Monika Johnson missing near alpental....

To all of Monika’s adventuring friends: you are so much of what brought her joy. Thank you for sharing these stories and pictures. Each one is a treasure. As you know, she shined her light outward so much that her own accomplishments and experiences were downplayed. Countless times I would find her resting after a trip, bundled in a comforter and covered in cats, blissfully tired. She’d say it was wonderful, maybe make a comment about the weather…. Then she’d go back to the business of work, puttering about the house, laundry, etc. until that gleam came back into her eye and she’d be off again on an adventure. So thank you for all of these postings. Each story gives me another chance to picture her beaming and free.

To all those who searched for her, found her, and brought her back: thank you from the bottom of my sad heart for doing this hard, hard thing. Thank you for your care and love and respect of her.

With love and appreciation,
Margaret (friend and housemate)

Thank you so much for doing that, Amar and friends. You guys must have created a rain crust on top of all that powder.

Please direct your thanks to Ryan, not to me -- his determination and courage in the face of this unfathomable loss was the key to our efforts today. He was also the key figure insisting on doggedly continuing the unofficial search efforts on Friday and Saturday (which led to Monika being found and recovered on Saturday), after King County had suspended the official search operation on Thursday, with no plans to resume prior to expected fair weather on Tuesday.

The universe isn't entirely without justice.  Hope REI finally owns up now. 

seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews...615_bikesuit08m.html

I made powder bead necklaces for my close friends this winter. Something to wear while out skiing to celebrate the act of being in the mountains. I was going to give Monika her's later this month on our planned five day ski trip. I gave it to her yesterday, on the summit of Red Mountain. If you ski Red this winter, feel free to add to the small shrine we left for her. (Her balaclava, a beaded bracelet and her powder beads). Post the picture here. She would have liked that. Peace to all of her friends and those that left such fine words and pictures here.

Thanks for the photo and trip report from the summit remembrance Amar, Ryan and friends.

On Saturday we considered a side trip to retrieve Monika’s gear as Ryan was keen to retrieve her belongings. I am so glad we did not follow through as you all have created something so much more beautiful.

My most sincere condolences to Monika’s family, Ryan and her close friends.

Jan Kordel

Please direct your thanks to Ryan, not to me -- his determination and courage in the face of this unfathomable loss was the key to our efforts today. He was also the key figure insisting on doggedly continuing the unofficial search efforts on Friday and Saturday (which led to Monika being found and recovered on Saturday), after King County had suspended the official search operation on Thursday, with no plans to resume prior to expected fair weather on Tuesday.

Thanks, Ryan, Amar and the others who helped bring Monika back.