Wow! What can I say, this trip was filled with so much emotion. There was joy and laughter, there were tears and sorrow. There was also some fear and doubt thrown into the mix with a hint of hesitation. This was all overcome because of the bond we mountaineers share. No matter what our background, economic status or even religious beliefs we all share the same common love for the mountains, especially the Eastern Sierras. We all shared a common goal that day, to summit Thor Peak and remember a great Man. Kent Ashcraft.
What is cool about a site like this and trip reports like this is each individual takes something different away from a climb like this. Just like in church during the sermon each person might hear a different message even though the pastor is saying the exact same thing.
This hike although an annual event was done in remembrance of Kent's life. It didn't matter that allot of us never had the pleasure to personally meet or climb with Kent, he was our family.
I often wonder on trips like this what's more fun the fellowship before and after the climb or the actual climb itself. Most of us spent the night at the Hostel and headed to the portal in the morning. Laura led my group in the beginning but our group hooked up with Tom's group and we all went up the Secret route due to snow conditions. Gotta give big big props to Jeff for cutting steps and making the going allot easier for the entire group. Most of us had crampons and axes but like dumb mountaineers we left them in the car. Once we summited we hooked up with GigaMike and company. It was a great climb for me because I don't get to hike with Laura(moose), Dave(Ridgeline) GigaMike, Richard and Tom that often. Also got to climb with Arthur(HypoxicCrazyZombieDude) and Shin again! Met some new climbing buds Scott and Mike and Jeff. On the summit Tom read some threads about Kent and we sang Amazing Grace. I'm glad I had my glacier glasses on because I couldn't keep it together emotionally. It's tough when we lose one of our own. Thanks Tom for the words on Thor, you are the Man! Back at the Hostel thanks to Doug and the crew for giving us all a place to fellowship and BBQ. Thanks to all the people who brought food, we could have fed another 20 people. My bro Arthur brought up a point that we should nominate Laura for next year's trip organizer. Da Moose, Da Moose, Da Moose is on fire!!!!!
I had a blast and look forward to climbing with some of you this winter. Can't hardly wait until our group hike next year. Why wait Kurt is coming down south soon we get to look forward to our Baldy Group hikes.....
Tom asked if anyone wanted to say anything on the summit, I couldn't find the words and I was choked up so let me express my thoughts thru scripture:
“But now having been set Free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our lord” Romans 6:22-23
When Paul referred to death he was referring to a spiritual death not an actual death. Our brother Kent now has eternal life and we should celebrate his life that he lived right, forever.............
Pics from this awesome unforgetful day are below:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Jeffscof/2009WPSMBTHORGROUPHIKE#
(oh I think I'll get some from Richard, too, hope it's OK, 
I cant wait. Arthur
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your photos RULE! Great job. Arthur
