A more permenant memorial to TalusMonkey?

[RockFarmer]

I found 14ers.com shortly before the tragedy that occurred on Humbolt Peak. I, like many on 14ers.com, am very sorry about what happened. I never new TM in real life or through the forum, only the stories I heard about him. After hearing them, I wish I had the opportunity to hike with him. I am somewhat familiar with death, and I have had close friends and family members, pass on. It is never easy.

There are too many threads about TM for me to read right now, so the idea I am about to propose may have already been brought up. I got this idea after hearing about the tribute hikes, plaque(s), funds, and what-not. What, if possible, we made a more permanent memorial/tribute to TM?

A couple of ideas:
- Name a trail after him, either an existent trail, or soon-to-be existent trail. We could call it, TalusMonkey Trail.
- Name a mountain (big or small) after him. I think Worthington Peak sounds suitable. This, obviously would be much tougher, and may require political clout, I really have no idea. (Everyone that would summit this peak would be required to do the Captain Morgan pose.)

I can see the last suggestion being nearly impossible. If it doesn't get a lot of support, maybe everyone can pick out a mountain and fondly call it Worthington Peak or another name that would be worthy of the TM legend.

These are obviously big ideas, most likely too big, but I thought I would throw it out any way.

[14ers4me]

RockFarmer,

I think that both of those ideas are great ones. I am sure that naming a trail after him wouldnt be too hard but like you said, the mountain tribute would be very hard. I think all of us would be willing to support it though. With the right action taken and the right people backing us, i think it coule be done.

We miss you Talus Monkey! RIP

[JHopper]

you would think it could be done with all the un-named peaks

[pvnisher]

There's an article in a recently past Outside (or was it Backpacking) magazine dealing with how to name your own mountain. It's a somewhat political process, but if someone with some sort of drive and semi-legal mind to wander through the red tape took it up I'm sure it could happen.

[Ski4Fun]

I like the sound of Worthington Mountain. It has a nice ring to it. I'm sure TM would be very proud of this, if it could be done.

[Chris P.]

there was a thread on here recently about naming a peak. I don't remember who it was, but someone on this forum was responsible for getting American Peak and Columbia Point named. I would have to go back and look for the thread but it explained the process of getting a peak named.

[rijaca]

From the US Board of Geographic Names FAQs:
Please note that no natural feature (and certain manmade features) may be named for a living person. A potential honoree must have been deceased for at least five years, and must have had either a direct and long-term association with the feature, or must have made notable civic contributions.

See this thread:
http://www.14ers.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t ... +mountains

[Layne Bracy]

The most impressive Worthington summit in the US appears to be Worthington Peak in Nevada, with over 3000' of prominence.

Colorado has Monkey Face, a summit in Douglas County.

[RockFarmer]

Just goes to show TM's celebrity. He already had a peak named after him

[Van McDaniel]

Years ago the big 13er, Unknown 13,841 just south from Pacific Peak and north of Fletcher, was known unofficially as "Atlantic Peak". The name caught on after several years and a couple of years ago the peak's name was changed to Atlantic Peak by the powers that be. I do not know what the process is to name a peak but I am sure that it can be somewhat involved. It would be my guess that the powers that be would be in no hurry to name a peak after David anytime soon, if ever. However, at the risk of going political and sounding presumptive I will make this suggestion; How about the members and users of this site petition those that rule and lord over us for a peak name change? A petition with 400,000 signatures on it may carry a lot of weight. If I have just done a major web site faux pas by this suggestion I will apologize to Bill Middleton and all site members in advance.....I can understand where any political activity on this website may not be a good idea. BUT!!!! Assuming it is a good idea, there are plenty of unnamed 12ers and 13ers out there that need a name. What would be the criteria for a peak to be worthy to carry the name "Worthington"? Here are my thoughts:
1. Major 13er or 12er presently unnamed.
2. Difficult to access.
3. Gnarly and grungy as in plenty of TALUS.
4. Walkup but with some class 3 and 4 routes.


If a petition is a bad idea or if it will not work then just pick a worthy peak and name it after him "unofficially". In time the name may catch on in an "official" fashion. If this whole thing is a bad idea, it is not my first and it will not be my last. Just a thought

[Bresch]

I for one think Quandary is a horrible name for a mountain, Mount Worthington is classy, noble, and beautiful name, and the east ridge route?? The Talus Mounkey Route, now who wouldn't love climbing that???

[Brad Snider]

The Talus Mounkey Route, now who wouldn't love climbing that???

I agree! :D