One of my fondest memories of Lisa B. was a trip to Ouray Colorado in 2006. It was her first ice climbing experience after completing all the Intermediate field trips in 2005.
I remember how anxious she was one the first day. After several hours of chopping ice with her tools, crampons clawing for firm footing and dinner-plate size chunks of ice falling towards her belayer, Lisa asked me for helpful advice. Suggestion #1; put down your ice tools, using only your hands for balance. Suggestion #2; trust your crampons. To my amazement, Lisa started following my advice. Throughout the day, I heard many expletives, usually with my name added mid-sentence.
While we celebrated our first night with grande margaritas, we noticed Lisa hobbling around the condo. She mentioned that her knees were bruised and swollen from bashing them into the ice, more expletives and again my name being mentioned in vain. Even though Lisa gained confidence in her footwork, it was at the great expense of her knees.
We sure shared some great times together! Rest in peace my dear friend… when it’s time for me to visit you, pick out a great “first assent” we can do together.
-- Mark Hallman
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