Kelso Avalanche
Forum rules
Please be respectful when posting - family and friends of fallen climbers might be reading this forum.
Please be respectful when posting - family and friends of fallen climbers might be reading this forum.
- jdorje
- Posts: 1388
- Joined: 6/16/2010
- 14ers: 12
- 13ers: 27
- Trip Reports (16)
Re: Kelso Avalanche
This is very much not what I wanted to read in returning to the forums today. Natalie, I can't say how sorry I am for this accident; I'm glad you are okay.
RIP Chris Thomas, and condolences to his friends and family.
RIP Chris Thomas, and condolences to his friends and family.
"I don't think about the past, and the future is a mystery. Only the present matters."
-
- Posts: 7
- Joined: 6/9/2010
- Trip Reports (0)
Re: Kelso Avalanche
Was just reading some other forum topics and saw several posts from Shearmodulus. All were thoughtful, informed and very helpful. While it may be small comfort to those who knew him, I hope it helps a bit to know that he continues to provide knowledge and inspiration to others. RIP.
- Jon Frohlich
- Posts: 2610
- Joined: 10/14/2005
- 14ers: 58
- 13ers: 162 3
- Trip Reports (29)
Re: Kelso Avalanche
I was traveling when I first saw this thread and still haven't quite processed it. It was very scary to read all of it and try to follow what happened with limited internet. Natalie, I'm very glad you're ok. I can't imagine how hard the last few days have been for you. Condolences to the family and friends of Chris.
Re: Kelso Avalanche
Natalie, I'm so sorry for your loss. I never know what to say in these threads.
A friend of mine lost her friend to an avalanche near the OPUS hut a few years back. She's been working on a support group for survivors of outdoor accidents (from avalanches to kayaking to everything else), and the website is http://soar4life.org/ I don't know the exact direction the organization will go, it's pretty new, but maybe it's something to look into?
A friend of mine lost her friend to an avalanche near the OPUS hut a few years back. She's been working on a support group for survivors of outdoor accidents (from avalanches to kayaking to everything else), and the website is http://soar4life.org/ I don't know the exact direction the organization will go, it's pretty new, but maybe it's something to look into?
Re: Kelso Avalanche
Natalie, as I said before, if you need anything please let me know. The pain of the experience will likely never go away, but I promise it does get better in time. Very glad you and the second man were unharmed.
Condolences to the family and friends of Christopher Thomas (Shearmodulus). I don't think I ever met him, but he had a large and positive presence on this site. He came across as extremely knowledgeable. RIP.
Condolences to the family and friends of Christopher Thomas (Shearmodulus). I don't think I ever met him, but he had a large and positive presence on this site. He came across as extremely knowledgeable. RIP.
“There are two kinds of climbers: those who climb because their heart sings when they’re in the mountains, and all the rest.” - Alex Lowe
"There have been joys too great to describe in words, and there have been griefs upon which I cannot dare to dwell; and with those in mind I say, 'Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste, look well to each step, and from the beginning think what may be the end.'" - Edward Whymper
"There have been joys too great to describe in words, and there have been griefs upon which I cannot dare to dwell; and with those in mind I say, 'Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste, look well to each step, and from the beginning think what may be the end.'" - Edward Whymper
Re: Kelso Avalanche
I had the privilege of meeting and hiking with Chris on last years January Quandary hike. We spent about an hour together on the ascent chatting about our experiences in the mountains, Denali and his NOLS leadership training. He shared with me his remarkable personal journey. Early on he viewed mountains as obstacles to be conquered, a reflection of his military background, but through the years he came to see the outdoors as a window into himself. His goal was to educate others and share the places that had brought peace and healing in his own life.
I wish to offer my condolences to Chris friends, family and those involved in this tragedy. And Natalie, I want you to know that you are a wonderful person and I am so sorry you have had to experience such a terrible event. I hope you will continue to spend time in the mountains because that is where you belong.
May you rest in peace, shearmodulus.
I wish to offer my condolences to Chris friends, family and those involved in this tragedy. And Natalie, I want you to know that you are a wonderful person and I am so sorry you have had to experience such a terrible event. I hope you will continue to spend time in the mountains because that is where you belong.
May you rest in peace, shearmodulus.
