Making an Instant Impact

In 1996 some friends and I climbed Liberty Ridge on Mt. Rainier. Our descent route took us through Camp Sherman where we ran into a group of climbers (2 guys and a lady) on their way to do a snowboard descent of Rainier. They congratulated us heartily on our climb and told us excitedly of their plans. I was very impressed by the energy and fun filled spirit of these wonderful people. We brewed up and chatted with them for about an hour. It took me quite a while to notice that they were climbing rangers- I think I usually expect serious expressions and smokey the bear hats- not the enthusiasm and joy they obviously had for being in the high country. We wished them good luck and went on our way home.

I thought of them often over the years- of their joy and their love for the mountains- wishing we had at least exchanged phone numbers. Some people you meet make an instant impact on you, as they did to me.

A week ago I ran into one of my partners from the Liberty Ridge trip. I said “ do you remember those rangers we ran into on the way down, weren’t they some awesome people”? A shadow came over my friends face. “Yes” he replied “two of them were Mike Gauthier and Lara Kellogg”. I had heard of the accident but had no idea she was the beauty with the golden hair and huge smile that we had met that day long ago.

Though I never knew Lara personally- she made an impact on me that I shall never forget. My heart goes out to her friends and family who will miss such a radiant soul.