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Mark Owen I have only been out climbing with John three times but each was very memorable.
My one over riding memory is the great joy he has in the mountains and how
that joy pervades the group until we are all having a great time no matter
what the weather. We were on the summit of Arrowhead Mtn. in a whiteout with
blowing snow in our faces discussing downroutes and before anyone could make
up their mind how to go down there was John going down the steepest ridge
without a care in the world. I thought, "Crap, I'm not going down that way," but
John seemed so confident you couldn't help but follow him. He was right on
the mark as usual and we safely made it down. Our trip together up East Garfield
was memorable because he knew that Bruce Gibbs would get under my skin concerning
my religious beliefs. So he made sure we knew we were about as opposite as
they come and then proceeded to forge on ahead as we argued about everything
under the sun! Thanks John! Mt. Price was great because John showed us all
how to fall into a creek and still have the upper hand. After getting out
on the other side after the wetting he quickly reminded all of us that the
same damn thing could happen to us. Do you think he offered us a hand? No
way, he just watched as we all crapped our pants getting across hoping all
the while we too would fall in.
Copyright 2004, John W. Roper. All Rights Reserved. |