Missing snowboarders last winter???

To all of you,

I don't even have words to thank you for helping Dave and Jerry and Megan find our friends. I can only say that Phil would have done the same for any of you, in a heartbeat. I didn't know the other two boys but my guess is that they would too, just because that's the kind of friends Phil had.

This may not be "politically correct" on this board, but I'm gonna say it: Please, all of you, please, remember that Nature isn't merciful. Phil was a brilliant man and knew what he was doing--and he met his end on that mountain. Please remember that brains and strength aren't always enough. Please go forth from here with just a tiny bit more caution.

I'm sorry. I'm just devastated by this. The only way this can make sense to me is if someone else is helped by learning from Phil's experience.

Thank you. All of you.

Without a doubt, yesterday was the most rewarding day I've had in the mountains -- I was happy to be there and help in some small capacity and to do it in such great company.  It couldn't have gone better than it did and, as Joe said, I feel a far deeper bond with all involved than the total time spent together would dictate.  Thanks to all of you for doing a hard task well, and to everyone else who couldn't be there but have offered support.  For the family and friends, I hope the chance luck we had yesterday makes it easier to find your peace with Kevin, Philip and Devlin's absence.

EDIT: flibby, rest assured that all of us yesterday will take away lessons and caution from the time we spent with them. I'm so sorry for you loss.

Wow, great effort guys. Glad there is finally some closure for their families. Sorry for your loss.

The hero's in my view are Megan and David the family friends who searched independently many times and kept the torch burning for their friends.

Kevin, Phillip and Devlin must have been very special people to have created such love and loyalty and I wish I could have had the opportunity to have got to know them.

I was a privilege to have been able to join with Megan and David in their search.
My condolences to the families.

I gave my son a big hug when I got home and took him and his friend skiing at Chinook pass today. As I watched these two young vibrant 16 year olds discovering the joy of  the backcountry , I thought of our fallen brothers and know they felt the same way about our sport.

On the hike out from Bullion Basin yesterday (after it was determined that a helicopter recovery would not be possible that day) we met Paul Baugher hiking in. Paul asked me to send him the names of our party members and he sent me the following e-mail this afternoon:

I can't tell you enough how pleased we were with your group's efforts and success in the search yesterday. The fact that we were all working on the same goal of closure for the family, friends, searchers, etc and to have worked so well together in coordinating yesterdays efforts. I will put together an avalanche accident report for this and may need to contact you and some of the other members of your group. Do you recall the names of the folks that saw them near the ridge on the Saturday prior to the avalanche cycle? If so I would like to get their contact information.

I stressed the amazing "grass-roots" effort you all put together in news interviews yesterday and today. I hope they air it. That to me was a more important story than the physical findings they were interested in. That speaks not to how they died but more to how they were remembered and respected by their friends and fellow backcountry skiers.

On behalf of the Pierce County Sheriffs, Crystal Mt. Patrol and all that were involved in the December and recent search efforts I thank you for all that you have done.

Best Regards
--
Paul Baugher
Ski Patrol Director/ Risk Manager

Scotsman wrote:

The hero's in my view are Megan and David the family friends who searched independently many times and kept the torch burning for their friends.

I agree.

I didn't want to comment earlier because I didn't think I had much to add. However, I was in tears this morning as I read the reports coming in. I have been thinking about these guys, the victims, all winter and agonizing about the cold May. waiting for that snow to melt back a little. I see that we were all pretty much of the same mind.

You guys are heroes to me.... that you really are so talented, that you are always mindful and generous. The fact that you continuously practice your craft has paid off. I just want to offer my thanks to you for bringing this to resolution.

While my heart is somewhat heavy today, I also feel inspired to get back out to the hills.