Seattle PI article

I can't wait to hear that in person with the Scottish accent.

Likewise!
and speaking of voices, hats off to you, again Joe! thank you for your good work and words.

Well done all. I saw the P-I that and bought it straight off, only to realize I'd bought Scotsman's photo. ???

The whole story has been a big flag for me. I haven't followed everyone's post, but one overall impression I've had is that the general public is usually confused whenever someone takes the road less traveled. Modern industrial life has given us many sweet treats, but these things often make people alienated, materialistic and unhealthy. I feel fortunate that when I go to work or run errands I get to wear my secret smile that says, "I did something badass yesterday!". Work, family and friends are very fulfilling, but some of us get to do activities that take us amazing places, put us into contact with a variety of excellent people, and fill our lives with goals, accomplishments and lessons.

I've read that the essence of happiness in the human condition is when one has positive interdependence with others while achieving one's potential. Sounds like a fine reason to head off into the sky, and then come home. And when someone does not make it back, at least they went.

I've read that the essence of happiness in the human condition is when one has positive interdependence with others while achieving one's potential.  Sounds like a fine reason to head off into the sky, and then come home.  And when someone does not make it back, at least they went.

Agreed.

From Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi:

p. 41: Complexity and the Growth of the Self

Following a flow experience, the organization of the self is more complex than it had been before. It is by becoming increasingly complex that the self might be said to grow. Complexity is the result of two broad psychological processes: differentiation and integration. Differentiation implies a movement toward uniqueness, toward separating oneself from others. Integration refers to its opposite: a union with other people, with ideas and entities beyond the self. A complex self is one that succeeds in combining these opposite tendencies.

Putting it more simply:

"After all, mountaineering is a means to personal growth."

---John Roskelley

Here is a picture of Devlin at a messenger race I helped organize in 1999, and I must have known him for a couple years by then. I shared two amazing communities with him, Messenger and backcountry; both of them mis-understood by outsiders and too often defined by stereotype. Cheers and respect to everyone that has participated, in thought or action, to the respectful memory of our fallen brothers.

Thanks for the picture StevieD. The messenger community sounds like our backcountry community, close-knit and caring. Thanks for your comments.

This is Devlin's mother Was just wondering if any of you mind if I keep in touch with you all as one son was taken, but I have many new friends and sons in my heart. I want to keep an eye on all you are doing and enjoy it for myself and my son through you. Please let me know if this is not what you all want as I don't want to cause any problems.