Re: Kelso Avalanche
I thought this was pretty good. Take it down a notch, be a little safer...
http://www.outdoorresearch.com/blog/sto ... -mountains" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.outdoorresearch.com/blog/sto ... -mountains" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
-
- Posts: 59
- Joined: 5/22/2014
- 14ers: 27
- Trip Reports (0)
Re: Kelso Avalanche
Every now and again someone on these boards will say something that just could not possibly be said any better, and to me this is one of those times. As a senior citizen of sorts who is nevertheless new to this sport, I have found out early on that you learn an awful lot about yourself on a climb, information that you can use in a whole lot of different settings to become a better person. It is neat to think that shearmodulus was on that kind of journey, and I join with the others in extending my sincere condolences to his friends and family.MonGoose wrote: Early on he viewed mountains as obstacles to be conquered, a reflection of his military background, but through the years he came to see the outdoors as a window into himself. His goal was to educate others and share the places that had brought peace and healing in his own life.
- 14erFred
- Posts: 1033
- Joined: 7/15/2009
- 14ers: 51
- 13ers: 1
- Trip Reports (0)
Re: Kelso Avalanche
Deepest sympathy and prayers for strength and comfort for Chris's family and friends. May he rest in peace forever, and may his memory always be a blessing.
"Live as on a mountain." -- Marcus Aurelius
- Nelson
- Posts: 396
- Joined: 8/25/2008
- 14ers: 58 8 14
- Trip Reports (26)
Re: Kelso Avalanche
I agree with Herbert that MonGoose's observation is, indeed, profound. I really got into mountaineering when I lost my youngest son. I can't say I ever really got over his loss but my time in the mountains helped immensely.Herbert wrote:Every now and again someone on these boards will say something that just could not possibly be said any better, and to me this is one of those times. As a senior citizen of sorts who is nevertheless new to this sport, I have found out early on that you learn an awful lot about yourself on a climb, information that you can use in a whole lot of different settings to become a better person. It is neat to think that shearmodulus was on that kind of journey, and I join with the others in extending my sincere condolences to his friends and family.MonGoose wrote: Early on he viewed mountains as obstacles to be conquered, a reflection of his military background, but through the years he came to see the outdoors as a window into himself. His goal was to educate others and share the places that had brought peace and healing in his own life.
I must also say that I have been following this thread since the tragedy occurred. I have had a lot to say but could not quite bring myself to press the "submit" button. I will say I have followed Natalie for a long time. I have a deep respect and affection for her and I deeply feel what she is going through. I pray she feels the love and compassion expressed by this community and I pray it helps her throughout this difficult time.
- MtnHub
- Posts: 574
- Joined: 6/16/2005
- 14ers: 28
- 13ers: 23
- Trip Reports (50)
Re: Kelso Avalanche
Well said, sirs! I've been holding out in responding to this thread for lack of words. But your words express my feelings well. My sincere condolences, Natalie, Chris' family and friends! RIP!Nelson wrote:I agree with Herbert that MonGoose's observation is, indeed, profound. I really got into mountaineering when I lost my youngest son. I can't say I ever really got over his loss but my time in the mountains helped immensely.Herbert wrote:Every now and again someone on these boards will say something that just could not possibly be said any better, and to me this is one of those times. As a senior citizen of sorts who is nevertheless new to this sport, I have found out early on that you learn an awful lot about yourself on a climb, information that you can use in a whole lot of different settings to become a better person. It is neat to think that shearmodulus was on that kind of journey, and I join with the others in extending my sincere condolences to his friends and family.MonGoose wrote: Early on he viewed mountains as obstacles to be conquered, a reflection of his military background, but through the years he came to see the outdoors as a window into himself. His goal was to educate others and share the places that had brought peace and healing in his own life.
I must also say that I have been following this thread since the tragedy occurred. I have had a lot to say but could not quite bring myself to press the "submit" button. I will say I have followed Natalie for a long time. I have a deep respect and affection for her and I deeply feel what she is going through. I pray she feels the love and compassion expressed by this community and I pray it helps her throughout this difficult time.
Re: Kelso Avalanche
Oh my ... so sorry to hear about this. My heartfelt condolences to Chris and his family and friends ... he sounds like a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you Natalie.
As if none of us have ever come back with a cool, quasi-epic story instead of being victim to tragic rockfall, a fatal stumble, a heart attack, an embolism, a lightning strike, a bear attack, collapsing cornice, some psycho with an axe, a falling tree, carbon monoxide, even falling asleep at the wheel getting to a mountain. If you can't accept the fact that sometimes "s**t happens", then you live with the illusion that your epic genius and profound wilderness intelligence has put you in total and complete control of yourself, your partners, and the mountain. How mystified you'll be when "s**t happens" to you! - FM