OK here's the deal....

[Jay]

Grumpy?... maybe Unremarkable?... No chance in he:: buddy.

 

[Snappy Sledder]

never had a friend or relative die on the hill and dont want a friend/relative die on the hill but i have had a friend die in a car crash back in 3rd/4th grade and it sucks. i know how you feel

 

[sledchick]

Good post DaveB...
Some of the most amazing, kindhearted people I've gotten to know through this forum. And sharing posts like these just shows how human we are behind our usernames. I was around the forum when Animal died, and every year after that I felt like I got to know him more and more..even though he was gone.
Thank you for being such wonderful people, they are certainly few and far between these days!

 

[Rock Star]

Dave, Thank you! hard to imagine that 5 years after we lost Dave reading this thread would still reduce me to tears. I know a lot of folks but you'd be my friend for sure the way you think, Dave. Rob (F-bomb) nailed it. Sitting in McCall with Animal's wife and kids while we all tried to cope, changed forever how I ride. I have ever since tried to convey that lesson to anyone who would listen as my way of honoring my friend's life. Sunridge and I talked tonight sadly after today's events unfolded. Our hearts still break every time there is a slide but there is a glimmer of hope that people have listened, people have modified their riding and that people are on the whole more safe now because of the hard lessons learned. thank you for your heartfelt letter. It is one more reason I will never be in a slide nor will anyone I am with. God willing.

 

[cowboysedge]

Thanks Dave, I'm sorry for everyones losses!

I have also changed my ways. Avy bags, Avy Awareness Classes, all the gear. I push everyone I know that rides to get Avy Educated.

I enjoy riding but I sure do not have the desire that I used to. Not a day goes by that I don't think of Robert Clark, WoodStove Bob, or Scott Smith. I can still see Roberts face like he is still here, I can still hear WoodStoves loud obnoxious stories, and I can see Scotts smile like a photo stamped in my mind. All great memories that I will always have.

But all the pain, sarrow, and tears of all the families and friends that they left behind for days, weeks, months, and I'm sure years I will never forget.

I will never forget Roberts daughters sadness the night of the viewing!
I will never forget when Roberts brother Wade told his story of the last earthly moment he and his brother had on earth.
I will never forget the suprise of WoodStoves parents at the funeral when they saw how many friends their son left behind.
I will never forget Scotts brothers talk at his funeral.
I will never forget the Post Rev X's wife posted saying something like. She new Wayne loved sledding but she would hope the thing he loved most was his baby girl.
I will never forget the look on my father-in-laws face when he told me that Animal had been killed in an avalanche.

RIP our fallen friends and god bless the ones they left behind.

NEVER FORGET!!! BE SMART!!!! BE SAFE!!!! RIDE SO YOU CAN RIDE AGAIN!!!!

 

[MTdream]

...was sadly not my first friend to pass on the hill...the story of Wayne coming home from "the patch" and left a note headed out to ride...and was swept off the road...

I cried...


Never met Animal, but doesnt mean I dont know the pain...and willing to shed a tear for those who I only know from the net...

I for one, have been tremendously impacted by the stories, and now I take it VERY seriously when I take people out to the hills...

I will never forget this pic...It is Wayne (left) and TTabs dropping into a bowl in Eagles pass area...

Here is a pic just before our ride (in kind with Dave...here is the face behind the helmet)

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m277/ttabs/sledding/Sicamous 07/680P1010007a.jpg

 

[Insaneboltrounder/sjohns]

With the latest lack of snow many of us are hoping to get out and pound some powder soon. Conditions are bad. I thought this thread could stand a TTT