Brad Bromling

John honored my family with an invitation to join him on his 2,000th summit. It was a great experience. We all enjoyed the hike and the mini-celebration. It wasn't exactly K2, but it did afford some awesome views of Enumclaw.

I also had the unique opportunity to climb Mt Ararat and Copper Mt with him. Being new to this whole deal, I sort of cut my own path and got ahead of him at one point on Copper. Unfortunately, I grabbed a few large rocks that I thought were well anchored, only to find that they were set loose top soil. While I was fortunate enough to latch onto some roots and branches to halt my fall, the rocks I disturbed tumbled down the slope at a high rate of speed, bouncing unpredictably, but nonetheless straight for John. I was so stunned at the image of the rocks speeding toward my partner that I was almost speechless. At about the time he discovered the impending danger, I squeaked out "FOUR" (I did not know the official terminology), and then "I'm sorry!" John moved with the speed and agility of a mountain goat to avoid the deadly objects. As always, he reacted with grace and good humor. No harm, no foul. But, then again, that was the last invitation I received to climb with him--his survival instinct is strong, I suppose.

Brad Bromling

Copyright 2004, John W. Roper. All Rights Reserved.