Monika Johnson missing near alpental....

I thought I could finally write something worthy of Monika's memory now, but then I read today's posts, and they broke me up. Maybe I can post something worthwhile soon.

Larry

Condolences to Monika's family and friends

In my small way I will honor a sister of the mountains who is gone now
I knew her not, but will always remember her
In the high country we are all touched by one another
we are all brothers and sisters because of snow
this is who we are
our real selves
humble, yet proud
shining bright as suns
strong as any lion
carved into the
ancient gates of Ishtar
honored as any fallen warrior
she will be with us always

When our dear friend, Susan McKnight, was killed in an avalanche in 2002, we were all devastated and had to cope with the loss in different ways.  Susan was Monika's very close friend, and I can't imagine how painful it was for her to carry on.  Here is a quote from a PI article:

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Monika Peters, a friend and fellow wilderness skier, said Susan McKnight was an inspiration to her and others.

"She was an amazing, totally unbelievable, Amazonian grandmother," Peters said. "She could outclimb and outski a lot of guys younger than her."

---

Sounds familiar? I think Monika decided to follow Susan's path and has done an amazing job as evidenced by so many people touched by her.  It is now our turn to cope with the loss of our dear friend.  After all, the best part of our backcountry experience is not actually the fresh powder, but the friendship we share in the mountains.

Thanks Monika, we will carry on.

“Looking for a Magic Carpet to Paradise”

This is the title of a post by Monika on “partners wanted” in January.

It was an invitation for an opportunity to ride and ski with a skilled mountaineer who was willing to, perhaps ski with me. It was a missed opportunity.

She inspired me and I never met her. She encouraged me and she didn't know it.

RIP

My deepest sympathy to her family, and friends.

Our dear friend Monika,
My wife, Molly, and I first met Monika at the Alpental rando race a few years back and became fast friends. We connected after the race and I was surprised to learn how much Monika and Molly already knew about each other. They had been chatting during the race! Molly loves to chat and had become friends with Monika during the race. We skied afterword and made plans for future adventures.

Over the years we came to know Monika as a wonderful, caring, and kind person. Monika had legs of steel, a heart of gold, and a winning smile a mile wide. As I look back at all of my photos from the past few years, one thing clearly stands out. Monika always had a huge smile on her face. She loved being in the mountains and loved spending time in the snow with friends. Monika was always psyched. Early in the morning, late in the evening, after many miles on the trail, Monika was always psyched! I loved that about her. She was always positive and a pure joy to be around. Her infectious enthusiasm rubbed off on all skiing partners and friends around her. Though she was as strong as any of the guys she skied with, she loved to ski with guys and gals. She'd ask Molly for tips on being a princess. Molly tried to coach her on little things like letting the guys skin her skis, not breaking trail, etc., but princess just isn't a way to describe Monika. Queen is more fitting.

I have many wonderful memories of Monika charging hard, hanging back to chat with friends, breaking trail, following closely behind. Long days out in wild, amazing places were always more special because she was around. She was always fun to be with. The rivers of tears that have been shed are a testament to how much she meant to us.

We will miss you Monika, will miss your huge smile, your psyche, your trail breaking, and many, many more wonderful attributes you shared with us over the years. We have learned so much from you and will remember you always. The skin track and hut conversations won't be the same.

Love,
Kevin and Molly Grove