Passing the TAY torch

WOW! For a longtime "lurker", to a member finally, I sure never thought my first post would feel so... necessary, and emotional! A HUGE Thank You, to you, Charles. Fostering community is truely a beautiful thing. In trying to think of a fitting tribute, or honor, what I'm most compelled towards is ... to simply get involved. Contribute, share, ski more [hopefully LOTS more]. So again, many many thanks, Charles. Dave Good luck and carry onward, Marcus!

I have gotten so much enjoyment from this site.  I have been in awe of all the great folks who have shared their accomplishments and the beauty of our state.  Thanks to Charles.

I fully understand going through life changes.  But Charles made it happened, a fullfillment that can never be diminished.

Hi Charles....I just read through all three pages of kind words and was reminded once again how many friends I have made from your hard work! Same feeling I get when I run across the TAY shirt I bought with all the names of posters on it.  Best wishes on wherever life takes you and please post some of your photos from time to time. thanks man!....Jerry

Charles,
It's taken me a while to compose some thoughts.  I guess the bottom line is that nothing I write can accurately convey to you the significance of TAY in my life over the past few years.  This forum you created and moderated is the Gold Standard for all internet forums as far as I am concerned.  Thanks for keeping it mature, meaningful, informative, fun, and interesting! It certainly reflects your skill and intelligence greatly.  Even though it is a cyber creation, TAY is indeed a community.   When I, too, seek info on the Wasatch, Sierras, or Northern Rockies I discover that there is nothing out there that even comes close to comparing in terms of the abundance of meaningful information.  Not a dig on other areas, just an observation of an info seeker like myself.
I wish you very much success in your future endeavors, my friend.  You can leave the daily task of running this with your head high.
Marcus will run with the torch quite well I am sure, and don't be too much of a stranger to us all even if you are not skiing so much right now.  It has been a pleasure to be associated with you.
With much respect and gratitude,
John
For what it is worth, I kinda have always liked the photo limit because it forces me to really think about what and why I post something with a photo. There is always the hot link to NWHikers or CC for anyone who wants more pics.

Charles-  when I moved here 8 years ago, I didn't know how to ski.  Did lots of rock climbing and some mountain climbing, but no skiing per se.  And for the first few months the rain here was really depressing until it became clear that rain down low meant snow higher up.  My best friend "encouraged" me (really more trickery than anything else- ha) to ski things at resorts that I had no business skiing whatsoever.  Picture tentative traverses from side to side, with a fall and cursing at each turn, at Central...

Somewhere early in this learning process, another friend pointed me to this site:  I was hooked and obsessively skied every month for just under 5 years.  Since then, I've skied off the top of Mt Hood and Mt Adams, hiked up many objectives in the fog and rain, and a few times under blue skies, all the time thinking how lucky we are to have this as a pastime.  I've met new friends along the way and I'm grateful to have them as long term ski partners. 

To a certain degree, all the trips, all the elevation gains, all the photo's taken had your wonderful site in mind.  You've had a very positive impact on many, including me, and for that, thank you very much Charles. 

Best wishes for you and your family in whatever endeavors you chose moving forward.

Charles,

I would also like to add my thanks! This is the best site, one I visit most often and feel that I can show to my kids without fear of all that can be negative on the web. More important than that is the inspiration that it gives to me and my kids.

Thanks again,

Alan