17 replies to this topic

[Monica]

John has done a fantastic job with the recent trip reports but it's high time (pardon the pun) that credit is given where credit is due.
John was key to our success! John's assistance dates backs to making reservations at the boulderfield, training advice, gear lists, food lists, loaning of gear, encouragement before and during the trip, water filtering, and excerpts from Donahue's book. Since winter, in his own quiet way John was there to help every step of the way in the planning stages to the summit.
Like some of the others have stated, I have a pretty strong fear of heights. I so badly wanted to overcome it and summit Longs. Since last year when I didn't make it, Longs had been haunting me. On Tues. when we did the group hike with Ed up to Sky Pond there were a few areas where I felt the heights. When I was between Rick and John or John and JP I felt comfortable so I emailed John and said that I liked that set up and if we could do that for Longs I thought I could do it. John made it clear to me we could make that happen. Well, he made it happen and I'm very thankful. There were quite a few times when I was between Rick and John getting verbal instruction and sometimes a hand or a push. I had posted on facebook some fears getting to me as the date got closer and Rhonda commented to me that I would make it this year, John would see to it. She was right.
I do wish I had more pictures. Longs demanded a lot of my concentration so taking pictures was not always a priority. I regret that now. Perhaps others can add to this.

Here we are just about to start at the Longs Peak Trailhead at 10:00 am. We all enjoyed each others company immensely which really helped the time go by with those very heavy packs on. John, Lora, Staci, Monica, Mike, and Rick



Still smiling in the heat of the day and weight of the packs.



Here we are at the little water treatment plant at the boulderfield. John wanted to be sure to have all the water ready for the day hikers.


Here we are taking a little break on the narrows.


Leading the way---


Here I am on the homestretch almost at the top. John moved out of the way so that I could summit first and he moved out of the picture Rick was taking. As he moved he quietly said, "I want you to go first." Ben and Kristin are at the top taking pictures and encouraging us.


Here's John happily signing the summit registry for his second time. I believe the last time was in 1999.






And here I am with Rick and John at the summit! I have referred to John and Rick as my 2 sherpas. I'm so thankful for both of them. What an experience I will always treasure. Thanks, guys!

Edited by Monica, 04 September 2010 - 02:04 PM.

[Allie]

Monica, great report. John is the most giving person, and I'm glad you had him with you. Love your photos, and so very happy for you and Rick for summiting Longs. Congrats!!

[jflo]

Wonderful report Monica!! John is definitely THE MAN!!!

[mistylady]

Great report, Monica. The forums would not be the same if John were not part of them. His humor and words of encouragement to others is a big part of this forum. Way to go to all of you for helping one another make such a wonderful experience.

[Jo]

I'm so glad you posted this report on our wonderful friend John. Good stuff! If I ever attempt Longs, it sounds like I'm going to want John to help get me up there

[SandyP]

That is an awesome report, Monica! THANK YOU!!! for giving us all a chance to thank and praise John for his quiet, humble leadership. The things John did to make the hike a success for everyone really were the backbone of why all of us made it. On the way back, me, Bill & Alan ran out of water. The closer we got to the Keyhole, the thirstier we got. All we could think about were the bags of water that he, Mike & Staci spent so much time getting ready for all of us. I wonder how in the world we would have made it without him.

John. . . . I'm sure you know this, but you are one loved and revered man in these parts, and I'm GLAD to have had you there with all of us! :)

[Bill 007]

John's contribution to this were immeasurable!
I swear seeing that smile, bag of cookies and the water were spirit savers. Taking the cookie from him almost had the solemnity of Communion...and was received that way too.
His smile and laughter on the return were such a help. We were exhausted and feeling worn, but it's hard not to feel better when John's around.
Thanks for this tribute Monica...well deserved.

Bill
(Still hanging out John? )

[Aaron]

Great report and congrats on Longs

--Aaron

[hector]

I echo Monica's sentiments. John was incredibly helpful planning this trip months in advance. He put with with daily PMs from me and graciously answered all my questions. He loaned me gear, he filtered water for me (note to self: do not leave filter with Allen next time!), but most of all... he encouraged me! We had some good laughs, too. And when that last mile hit and I was hurting badly and wanted to cry, John walked by my side and talked to me and helped me get my mind off my hurting feet (and everything else). Allen called John a "happy hiker" and I think it fits. He is just so happy to be in good company and in the mountains -- I don't think he can help himself but to smile.

So, a huge THANK YOU to John!! I enjoyed the whole week I hiked with you, and Longs was icing on the cake. Thanks, friend!

[Rhonda]

I am glad Monica posted this thread and all the hikers and others joined in with praise for our beloved John. He has been so excited about this trip all summer, and in between counseling me about my mom's pending death and my own depression, we would often talk about this trip and how excited he was to be helping Monica achieve her goal and how glad he was Lora was going to get to camp at the Boulderfield, etc. He truly gets a charge out of helping others achieve their dreams and goals.

Even though he sometimes reminds me of a loving but bratty kid with some of his quips in the Forums, I know the true John and his heart for other people, and I'm glad that so many others know him, too. We love you, John!

[B-Jay]

Monica, thanks for writing that beautiful tribute to John. He certainly played a big part in helping and encouraging the forum folks "up the hill."

I want to add a special thank you to Sheri, his wife, who understands John's love for the mountains and the forums. She is so kind to share her husband with so many people.

B-Jay

[John]

Ah, shucks! You all are too nice! The joy was all mine in getting to know you and making so many wonderful memories together. I thank God for all of you!

[Igloo Ed]

I do believe the trip wouldn't have happened without you, John. My mind boggles at the amount you did from the get go and all the way through.

[Melanie]

One of the best summit reports showing John as the caring and most unselfish person around. Hats off to you John and everyone who climbed that mountain!!


Melanie<><

[renate1]

John's got great skills!

Here's his picture taking skills


Here's his pretending to think Mike is funny skills


But his most important skill....leading his flock to the heavens



You know you've lived right when you are the last person to show up and you get the parking spot front and center at the Longs Peak Trailhead - right John!