Don Goodman

John and I linked up for a spring climb of Finney Peak, Chelan Mtns., in the late 90's. In addition to John and I the party included Norm Burke, Dan Sjolseth, Ed Liebert, Natala Goodman and Juan Esteban. John suggested strongly (you know how he can get sometimes) that we bring snowshoes to facilitate getting around in the spring slush. I protested claiming advantage of a "secret weapon". That secret weapon was Juan's ability to kick steps in the snow all day long! John bought into it and off we went without snowshoes. On day two, the actual climb of Finney, we encountered knee deep punching. Time for the secret weapon!!! Juan shot off like a rocket and the rest of us could not keep up with him. Unfortunately Juan had no clue where he was going punching wonderful holes in the wrong direction!! After about 1/2 hour trying to catch him John turned to me exclaiming "The next time you bring a secret weapon figure out how to aim it!!!!"

Don Goodman

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