Kendall Peak accident, December 19, 2015

Thank you for sharing this.

I only met Monty once, in a post-ski exchange of telemark boots, but we all orbit the same little ski world and it was clear he was a kindred spirit. I dearly wish we could have found him in those first few days. We skied in the Kendall area this weekend and talked about him at some length - that place will always be his in my mind, now. This season is the first time in almost six years that I've skied a lot in winter conditions since my brush with death on the Phantom - Monty and others less lucky than I have been on my mind every time I've been out.

Wishing you the best, Toni. Hope to see you out in the hills sometime.

Strong Words, Toni!
Thanks for sharing what a lot of us feel inside.
bF

Incredibly well said.

Sending you all the warmest and deepest love a fellow skier can offer.

Thank you so much for sharing Monty with us. I never knew him but recognize him well because of your exquisite writing. I'm so touched by what you wrote and guarantee we will carry his spirit and reverence for the outdoors as we head out this winter.

Peace to you.

Toni's post is a perfect way to re-bump this thread for a somber anniversary. She deserves every bit of support this community can give.

I didn't know what to expect, touring Saturday into Commonwealth and Kendall on skis for the first time in many trips without Monty as a focus. It's the same place it's been for a decade, but it has permanently changed, too. There's a real peace knowing that Monty's home, and not lost, waiting to be found.

As you make your decisions in the mountains, please remember everyone at home, everyone around you, and everyone who will come looking for you if you can't make it home.

Thanks, as always, to everyone who helped with the initial search, the extended search, the recovery, the investigation, and the reporting. Everyone's work was essential.

[hr]

It becomes an ever-longer-shot hunt for information, but I'm still trying to tie up a loose end or two.

In particular, I'd love to chat with a party of two or more that descended the west slopes of Kendall around 2 pm on December 19, 2015. An uphill-travelling skier took a photo as they passed by. One skier appears to be male, cleanshaven/stubble, deployed Avalung on the left backpack strap, grey jacket, dark pants, grey hat (no helmet), black gloves, grey/clear goggles with a black strap/white writing. Poles are dark with light-colored handles.

It is quite unlikely that this party of two was involved in any way with the accident, but they might have a recollection or photograph that leads to greater understanding.

Thanks! ( cah49@uw.edu )