Saying goodbye

The climbing community will say goodbye to 2 female alpinists Sue Knott and Karen McNeil. I met Karen a few times at my friends place and was struck by her friendliness and lack of any pretense. Karen made an impression on me with her big smile and animated conversation as she spoke of being a teacher on the Morley reserve. She didn't mention too much about her climbing and I've found out from other friends that she was always modest about her climbing achievements.

Not only is this a loss to all climbers but I feel it keenly as a woman climber as well. We have few women mentors who explore the alpine and the mountaineering environments. As a climber of ice, I've found a common interest with other lovers of snow, ice and mountains that isn't always shared by climbers who prefer rock. I've felt inside of me a growing desire to explore alpine climbs, hence my upcoming trip to Mongolia. This loss casts a shadow for me and a reminder that what I'm drawn to is also an inherently dangerous place.

I have no idea where mountaineering will take me but the progression to larger scapes has seemed natural to me as when I initially trained for a 10km race, to a half marathon and eventually competing in a full marathon. Sue and Karen's death provides a reality check that I will need to give some measured thought to what my climbing goals in the future will be.

Michele is coming up from California. She knew Karen as a friend and she felt strongly that she needed to come for the memorial. For me there is a desire to support my friends who are grieving and a desire to meet with other climbers to acknowledge the loss of two good people.