiful tribute to your friends. It also reminds us all of what is at stake, but what there is to gain, too. The people who love me worry themselves sick because I go off climbing alone, but it's in doing that that I find my peace, inspiration, and redemption. It is a paradox.
T Sharp - Nov 10, 2006 5:10 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Inspiring, and soberingHey BSIHLER;
Thanks for the thoughtful comments on this article. My people also have a hard time understanding that I climb because I can`t not climb.
Tim
T Sharp - Dec 14, 2006 2:57 am - Hasn't voted
Re: whoaThanks for the very nice comment dgreaser. To live each day to its fullest, to the best of our ability is the BEST we can do. Learning to accept that is all we can do is the tough part.
Fuzzycake - Dec 25, 2006 4:03 am - Hasn't voted
Living and DyingThis was on the refrigerator of a lady I admired. She died last year in a climbing accident. “Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the
intention of arriving safely in an attractive and wellpreserved
body, but rather to skid in sideways,
champagne in one hand, strawberries in the other, body
thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming
‘WOO-HOO—what a ride!’”
T Sharp - Dec 25, 2006 5:48 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Living and DyingShe must have been quite a Gal! People like that are a true joy to have known.
Best Regards;
Tim
William Jenkinson - Feb 26, 2007 12:53 am - Hasn't voted
Living and DyingFrom an old Irish Ballad, "contentment of mind is not found in the valley but high on a mountain".