Monika Johnson missing near alpental....

I have always considered myself fortunate for the days I got to ski with her (especially the two I got to do over the years just with her alone) and to know her. I can't put into words the sadness and emptiness I've felt since hearing Wednesday - and although Monika and I would say if asked that we were friends, so many of you know her much better than I. I can, however, celebrate who she is by sharing the impact she had on me: I have always wondered whether I was more impressed by her superhuman chargeability or by the humility, generosity and grace with which she conducted herself in spite of being physically superior to everyone else (in a damn fit crowd). Powder Kitty belongs on the podium or maybe permanently on the logo.

I only skied with Monika once. It was with RonJ and the crew out past Edith Creek Basin. Maybe 2005.

Even though I only spent a few hours around her she made quite an impression: A couple weeks ago I described her to a friend. I used her as an example of one of the strongest women I had ever met.

My condolences to her family and to her many friends. This thread is a testament to a life well lived.

Just read in my journal from June 2006:

We flashed the 2 mile hike in, but were passed by a group heading out on the Watson traverse..."
Guess who?

That was Oyvind, Joe and Tim with Monika that day coming out the Watson Traverse, with me bringing up the rear - Monika stayed the night to do Shuksan the next day!  W.T. was my introduction to Monika which was suitably awe inspiring as were the half dozen other times I was privilged to accompany her touring with friends.  My luck to be with her again last Sunday on our Mt. Ann tour and the drive up and back with Tobae and Khanh listening to all the girl talk . 
Thank you Monika, for your uptracks and hugs, your energy and beauty, you will always be in our hearts and in my heart.
Sean

I haven't written anything in years.  This just flowed out after reading the posts.
It honors her courage to live and recreate in inhospitable places, and the joy that
she must have felt (as evidenced by the many stories and all of the pictures of her smiles) while she was there.

Where the Angels Are

Blinding white, crystal bright
the snow that calls from high.

The tug, like gravity upside-down,
pulls us towards the sky.

'Till the sky we meet and the track does end,
and we stop to look and see.

And we are thankful for this magnificent adventure,
and we feel the joy to be.

While we're there, we know full-well this place
can bite and take it all,

For dust is dust and snow does fly to
search a place to fall.

So, if it bites, and if we fall,
we'll cast a wish upon our brethren star,

that we don't forget the choice to live by
being up so far...

And that we've allready tread, so thankfully,
near where all the angels are.

Though solely reading about her on TAY; as for so many, she will always be an inspiration.

My heart goes out to her family and friends.

I didn't know Monika very well, but had the pleasure of bumping into her on a few occasions during my years in the Cascades.  You could tell by the amount of respect/rapport that she had earned from fellow skiers & climbers was paramount - and immediately knew she was someone special. I won't forget that radiant smile

Her spirit, determination and successes will continue to inspire and live on. 

Sending a big, heartfelt hug from the Tetons to family and friends

-Tim