21 replies to this topic

[SandyP]

I think I heard more than a conversation or two of people commenting on how genuinely nice and fun people Mike and Staci were. I am so glad I got to get to know them on this trip. On our slot thru the boulders up to the keyhole, Staci was sitting up next to the ledge cheerfully greeting and encouraging everyone as they approached, and seriously. . . the WATER! Oh how that saved the day -- especially on the way back.

Thanks for the tribute to great people, John!

[ProfHall]

Excellent report - not just the photos and story of the time, but the way you have set this up to be about the folks involved. The adventures on the hike are enhanced, rather than pushed to the back, as you have told the story about how specific people encountered the climb, its effects, and their interactions with others. I wonder if you tell stories for a living.....

I am very glad I got to meet you at last, and wished I had connected with Staci and Mike. There were a few folks at the GTG that I just didn't get a "hello" with before heading out, and those two are ones I missed and wish I didn't!

Thanks for these reports.

[Jenny]

I'm loving your reports, John!

I enjoyed meeting Staci and Mike, though we didn't get to talk long. I also discovered that they live just 20 or so minutes from me. Neat!!

-Jenny

[Rhonda]

I, too, am enjoying these reports and meeting people I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet. I feel like the Forums have turned a new corner in relationships after the GBUTH mission, and I'm sorry I had to miss it, but at least I am not missing out on the stories and relationships. I do my best "relating" thru writing and reading anyway, I'm kind of a wallflower in person, so this is almost better than being there. And I WILL meet everyone in person eventually. My life is totally my own now, and I will take advantage of that.

I want to know the story of how Staci is called "Renate" on the Forums. What is behind that name, Staci?

[Twinebender]

I think a little story is appropriate from the very start of the hike.
We had all gathered at the trailhead and were getting our packs on as we were about ready to start.
When Monica put her pack on she staggered under its weight and misadjusment of shoulder straps.
Kinda reminded me of Max on the grinch that stole Christmas when the Grinch put the big antler on him.
Later John and I confided privately with each other that we immediately had concerns as to whether Monica was up to it.
She had been training with weight on her back but it was with a different pack. When John got to EP on Monday and delivered Monica's "game pack" to her, she had no chance to test it out.
Anyways.. Mike quickly stepped up to the plate and had Monica take the pack off and pulled the straps off and re-adjusted their positions to the proper spot. After remounting the pack Monica was much more stable on her feet.

I didn't have a clue as to how or where the adjustments should be done and I give alot of the credit of Monicas summit to that help Mike gave at the trailhead.

Thanks Mke!
Gear freaks rule!

Rick

[Aaron]

Thanks for these reports, John

--Aaron

[renate1]

Rhonda, on 04 September 2010 - 07:20 AM, said:

I, too, am enjoying these reports and meeting people I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet. I feel like the Forums have turned a new corner in relationships after the GBUTH mission, and I'm sorry I had to miss it, but at least I am not missing out on the stories and relationships. I do my best "relating" thru writing and reading anyway, I'm kind of a wallflower in person, so this is almost better than being there. And I WILL meet everyone in person eventually. My life is totally my own now, and I will take advantage of that.

I want to know the story of how Staci is called "Renate" on the Forums. What is behind that name, Staci?

Wish I had a cool story for this but it was just my name in German class in high school & has alway been easy for me to remember.