Remembering Catherine in the Missions

South Glacier Peak, Garden Wall, and Mountaineer peak.

I spent the anniversary of the death of my mother alone in the mountains. It was an introspective day filled with memories and tears. The day was beautiful, with flowers blooming in the low country and a windless mix of sunshine and snow showers in the alpine. It is conflicting to reflect on death during the season of rebirth.

Looking up Glacier peak and Shoemaker.

Mountaineer, Lowary, Sonielem, East St. Mary's.

Ready to ski. Sonielem ridge behind.

Although I still miss Catherine dearly, a year has dulled the sense of loss. It did not take much, however, to peel the scab away and for grief to emerge. Catherine should still be alive, and she has missed so much in just one year. In deference to her memory, I will aspire to cherish close friends and family, and to always, always be kind.  

View from the Garden Wall couloir.

Garden Wall couloir. (Bigger than it looks)

The skiing was mint. I skied the South face of Shoemaker, the Garden Wall couloir, the West face of South Glacier peak, and the South face of North Glacier peak (one of the classics of the range, in my opinion). Every run was excellent. In fact, it was one of the best ski days of the year. About 12,000 vertical feet in 11 hours, 20 minutes.