Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Our helpers on the hill

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To all of you who helped on and behind the scene of the Gladiator West Face avalanche last Friday:

Like an apparition you began to appear, one by one, each of you with the experience and skills so critically needed, as if summoned and yet impossible to believe.

You helped, you searched, you took over trying to breathe life back into a spirit and friend who lived life more fully than five.

You emptied your packs and your hearts and with your skill and training you helped save a leg and a life. You risked your life to fly to the rescue of another. Some of you are close friends, others we just met. You are what make this community the rare, rich and beautiful one we are so fortunate to live in.

Thank you to everyone who helped in any way, but thanks especially to Lon, Doug, Kaz, Kurt, Lee, Tracy, Bozo, Eric, Pete, Ed, Tona, Don and Erin.

You have our deepest gratitude, admiration and love.

Jeannie Wall, Jan Koubek, Sigi Vogl

Ketchum and Sun Valley